Gilbert "Gibbs" DeSpiegler

WEBSTER – Gilbert “Gibbs” DeSpiegler 81, of Webster passed away Thursday October 26, 2017 at his home in Webster. Services will be at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Webster, Rev. Mike DeKraai officiating. Burial will be in the Webster Cemetery. Visitation will be at Fiksdal Funeral Service in Webster on Monday 5-7 P.M. ending with a 6:45 P.M. Prayer Service. Gilbert Ernest DeSpiegler was born on Sunday June 21, 1936 to Albert and Rose (Zacharias) DeSpiegler at Roberts County, South Dakota. He attended rural grade school and graduated from Browns Valley High School in Minnesota. He attended the University of Minnesota for one year and then enlisted in the US Navy and served honorably from 1954-1958 as a Naval Corpsman and Marine Medic. After his honorable discharge, he attended Northwest Institute of Medical Technology in Minneapolis. Following graduation, he worked at hospitals in North Dakota, Illinois, Wisconsin, and South Dakota. While in Wisconsin, he met the love of his life, Marilyn Passehl. The couple was married November 25, 1961. To this union three sons were born, Gregg, Garret, and Geffrey. While the family was residing in Armour, South Dakota, Gibbs returned to the University of Minnesota and graduated with a credential of Advanced Studies in Hospital and Healthcare Administration from the School of Public Health. Gibbs took a position as Administrator Douglas County Memorial Hospital from 1972-1984. He then served as Administrator at Lake Area Hospital in Webster, South Dakota from 1985-1997. Upon his retirement, he returned to the family farm to farm alongside his brothers Gale and Gordon until 2007 when they all retired and rented out the farm and ranch land. At that time, Gibbs kept busy tending bar at Dakota View on Lake Traverse as well as the Galley in Webster and the Webster VFW Club. Gibbs belonged to many organizations. He was chairman of the South Dakota Hospital Association from 1984-1985 and served as a member for 8 years. He was appointed by former Governor Bill Janklow and served on several task forces for the governor. Among his civic organizations were the Lions Club, Community Club, and Kiwanis. He enjoyed golfing, crossword puzzles, and reading. Above all else he enjoyed time spent with his family as well as his friends in the Webster community. Gibbs was a very proud Grandpa and will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be forever loved by his wife Marilyn of Webster, SD, three sons, Gregg (Ann) DeSpiegler of Watertown, SD, Garret (Sara) DeSpiegler of Rapid City, SD, and Geffrey (Kaitlyn) DeSpiegler of Woodbury, MN. He will also be greatly missed by his three grandchildren, (twins) Mark and Molly and Nathaniel DeSpiegler, as well as his brothers, Gale (Carole) DeSpiegler of Brandon, FL and Gordon (Kathy) DeSpiegler of Browns Valley, MN and his sister Janice Randall of Browns Valley, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Gary DeSpiegler.