Gilbert Holcomb

WO2 Gilbert Holcomb, age 75, of Weston died unexpectedly on Sunday, September 26, 2021 at Marshfield Medical Center surrounded by his loved ones

Gilbert was born on February 26, 1946 in Modesto, California to the late Gilbert and Leena (Walker) Holcomb.  After graduating from high school, Gilbert served his country honorably in the U.S. Army.  It was while he was on leave from the service that he met the love of his life, Naomi “Ruth” Taverner.  The two of them were united in marriage on July 4, 1967 in Ozone, Arkansas.  Together they shared 54 wonderful years.  After serving his country, Gilbert went on to get his master’s degree from Marion College and worked his way up to Assistant Vice President of claim legal for Liberty Mutual Insurance.  He retired after 30+ years.

In his retirement, Gilbert took his passion for the military and its servicemembers and put it to work helping those who served as well.  He was involved in numerous things such as the American Legion and Camp American Legion, Patriot K-9s, Higher Ground Veterans Memorial, 82nd Airborne and was a Veteran’s Affairs Officer for Wisconsin.  In addition to all of that, Gilbert enjoyed traveling with his wife and golfing.  His love for his grandchildren was never ending, they were his pride and joy.

Gilbert is survived by his wife Ruth Holcomb; children Gilbert (Melody) Holcomb, Gillian (Wendel) Waukau and James Holcomb all of Wausau.  He is further survived by 9 grandchildren Blake, Jayna, Sierra, David, Reva, Nevaeh, Jorden, Madison and Andrew; 3 great grandchildren Jeremiah, Maybelle and Cameron; and sisters Sandra (Steve) Sims of Cumby, Texas and Sue (Richard) VanNorman of Denison, Texas.

Besides his parents he is preceded in death by his brother Theodore Holcomb.

Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at Immanuel Baptist Church, 152111 Tulip Lane, Wausau.  The Rev. Rob Love will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Friday, October 1st at Brainard Funeral Home, 522 Adams St., Wausau and again from 9:00 am until the time of service at the church on Saturday. Military honors will be performed by the American Legion following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Gilbert’s name may be given to Patriot K-9 of Wisconsin.