Edward Kirk Gebert died Dec. 11, 2006.
Kirk was born in Seattle, Wash., on Jan. 7, 1920 to the Reverend Edward H and Ruth Gebert. In 1923, the Geberts moved to the preplanned city of Longview, Wash., where Reverend Gebert was the founding minister of the Longview Community Church.
Kirk graduated from R.A. Long High School and attended Washington State University on a basketball scholarship. In 1941, Kirk was the leading scorer in the NCAA championship game, scoring 21 of the Cougars 34 points and earning first-team All-American honors. At WSU, Kirk was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, was President of the Associated Student Body, and President of Pacific Students Presidents Association. He was in advanced ROTC and upon graduating, was sent to Officers School at Fort Benning, Ga. During WWII, he served as an infantry captain in the European theater of operation and was awarded five campaign ribbons, the Purple Heart with one oak leaf, Bronze Star with one oak leaf cluster, and the Silver Star medal.
Returning home in 1946, Kirk came to Everett where he met and fell in love with Janie Hellenthal. They were married Nov. 8, 1946 and this year celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Kirk worked with Emil Hellenthal as owners of Hellenthals appliance store on Colby Avenue until he retired in 1986.
Kirk and Janie lived over 40 years in Marysville, and were members of Marysville United Methodist Church. Kirk served on the Marysville School Board for 11 years, as a Justice of the Peace, and as Marysville Police Judge. He was active in Everett Rotary Club, served on the Board of Directors of Cascade Savings and Loan and the Board of Trustees for General Hospital of Everett.
Kirk and Janie enjoyed their many friends, traveling and camping in their motor home, 25 years of Husky and Cougar football, and playing bridge. Kirk was active in the church choir for many years and held many offices in the church. He enjoyed golfing with friends and loved sports of all kinds.
His children were his greatest pleasure. Ann Ayling and husband Dave of Kailua, Hawaii; Capt. (USN Retired) David Gebert and wife Diana (deceased) of Edmonds; Mary Jane Boone (deceased) and husband Doug of Parker, Colo.; John Gebert and wife Lisa of Everett; Ned Gebert and wife Kristin of Everett; and 14 grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held at Marysville United Methodist Church on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2006 at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of Kirk Gebert to the Memorial Fund at Marysville United Methodist Church.
The Gebert family wishes to express grateful appreciation to the staff at Providence Everett Medical Center.