Gilbert V. “Gib” Kobza was born Sept. 10, 1930, to John and Emma (Novak) Kobza on a farm northwest of Dwight, and passed away July 3, 2026, in Seward, at the age of 95 years, 9 months and 23 days.
Gib attended Assumption High School in Dwight and graduated with the class of 1948. In 1951, he joined the United States Air Force. After some time in the Air Force, he was given an Honorable Discharge to return home and help his family. Gib then began farming on his family farm and continued to do so until his retirement in 1992.
He was united in marriage to Florence (Coufal) Bartunek on Aug. 24, 1985, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Seward. Gib and Flo were Texas snowbirds for over 18 years, staying in San Juan. The couple moved from the farm to Seward in 2011. Gib enjoyed traveling the world with Flo, some of their favorites being Switzerland and The Holy Land. Their love story was filled with music, laughter, and countless evenings spent going to polka dances.
Gib was a hard worker and a handy man who could fix anything. He had a true gift for gardening and canning foods. Gib had a sweet tooth for ice cream and would never turn a bowl of it down.
Gib is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Florence “Flo” Kobza; nine siblings; and step-daughter, Becky Overturf.
Survivors cherishing his memory include his sister, Dorothy Miriovsky of David City; step-children and their spouses, Carmie (Roy) Kimminau of Hastings, Roger (Liz) Bartunek of Hastings, John (Debra) Bartunek of Hastings, Sandra (Terry) Krueger of Hastings, and Chris (Amanda) Bartunek of Portland, Oregon; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Visitation will be Sunday, July 12, from 2 – 6 p.m. at Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home, with family receiving friends from 3 – 5 p.m. Funeral Mass will be Monday, July 13, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with a graveside service at Assumption Catholic Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.
Arrangements by Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home.
