Deanne Ruth Gerberding Wiebe was born Dec. 13, 1938, to Herman and Maria Gerberding in Beatrice, Nebraska. She was the fourth child and the first to be born in a hospital. Siblings were Loyal, Yvonne, a sister Georgene who had passed in 1936. Her adored baby sister Janie (Margaret Jane) was added to the family 13 years later. Her childhood was spent on Mulberry Ave, she graduated from Beatrice High School in 1956.
On May 7, 1958, she married Bruce Wiebe in Beatrice. They moved to Hastings, Nebraska, where Bruce was a Game Warden. In 1960, son Eric Bruce was born and in 1963, daughter Amy Elizabeth completed the Wiebe family. In 1969, The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission stationed Bruce in Bassett where the family resided at 401 Augusta. Dee remained here with her dog Harv until she fell and broke her hip in March 2021. We thank Lana “that girl” and her best friend Joyce for helping her stay at home.
Dee enjoyed being at home with her family and made Sunday dinner, holidays, and celebrations regular gatherings of food and family. Her grandchildren grew up being around almost daily; she was known as Grams to them and their friends, who were always welcomed. Dee loved to sew and was an active charter member of the Sandhills Quilt Guild. She loved going to quilt shows and shopping for newmaterial! She was also strong and passionate in her faith as a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. This was seen by the many Bible verses throughout her house and notes in her Bible. A repeated quote in Dee’s studies was by Winston Churchill saying the greatest thing he had done in his life was to survive, because to survive is to begin again. Whatever she felt were her greatest struggles, she survived them with grace and a guiding principle, “and this too shall pass.”
On April 23, 2021, her father’s day of birth, Dee joined her beloved men in heaven: husband Bruce, son Eric Bruce, and grandson Kyle Bruce. Other family also greeted her including her parents, brother Loyal, sister Georgene, niece Kathi, and a host of family and friends.
She raised strong women, teaching love and endurance. She is missed and loved by daughter Amy and husband Mark of Mullen, granddaughters Megan Marie of Lincoln and Kacie Lyn with Jonathan Reiland of Oakland, California. “We love you more.”
She is lovingly remembered by her sisters Yvonne DeRiese of North Platte, Maggie Spilker and husband David of Chipley, Florida, daughter-in-law Judy Wiebe of Ponca and brother-in-law Gary Wiebe of Beatrice. Also remembering her are eight nieces and families, Michelle, Angie, Crystal, Gena, Becky, Mary, Denise and Elizabeth. She leaves behind many happy memories with family members and friends.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, June 27. She will rest with her parents and brother Loyal in Beatrice.
Condolences may be sent to the family at Amy Wiebe-Ewoldt, PO Box 315, Mullen, NE 69152. Memorials are to Better Ponca Foundation for the Eric Wiebe Shooting Range at Ponca State Park or to the donor’s choice.