Helen T. Gerber, 96, Fairbury died at 5:18 pm Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at Fairview Haven Nursing Home, Fairbury.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 pm Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury. Visitation will be 11:00 am to 1:15 pm Wednesday also at the memorial home. Interment will follow in Graceland Cemetery, Fairbury. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be directed to Fairview Haven Nursing Home or to the First Baptist Church, Fairbury.

Mrs. Gerber was born May 22, 1914 in Duluth, MN the daughter of Eilert and Jenny Jacobson Olson. She married John W. Gerber on February 8, 1941 in Duluth, MN. He preceded her in death on October 5, 1997.

Surviving are two daughters, Jean A. (Gary) Bowen, Elgin, Janet I. (Tom) Mann, Fairbury, two sons, J.W. "Bud" (Jackie) Gerber Jr., Fairbury, Paul J. (Sharon) Gerber, Petaluma, CA, nine grandchildren, five great grandchildren, one brother, Ronald (Phyllis) Olson, Laurel, Maryland, and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by one brother and four sisters.

In 1936 Mrs. Gerber graduated from St. Luke's Hospital nursing program in Duluth, MN and worked as a surgical nurse until her marriage. She was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church, Fairbury, a charter member of the Fairbury Hospital Auxiliary, and a fifty year member of the Art Club.

Helen's love for the Lord and her unconditional love for family and friends will be cherished by all who knew her.