William J. “Bill” Gerber, age 52, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey suddenly on January 29, 2024, at home.  To honor Bill’s life, a memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, February 3, 2024, in the Mt. Carmel Bluffs Terrace Community Room, 1040 Carmel Drive, with Pastor Matt Phelps officiating.  Family and friends are invited to remain after the service for food and fellowship from 12:00–2:00 p.m.  Burial will be in the Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Bill’s family.

Bill was born on February 19, 1971, in Dubuque, IA, a son to William M. and Rachel A. (Smith) Gerber.  He was created with a kind heart, a wonderful sense of humor, and a personality that shined brightly within every interaction with others that presented itself.  Bill was a graduate of the Wahlert Class of ’89, and went on to share his time and talents with Eagle Point Software, Cartegraph Systems, Medline, and most recently offered a welcoming smile to every visitor in the valet line at Q Casino.  In his free-time, Bill enjoyed watching sports, especially Basketball, and in his desire to keep his storytelling skills polished, made regular phone calls to his mother to remind her that he loved her very much.  It’s beyond difficult to watch those we love battle daily with addiction and mental issues while understanding that we can only pray that those burdens will one day be lifted from their lives.  Bill was a compassionate man when it came to others pain, but continually had to turn and face his own time and time again.  Our hearts break at the mere thought of all of the crosses Bill has continually carried throughout his life and the only peace we can possibly seek today is from the faith and knowledge that those are forever absent from the rest of his eternal existence now.  May the Lord comfort Bill while simultaneously bringing peace into the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved him as well.  Thank you, Bill, for courageously walking the crooked path laid before you and faithfully reminding us that when we truly understand and embrace what is precious in this life will we ever hope to find meaning.  May the Lord bless and keep you until we all meet again.        

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Bill include,

his mother,

Rachel Gerber, Dubuque, IA;

his brother,

Mark (Andrea) Gerber, Apple Valley, MN;

his three nephews,

Keyan, Kaleb, and Kalvin Gerber, Apple Valley, MN;

his aunt and Godmommy,

Charlotte (Jim) McCoy, Peosta, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, William Gerber.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made in Bill’s name to the Operation Empower-Liberty Recovery Center, 2216 White Street, Dubuque, IA, 52001, or the Crescent Community Health Center, 1690 Elm Street, Dubuque, IA, 52001.

Bill’s family would like to express a heartfelt and sincere thank you to all of their family and friends who have so generously provided their much-needed love and support during this difficult time.  Your kindness means more than you know and may the Lord bless each and every one of you for caring when it’s needed most.

Online condolences may be shared with Bill’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com