Gilbert Ambrose Karcher

Gilbert Ambrose Karcher, 94, passed away at his home in Princeton on Holy Saturday, April 11, 2020, surrounded by his family, after a year-long battle with cancer.

Gilbert was born on October 19, 1925 in Dahlgren, IL, the son of Albert N. and Mary Louise Karcher. Through childhood, he assisted with his family’s business, Karcher Grocery in Dahlgren. He was a United States Navy veteran, having served 4 years of active duty during World War II and the Korean War. Gilbert and Mary Florence Karcher were married in 1951, and enjoyed 41 years of marriage until her death in 1992. He was a graduate of Lockyear Business College in Evansville, and worked as an office manager for R.J. Oil & Refinery in Princeton throughout his career.

Gilbert was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Princeton, where he was very active, serving as an usher and Rosary leader. He was a 76-year member of the American Legion, 65-year member of the Knights of Columbus, a recipient of the Brute’ Society Award for exemplary Christian stewardship, and a long-time member of St. Vincent de Paul Society.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Robert Karcher and George Richard Karcher; and his wife.

He is survived by his 7 children: David (Celeste) Karcher, Michael Karcher, Mary Jane (Tom) Scheller, Kevin (Dana) Karcher, Stanley (Angie) Karcher, Denise Rodgers; and Gary (Christy) Karcher; 15 grandchildren: Brooke (Scheller) Travers; Keith, Nicholas, Grant and Christine Scheller; Chelsey (Karcher) Mayser; Lauren (Karcher) Yekel; Evan, Michaela and Mitchell Karcher; Andrew, Emily and Hannah Rodgers; Chloe and Myla Karcher; and three great-grandchildren: Lexi and Ava Travers, and Fiona Mayser.  He is also survived by a sister, Wilma Karcher, of McCleansboro, IL; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Remaining exceptionally active throughout his 94 years, Gilbert enjoyed morning walks, attending daily Mass, tending to his garden, playing cards with friends at the Gibson County Senior Center, and spending time with his family. He was an avid sports fan, following the Cardinals, Notre Dame, and endless sporting events of his children and grandchildren throughout the years.

His family will lovingly remember enjoying the spaghetti lunches that he cooked and hosted at his home weekly. Over the years, he endearingly kept stashes of Lifesaver mints and packs of stick gum in his pockets wherever he went; he was known for giving a treat to those he came across throughout the day, as he said “just to bring a little joy to their day”.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private service will be held at Colvin Funeral Home, officiated by Fr. Brian Emmick; a celebration of life is being planned for a later date. Burial will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Princeton.

For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Princeton.

You may leave a message of sympathy or light a candle in memory of Gilbert at www.colvinfuneralhome.com. Colvin Funeral Home is honored to serve the Karcher family.

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