Gilbert E. Spilger

Gilbert E. Spilger, age 89, of Grand Island passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2026. A Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, with visitation an hour prior at Apfel Funeral Funeral Home in Grand Island. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Gilbert was born March 26, 1937 on the family farm near Palmer to Paul and Anna (Glause) Spilger. He attended Gage Valley School and, after his family moved to a farm near Dannebrog, School District 16. He graduated from Dannebrog High School in 1954. Following high school, he farmed with his father and brothers until 1966. He also served in the Army National Guard from 1959 to 1965.

On October 8, 1966, he married Betty Safarik. They lived in St. Paul before moving to Grand Island in 1968. They had one son, Jarrod.

Gilbert worked at New Holland and then Brown Auto Supply, where he was a delivery driver for 14 years. He then worked at Northrup King near Phillips and B.K. Heuermann Popcorn until his retirement.

He attended the Berean Bible Church and for many years was involved with a prison ministry at the Hall County Jail.

Gilbert enjoyed playing music, traveling, hiking in the Canadian Rockies, and, most of all, fishing and hunting with his son and their dogs.

He is survived by his son Jarrod (Krystal) Spilger, sisters Connie Jensen of Grand Island and Kathy (Larry) Hermsmeyer of Alliance, brother Ken (Beth) Spilger of St. Louis, sister-in-law Bettie Spilger of St. Paul, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, brother Gary, and brother-in-law Roger Jensen.

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.