Robert Gibson Obituary

DR. ROBERT GIBSON 'Be curious, not judgmental' Walt Whitman Born in Falls City, Neb., to Otto and Geraldine Gibson, Gibby enjoyed a close-knit bond with his parents and nine siblings. The 4th oldest, a nurturing nature was instilled from an early age, guiding and supporting his four brothers and five sisters, while occasionally getting into a little mischief along the way. Gifted in sport, Bob earned an athletic scholarship to Peru State College, where he was a standout football, basketball, and track athlete, being honored as a PSC Hall of Fame inductee and a recipient of the Swenson Award which recognized student-athletes for outstanding character, personality, service, and loyalty. Bob's desire to learn pushed him to excel in academics, earning a Master of Science at the University of Nebraska - Omaha and a Doctor of Education at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln; the former while coaching full time and raising a family. Bob's teaching career started at Nebraska City Lourdes Catholic High School as the first layperson coach and educator alongside the square-dancing nuns of Lourdes. Ultimately growing his roots in Omaha, Bob spent more than 35 years at University of Nebraska - Omaha taking on roles he loved - assistant basketball coach, athletic director, and his passion.... director of student counseling. A hopeless romantic, Gibby found his life love in Karolyne. Always holding hands, making each other smile, and exchanging sweet notes, they were true soulmates and were lucky enough to celebrate their 61st anniversary the day before his passing. Along with being a loving, affectionate husband to Karolyne; Gibby was a protective, present, and supportive father to his three children; an easy-going, "let's bend the rules", fun-loving Grandpa Gibby to his six grandkids; a loyal, generous, and dependable friend and confidante to so many, especially his cherished golf group. He was a lover of red wine, fine bourbon, Nebraska sports, College World Series, weekly golf at Field Club, doing crossword puzzles, sitting around the fire pit, hosting dinner parties, his favorite expression "Oh, sugar jets" and being surrounded by those he loved. Never able to sit still, Bob was always eager to run an errand, lend a hand, or just pop in for a quick "hello", eventually earning the nickname "Teenage Bob". Always smiling, Bob was known for his spirit of service, patience, compassion, generosity, kindness, faith, honesty, and selflessness. He was an attentive listener, humble, non-judgmental, and was always genuinely curious of those he met. He wore his heart on his sleeve and was not too proud to shed a tear. Bob is survived by his beloved wife Karolyne; their children, Rob (Jen Greder), Amy (Larry Kirshenbaum), and Ryan (Brady), their grandchildren; Elizabeth and MacKenzie Gibson, Roby Kirshenbaum, Thatcher, Parker and Matilda Gibson; his brothers and sisters; Doug, LaMarr, Connie, Karen, Butch, Mike, and Mary Beth, and many nieces and nephews he loved. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Geraldine, and sisters, Yvonne and Susie. Visitation was held Sunday, July 6 from 5 - 7 p.m. at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 6116 Dodge Stret. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, July 7 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dr. Robert F. Gibson Education Scholarship c/o Peru State College Foundation PO Box 10 Peru NE 68421 Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, NE 68124. (402)-391-3900.www.heafeyheafey.com.