Robert L. Gerbig Sr., 78, of 158 E. Ridge St., Ironwood, died unexpectedly Thursday morning, Jan. 15, 2009, in his home.      He was born Jan. 2, 1931, in Merrill, Wis., son of the late Fred and Mildred (Johnson) Gerbig, attended Merrill and LaCrosse, Wis. schools, and was a graduate of Wakefield High School. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during the Korean Conflict.      Following his honorable discharge, Bob worked in area mines, and was employed as a foreman and security guard at White Pine Copper Co. and as a foreman and over-the-road service technician at Schult Mobile Homes in Ironwood for many years. He then became a Michigan licensed builder, building garage packages and cottages, and built the mobile home park in Plymouth Location in Wakefield. He also sold mobile homes and operated a sausage and cheese store in the old Verona School, retiring from mobile home sales in 1998.      Bob was a former member of Wakefield American Legion Post 11. He loved fishing and hunting and working with wood, and also enjoyed gardening and being outdoors. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan.       BOB WAS DETERMINED TO LIVE HIS LIFE TO THE FULLEST AND WAS ADMIRED AND RESPECTED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM. HE WAS A VERY LOVING AND DEDICATED HUSBAND, FATHER AND FRIEND.      He was married to the former Marylyn J. Grayson on Jan. 27, 1950 in Wakefield. She preceded him in death on Dec. 24, 1999.      Surviving are three sons, Robert Jr. (Patti), Lake Linden; and Larry (Sherry), and Dale (Valerie), both of Wakefield; two daughters, Carolyn Martinson, Schofield, Wis.; and Gail Jarvela, Ironwood; 19 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; his special friend and companion, June Anderson, of Ironwood; a brother, Roger, Onalaska, Wis.; an aunt, Annette Everson, Merrill; a sister-in-law, Vivian (William) Bolen, Wakefield; and numerous nieces and nephews.      Besides his parents and wife, Bob was preceded in death by a son, Dean, on May 16, 1987; two brothers, Gerald and Fred "Fritz"; and a half sister, Judy Lutey.      In accordance with Bob's wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held.      Private inurnment will be in Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield, at a later date.      To view Bob's obituary online and express condolences, visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.      Arrangements are with McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home Inc., Ironwood.       Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word      and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life,      and shall not come into judgment,      but has passed from death into life.                                                     -John 5:24