Pastor Gerald M. Naber

Gerald Miner Naber, 82, went to be with his Lord on Friday, August 19, 2016 at home. He was one of five children born in Webster City, Iowa to Gerit and Helen Naber in September of 1933. He served for 55 years as pastor of Carbondale Evangelical Free Church/Pleasant Hill Free Church from September of 1960 to January of 2016. He was devoted to God first, then his wife and family and his small congregation, where he said he would rather “die in the pulpit” than retire. He was an avid gardener, and spent many hours “gardening: or as we knew, spending time with God as he worked diligently in his yard.

After graduating from high school he was drafted into the army during the Korean War. He was converted in New York City on his way overseas to serve. After fulfilling his obligation in the service, he returned home to help his father on the farm. After being home for a year the Lord called him to be a minister. He took his training at Open Bible College in Des Moines where he met his wife. After completing his training there, he went on to Drake Divinity School to work toward his Masters in Divinity.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Vivian of nearly 60 years; his four daughters, Louise (David) Piziali, Linda (Michael) Smothers, LaVonne (Tom) Spencer, and Luann (Lyle) Granzow; 21 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; brothers, Wesley and Joseph; and a host of other family and beloved friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Gary Mark; sister, Elsie Louise; and brother, Richard.

A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday August 27, 2016 at Pleasant Hill Free Church, 4555 Parkridge Avenue, Pleasant Hill, with interment to follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Pleasant Hill. A visitation will be held 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

Online condolences may be expressed at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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