Obituary of Robert William Garberding

After a courageous battle with multi-infarct dementia, Robert William Garberding continued on his journey to be with his Lord and Savior on February 6, 2010. There to join him were his parents Lucy Elvira (Bierbaum) and Fredrick John George Garberding. Bob began his journey through life on October 9, 1924, in New Ulm, Minnesota. When Bob was about 5 years old and during the great depression, the family moved to Washington, settling in the Sunnyside/Grandview area. Bob left school to join the Navy during World War II, serving as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate and was the first one to receive left arm rating, 3rd class. After the war, Bob returned to Mabton where he met and married Lurli Christensen. After working at Sunnyside Carnation plant and Bremerton shipyards, he and Lurli moved to Seattle where Bob worked as a driver/salesman for Horlucks. When Horlucks was sold to Darigold Farms he started a 27 year career, first as a salesman, then being promoted to branch manager in Tacoma. In the early years of living in Tacoma, Bob helped to start the soccer organization in Lakewood. His team, The Goodenough Players, made it all the way to the championship game. On October 14, 1978, Bob and Edith Bartley were married, enjoying 31 years together. Traveling to Mexico every year in celebration of their wedding anniversary was always a highlight, but there was much more of the world to see. After Bob’s retirement, they spent much of the time traveling to Europe and every state west of the Mississippi as well as a number on the east side. Bob most enjoyed their winter home in Yuma, Arizona, were he was just shy of 1000 hours volunteering at the Yuma Regional Medical Center driving the courtesy cart. Organizations: 35 year member of Tacoma Elks, No. 174; First Distinguished President with a Diamond of Tacoma Mall Kiwanis Club; Life member of Kiwanis International and Pacific Northwest District; Two Diamond Hixson recipient and 42 year Legion of Honor. He organized Mt. Tahoma Key Club and served as Kiwanis advisor for 12 years; honorary member of Kiwanis Club of Greater Tacoma. Also, he served on the Board of Directors of Gonyea Boys and Girls Club. Predeceasing Bob were his parents, brothers Lloyd, William, Kenneth, George; sisters Jean and Mary Lou. Surviving are his wife, Edith Louise Garberding; sons Robin Louis (Debbie), of Sumner; Kerry Gerard, Pacific; daughter, Michele Marie White, Tacoma; stepsons Donald Lee (Laura) Bartley, Jr., Vashon, and John Allan Bartley of Tacoma; Granddaughters: Lisa Carrión, Heather (Nathan) Hazzard, and Rochelle (Kraig) Oldfield; Step granddaughters: Amanda (Michael) Fairman and Amber (Joshua, Sr.) Howard; Step grandsons: Darrick and Justin Bartley; thirteen great grandchildren. Sisters: Florence Sledz, of Sacramento, California, Lois (Daniel) Wierman, of Silverdale, as well as a number of nieces and nephews. Special friends: Doug and Tammy Herzog, Jim Kauffman, Charles Richards, Ja and Young Kwak. And, of course, his very special little buddy, Mitzie. The family wishes to thank Kiwanis Club of Greater Tacoma for all the cards, telephone calls and visits. Graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 20 at 10:00 am on Fox Island with a Celebration of Bob’s life at 1:00 pm at the First Christian Church, Sixth and Orchard, Tacoma. Donations can be made to the Franciscan Hospice Foundation or American Cancer Society. We would enjoy the sharing of your memories at www.edwardsmemorial.com.