Gerald Merle Schliebe

Gerald Merle Schliebe was born May 18, 1926 on the family farm in South Dakota, the 6th of eleven children. He was drafted into military service in 1944, volunteering for Navy training as he explained to the recruiters that there was a family history of service in the Navy, neglecting to mention that his grandfather’s service had been for the German Navy! He served as Electrician’s mate second class, traveling to Panama canal, Guam, the Philippines and Japan during his World War II service until 1946. Upon return he married his “beautiful brown-eyed girl,” Marian Arlyce Maunu on November 12, 1947. They moved to Montana in 1956 where he began working in the plumbing trade. The couple had six children together. Gary Schliebe, Randy Schliebe, Karyn Farwell (Ed), Jolene Shelton (Tim), Brian Schliebe (Lynn) and Marla Crago (Ivan) were deeply loved. Jerry instilled a sense of humor, integrity, a love of nature, music, and good stories. Most of all, love for family was shared with his kids and all of their spouses, his grandchildren, great, and great-great grandchildren. He was always generous with his time, helping people wherever he could, welcoming relatives, friends, kid’s friends, neighbors and anyone who needed to talk. Most of his vacation time was spent traveling to visit siblings and other relatives. He did some travel to Europe researching family history for a book he published in 2006 and was able to visit Washington DC on the WWII veteran honor flight. He was involved with the American Legion for years, helping with the bingo booth at the Western Montana Fair and other activities. He was a long time member of St Paul’s Lutheran Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, square dancing, card playing, and enjoying family reunions. We will miss his smile, his hugs, hearing him share jokes and impart wisdom, and of course will never forget the stream of snoring coming from wherever he chose to nap at a moment’s notice. He was deeply loved and admired and will be missed but we are grateful for the 96 years of life he had, the 74 years of marriage he enjoyed and all the love he left behind. He is survived by wife, Arlyce, his brother Lyle Schliebe, his children and their spouses; 14 Grandchildren: Leasha Riggs, Jason Schliebe, Jessica Strbava (Tomas), Cody Schliebe, Jennifer Hurley (Dave), Tara Thompson (Brad), Cathy Hill (Mark), Erin Harris (Andrew), Ryan Shelton(Brittney), Erik Schliebe (Katie), Neil Schliebe (Mandy), Melanie Metcalf (Joe), Dexter Crago (Jodie), Olivia Crago; 20 Great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his siblings Gusty Kotila, Lucille Jensen, Violet Gronso, Marvin Schliebe, Lester Schliebe, Donald Schliebe, Derald Schliebe, Vernon Schliebe, and Myrna Gugel. And by his Grandson Scott Riggs, and Great-grandson Matt Hurley. Services will be held July 7, 2022, 11am at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (202 Brooks St. Missoula) with a small lunch following in the church basement. Burial with full military honors at the Missoula Veteran Cemetery will be at 2pm.