Wilbur Gus Markheim, 93, of Scottsbluff, passed away Saturday, May 8, 2021 at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff. His funeral service will be held at 10am on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at Zion Evangelical Church in Scottsbluff with Pastor Andy Griess officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Scottsbluff. Visitation will be Wednesday at Bridgman Funeral Home in Scottsbluff from 3pm until 7pm. The family respectfully requests that in lieu of any flowers, memorials in Wilbur’s honor be made in care of the Gering Senior Center. Online condolences may be made by viewing Wilbur’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Funeral Home in Scottsbluff is entrusted with arrangements.
Wilbur was born March 6, 1928 to Fred and Mary (Schmidt) Markheim at Minatare, NE. He was the youngest having 5 older sisters. When Wilbur was a year old, his father passed and later his m other married Jacob Koch. There was one sister, Joann born to this union.
Wilbur met the love of his life, Ruth June Heilbrun and they were married on Nov 7, 1948. To this marriage three children were born; Randy, Rick and Dorene. Farming was his life even with several sidetracks of construction and being an electrician. After several moves between Nebraska and Wyoming, they settled in Mitchell Valley to finish their farming life. Ruth was always beside him, driving truck, cooking and attending numerous polka dances.
They retired to Scottsbluff to enjoy being closer to family and friends. Ruth passed on Nov 20, 2011. Wilbur carried on and found solace in family, friends, and his faith. He could always be found having coffee with his many friends, talking, and laughing about farming and the good times. He went through several major health problems but kept in contact with his friends by phone and kept up with his faith.
He is survived by Randy (Carol), Rick (Kodie) all of Gering, and Dorene (David) Foos of Tyler, TX; sister Joann Phillips of Spokane, WA; grandchildren Doug (Jenn) Markheim, Krysilen (Robb) Yarnell, Steffany Markheim, Brian (Jodi) Markheim, Justin (Katie) Markheim, and Brandon (Marcy) Foos; great-grandchildren Derek and Koby Markheim, Taylor and Seth Yarnell, Jackson Markheim, Paxton, Peyton, Grayson and Carrick Markheim, Karsyn and Bentley Foos; sisters-in-law Carol Loos of North Carolina and Ranata Heilbrun of Denver; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Wilbur is preceded by his parents, loving wife Ruth, sisters Leona Koch, Mary Schanaman, Marjorie Olson, Helen Stitt, and Katherine Ullrich.
