Gilbert "Gib" Chick

Gilbert “Gib” Chick, 95, of Onalaska WI, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on August 28, 2023.

Gib was born on June 4, 1928, to Lawrence and Lucille Chick in Stevens Point, WI. At age 17, Gib enlisted in the United States Navy at the end of World War II. After serving 2 years, Gib enrolled into college at UW Stevens Point earning a degree in Mathematics. Gib married Letty McDonald in Marshfield, WI, and later divorced. From this union they welcomed 3 children, Barbara, Patricia, and David.

They moved to La Crosse in 1954 where Gib pursued a career as a successful New York Life Insurance Agent until he retired at the age of 82.

Gib was devoted to community service and served as President of the Jaycees, a member of Kiwanis for many years and known for his high peanut sales. He served as chairman of the County AM Golf Tournament in the 1950 and early 60’s. He assisted with many youth basketball and baseball tournaments and was proud to coach Saint Thomas More 5th grade basketball with a winning season. In later years, he became a member of American Legion Post 52 where he proudly served on the Honor Squad.

You could find Gib in a bowling alley or on the golf course until the age of 91. He was inducted into the La Crosse River Valley Bowling Hall of Fame in 2018. Among his many accomplishments were 13 - 700 series.

In 1990, Gib married Karlene “Kay” Yonts. She brought into the relationship Curtis and Cheryl and together they shared a blended family of 5 children. Gib was a loving, caring, and generous husband and father. Gib and Kay enjoyed a wonderful retirement together that included extensive travel to many destinations.

Gib is survived by his loving wife, Kay; daughter, Patricia Chick, son, David (Penny) Chick, stepson, Curtis (Yvonne) Yonts, and stepdaughter, Cheryl (Mike) Webster; seven grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren; brothers, William and James Chick; and many nieces and nephews.

Gib was preceded in death by his daughter, Barbara Bristow; and many brothers and sisters.

Services will be held at First Lutheran Church, 410 Main St, Onalaska, WI. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 7th at 9:30 am, followed by the funeral service starting at 11:00 am, with lunch and cemetery to follow. Pastor Jason Stanten will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to American Legion Post 52 in La Crosse or Gundersen Health Systems Hospice Program.

Gib will be sadly missed by this family and many friends!