Gary Kilberger

Gary Kilberger

Fairfax

Gary Joseph Kilberger, 79, of Fairfax, passed away on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Lantern Park Specialty Care in Coralville. Celebration of Life service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 30, 2025, at The First Presbyterian Church near Ely. Inurnment will be in The First Presbyterian Church near Ely Cemetery following the Ceremony. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, August 29, 2025, at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling Street SW.

Gary was born on September 4, 1945, in Cedar Rapids, to Edward and Rosie (Lamparek) Kilberger. He graduated from Cedar Rapids Prairie High School. He married Patricia Lynn Worley on May 20, 1967, in Washington, Iowa. Gary earned his BBA from the University of Iowa. Following his graduation in 1969, Gary served as a Lieutenant in the Army, including a tour in Vietnam. After returning home, Gary went to work at Hatch Bros. Company as a paper/janitorial supply salesman. Then, after his parents passed in 1983, Gary moved his family to the family farm near Fairfax, where he and Pat would continue farming until 2005.

Gary was proud of his Czech heritage and the family farm. He enjoyed getting together with former high school classmates once a month for breakfast. For 40 years, Gary went trout fishing at Yellow River Forest Preserve in June with the “guys” that grew to include extended family and friends.

Gary was an active member and elder of The First Presbyterian Church near Ely, serving on the Session and various committees. He was also an active member of the American Legion. Gary held a number of offices and was in the Color Guard in Swisher and then at the Fairfax Pekomy Post 572.

Gary is survived by his loving wife Pat; sons Rob (Julie) Kilberger, and Greg (Missy) Kilberger; grandchildren Blake (Victoria) Kilberger, Jared Kilberger, Madison (Sam) Ziebol, Griff Kilberger, Ceci Clark and Rosy Clark; great granddaughter Talia Kilberger; siblings Eldon (Karen) Kilberger, and Ilene Kitzman.

Gary was proceeded in death by his parents, Ed and Rosie Kilberger; brother Allen Kilberger; sister-in-law Mona Kilberger; and brothers-in-law Ken Kitzman, and Mike Worley.

Gary’s family would like to thank the VA hospital, Care Initiatives Hospice, and Lantern Park Specialty Care for their care of him during these last few months.

Memorials may be directed to The First Presbyterian Church near Ely, the Fairfax American Legion Post 572, or the Fairfax Fire Department.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com