David "Gerb" J. Gerber, 76, of Warren, IL, passed away with his family by his side on Thursday, March 18, 2021, at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport, IL.  Gerb was born on December 15, 1944, in Apple River, IL, to Edward and Doris (Beall) Gerber.  He married Sandra Strohacker, and together they had two sons.  Gerb then married Karen "Smiley" Kaiser in 1998.  Gerb served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War.  In 2004, after 28 years of employment, Gerb retired from Kelly Springfield.  After retiring, Gerb and Smiley owned and operated Smiley's Pub in downtown Warren, IL.  Gerb was a past member of the Apple River Fire Department, and he worked on the Water and Sewer Department for Apple River alongside his father.  Gerb enjoyed hunting with the boys, especially going to the Brinkmeier Deer Camp, fishing with the Warren clan in North Dakota, and loved going on motorcycle trips with Smiley and Rod and Terri Beyer.  He was a caring man, who cared deeply about his friends and family, especially his grandchildren.  He attended all of their sporting events and school events.

Gerb is survived by his wife Karen "Smiley" of Warren, his sons; Shane (Elizabeth) Gerber and Chad (Nicole) Gerber both of Lena, his step-son; Brian (Jeannie) Reed of Hazel Green, WI, grandchildren; Kayleigh, Cole David, Morgan, and Ashton Joel, step-grandchildren; Keaton, Jalyn, Tytan, Pearson, and Alyssa, a brother; Joseph "Dean" Gerber, two sisters; Dianne (Earl) Koch, and Debra Gerber, and the entire Kaiser family, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother Doris, his father Edward, and his step-mom Marjorie Leverton, the mother of his children, Sandra Johnson, three brothers-in-law; David and Kenneth Kaiser, and James Wienen, two sisters-in-law; Liz Gerber and Lois Wienen, and his mother and father-in-law Rita and Joseph Kaiser.

A visitation will be held from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM on Monday, March 22, 2021 at the Apple River Event Center in Apple River, IL.

A military service will be performed at 6:00 PM on Monday, following the visitation.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

A memorial has been established in his name.

The family wishes to extend a sincere Thank You to the staff at UW and FHN Memorial Hospital for the exceptional care they gave Gerb.