Gilbert Henry "Gib" Downey

Gilbert Henry Downey, age 94, passed away Saturday, June 16, 2018 at Dove Healthcare West in Eau Claire. He was born October 24, 1923 in Mudbrook, to Henry and Eliza (Lankey) Downey. Gilbert “Gibby” married Darlene “Dar” Weiher on September 17 1949 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bloomer. Gib served in the Navy as a Seabee in the South Pacific during WWII where he earned the Philippine Liberation Medal. He was a charter and Lifetime member of the Bloomer VFW post 6175. After being honorably discharged from the service, Gib worked as a mechanic at Erickson’s Studebaker and also at the Creamery in Bloomer. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time in his “Basement Domain”. He was a huge Brewer and Packer fan and will be remembered as a very social guy. He excelled at bullshittin’, enjoyed telling and listening to good stories and jokes and was always ready to give his “words of wisdom”.

He is survived by his four daughters: Constance Downey of Eagle River, Darla (Charlie) Humpal of Downing, Lori (Jeff) Rubenzer of Bloomer and Gina (Mike) Sarauer of Bloomer; grandchildren: Jason (Jackie) Humpal, Heidi (Aaron) Upton, Darcy (Josh) Humpal, Kelli (Matt) Rubenzer, Katie (Zach) Rubenzer, Kevin Rubenzer, Jade (Greg) Downey, Rebekah (Garrett) Sarauer, Derik (Liz) Sarauer, Ashley (Nathan) Simmons, and Gregory (Nichole) Sarauer; grandcats: Chloe, Percy, EarthaKit and Gracie (Connie); great-grandchildren: Brennan, Lydia and Bryce Humpal, Parker Brommer, Dylann Downey, Kitara, Alexa, Nikita and Zak Sarauer, Lawson and Lorelai Simmons; great-granddogs: Philip and Eleanor (Rebekah); numerous nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife: Darlene; parents: Henry and Eliza Downey; step-mother: Catherine Downey; brother: Robert E. Downey; sisters: Marie Jahns and Wayve Marek; 13 step-siblings.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 20 at 11:00 AM at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bloomer. Interment will be in the Bloomer Cemetery. Friends may call from one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.