Charles Gebert

Charlie Gebert passed away early Wednesday, March 2, 2022 in his sleep. He was 98 and very active up until a few weeks ago.
Born on September 14, 1923 on the homestead farm beside the Snake River, Charlie was raised in Central Cove near Homedale, attended local schools, and worked that homestead into his 80’s. While his two brothers joined the Air Force in World War II, Charlie stayed home to run the farm with his parents and his sisters. There were many great family reunions down on the farm.
Charlie married Iona Fern (Hornquist) Rorabaugh on Feb. 17, 1977. Iona’s son, Ronald, had twin boys (Jake and Jim). Iona passed away on April 1, 2006. The boys enjoyed their ‘Papa’ and always kept in touch with him as their lives led them to other countries and states.
Charlie was always so busy milking cows, raising cattle, and farming the homestead acres that he never once fished in the river! His good friend and care giver for the last 12 years, Michelle White, took him on his first fishing trip just a few years ago. She also took him to McCall for winter carnivals, Jordan Valley, Weiser, and many other places. Michelle tended his property (overlooking the previous family farm on the river). Charlie helped in the garden and sat outside to sell his “you-pick” cherries when his trees yielded a decent crop (depending on the weather!) Michelle’s kids and friends helped out a lot with Charlie’s care.
Registered nurse, Sharon Hall, spent many hours of many years tending to Charlie’s personal needs, as well as his sisters’ needs before him. Many other friends and family members checked in on Charlie during the years and always came away smiling from Charlie’s antics and huge grin. Charlie was acquainted with numerous people in the Central Cove, Homedale, Wilder, and Marsing areas, as they exchanged farming tips, assistance, produce, and friendships. He was very giving to charities.
Charlie’s niece, Marsha Werlé, and family took Charlie for numerous rides around the countryside the last six years as Charlie pointed out crops and farm animals he still identified correctly. He loved the long horns!
Charlie is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Barbara (Beck) Gebert; his sisters, Pauline (& Herman C.) Werlé, Louise Gebert, and Rosie Gebert; his brothers, Fritz Gebert and George (& Rose) Gebert; his wife, Iona; his step-son, Ronald Rorabaugh; his step-grandson, James Rorabaugh; his nephew, Robert Gebert; his cousin, George Beck; his nephew, Herman F. Werlé, and his nieces, Barbara (Werlé) Xavier, and Paulette (Werlé) Wood.
He is survived by his step-grandson, Jacob Rorabaugh; and his step-great granddaughter, Ayla; his nephew, Allen Gebert (Debra); Robert Gebert’s wife, Eileen; Herman F. Werle’s wife, Marsha; cousin George Beck’s wife, Susan and son, John; as well as many grand, great-grand, and great-great-grand nieces and nephews!
Thank you to all the people who took time out of their own lives to be a friend to Charlie and to help make his later years so enjoyable. The family is especially grateful to Ancora Hospice for their help with Charlie’s last journey.
Funeral services are planned for 1:00 p.m. Monday, March 21, 2022 at Dakan Funeral Chapel, Caldwell (208) 459-3629, Rev. Kurt Hardenbrook, presiding. Burial will follow at Canyon Hill Cemetery, Caldwell. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.dakanfuneralchapel.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

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