Gerald Biby

Visitation: Thursday, October 16, 2003 from 6-8pm at the Stevenson Funeral Home Chapel

Funeral Services: Friday, October 17, 2003 at 2:00 pm at the Stevenson Funeral Home Chapel

Interment: Will follow at the Gillette-Mt. Pisgah Cemetery

Gerry passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2003 at the Campbell County Memorial Hospital in Gillette, Wyoming of complications from cancer. He was sixty seven years old.

Gerald Howard Biby was born on November 7, 1935, the son of Howard Albert and Opal Allene (Finley) Biby in Santa Maria, California. When he was ten years old he moved to Fort Madison where he graduated from high school in 1953. He continued his education at Burlington Jr. College in Iowa and earned his certificate of teaching. At the age of 19, he accepted a position teaching 6th grade in Donnellson, Iowa, a position he held for 8 years. After teaching in Donnellson, he accepted a position teaching 6th grade at the Riverdale School in Bettendorf, Iowa. During his lifetime, he wore many occupational hats. He worked nights at Yonkers Department Store while maintaining his teaching position. He met Colleen Columbus and they were married on May 28, 1960 in Fort Madison, Iowa. They both graduated from Truman University in Kirksville, Missouri with a B.S. Degree in Elementary education. In 1967, Gerry earned his Masters degree in Elementary Administration at Truman University. He held a position as Principal at Winfield Mount Union School district for four years. In 1971, he moved to Gillette where he held positions as Principal at Eastside and Meadowlark schools and was proud of the accomplishment of moving himself and his staff from the old Eastside School to the new Meadowlark school. He also worked as a security guard for Wackenhut Security on the weekends. He was responsible for re-establishing Kindergarten in Campbell County and was the administrator for the program for nine years. During this time he was also instrumental in refurbishing the school buildings. In later years, he was an instructor at Sheridan College. Gerry chose a different career path in 1980, when he went to work for the Campbell County Sheriffs Office, holding a position in the jail system for five years. He eventually went on to work as an evidence technician. In 2001, because of health reasons he retired. Mr. Biby was enchanted by airplanes and trains. His hobbies included collecting books on the history of airplanes, trains, in military history. He enjoyed reading about WWII, and the Civil War. Gerry loved to grow roses in his yard. In his spare time, he filled his familys lives with music, playing Banjo, Ukulele, Guitar and Piano. He wrote humorous poetry. Photography became his pastime personally and professionally for the Sheriffs Department. In his early years in Gillette, he enjoyed traveling with his children and hunting elk, deer and antelope. He was a 42 year member of the Masons George Washington Lodge in Donnellson, Iowa, a lifetime member of the National Education Association, a member of Phi Delta Kappa and a member of the National Rifle Association.

Mr. Biby is survived by his wife Colleen Biby of Gillette WY; two daughters, Cathy (Jim) Donald also of Gillette WY; Klancie Biby of Moorcroft, WY; granddaughter Olivia (Wesley) Spainhower, grandson Jimmy (Danielle) Donald III and three great-granchildren Zachary Kahl, Isaiah Donald and Tate Spainhower.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and great-grandaughter Katie Spainhower.

Funeral service for longtime Gillette resident Gerald Gerry Biby will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 17, 2003 at the Stevenson-Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bob Rudichar of the Cornerstone Church of God officiating. Burial will follow at the Gillette-Mt. Pisgah Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 6-8p.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2003 at the Stevenson Wilson Funeral Home Chapel.

A memorial has been established to benefit the Heptner Oncology Unit at the Campbell County Memorial Hospital in Gillette, Wyoming. Should friends and family desire, donations may be sent in care of the Stevenson-Wilson Funeral Home at 210 W. 5th St., Gillette, Wyoming 82716. Condolences may be sent via the internet at www.stevensonandsons.com.