W. W. Gamble III, of White Lake, died Tuesday, December 8, 2015 at Whispering Pines in Plover. He was 87 years old. He was born on April 4, 1928 in Milwaukee, a son of William and Marian (Stone) Gamble. He married Marjorie Diercks on January 19, 1952 in Antigo. She preceded him in death on September 11, 2009.
He is a graduate of White Lake High School and continued his education at the University of Wisconsin Madison, Carroll College in Waukesha and the Ferris Institute in Michigan. He returned to White Lake where he managed the Yawkey Bissell Hardwood Flooring (now Robbins Flooring) from 1952 - until retirement in 1993. For several years in the 1970's Mr. Gamble and associates operated A.G.A. Hardwood Flooring in Amasa, Michigan.
In retirement he continued his association with Robbins Flooring as a consultant and sales manager of their Country Store. He was a member and past president of the Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association and was inducted into their Hall of Fame.
He was active in his community having been a member and served as elder of Hope Presbyterian Church in White Lake, served on the Langlade Hospital Community Health Foundation board of directors, the White Lake board of education and on the advisory council for Northwoods State Bank-White Lake branch. He was a member of the historical societies of White Lake and Langlade County. In August of 2014 he was recognized with the fist "Citizen of the Year Award" in White Lake.
His cherished moments were sitting on the deck overlooking the mill and the lake with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with the annual highlight being the 4th of July. He was a man a few words and great humility and he will be remembered for his love for the Lord, his family and the community. He had a gentle spirit and generosity that was an inspiration to all. His quiet leadership and unwavering values served as a pillar for the White Lake community for decades.
Survivors include three daughters, Margaret Jeffers of Phoenix, Ariz., Nancy (Terry) Smith of Stevens Point, Rebecca (James) Skibo of Normal, Ill.; two sons, William B. (Lisa) Gamble of Eagle, Idaho, Michael (Beth) Gamble of St. Paul, Minn.; 13 grandchildren, Michael Jeffers, Matthew Jeffers, Stephanie (Nate) Birchler, Christina (Sean) O'Brien, Lindsey Gamble, Benjamin Gamble, Gregory Gamble, Matthew Skibo, Sadie Skibo, Danielle Gamble, Mikaela Gamble, Connor Gamble, Griffin Gamble; four great-grandchildren, Norah, Colin, Stella and Brianna; and a sister, Barbara (Andrew) McEachron of Florida.
In addition to his wife he was preceded in death by a brother, Peter Gamble.
A celebration of life will take place on Thursday, June 30 at Noon at the White Lake High School in the old gymnasium.
Memorials in Mr. Gamble's name may be directed to the White Lake Area Historical Society, PO Box 92, White Lake, WI 54491 or to the White Lake School District in care of the W.W. Gamble Scholarship Fund., PO Box 67, White Lake, WI 54491.
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White Lake, Wisconsin 54491
Marge, Bill, Nancy , Rebecca, and Michael, --To you and yours, please know that you are and will be in my thoughts and prayers in the loss of your father~ Memories of our extended family times, whether it be at Tanta's New Years Day parties or a family reunion or two are treasured of the Stone family legacy and from our younger years. --Recently Marcella Olson, also of White Lake, whom I had the chance to work in a church preschool project years ago brought up Gamble stories as we reminisced about your wonderful family as recently as this past summer. May God's peace for your great/grand/father be of comfort to all of you. My heartfelt sympathy~
To the entire family, I offer my condolences and my memory of you father being a honest and fair man. His wisdom and leadership in our favorite little community will surely be missed.
Finding out that Bill had died brought back a flood of memories of the years living next door to you all in White Lake - especially now at Christmas. Thoughts of the Christmas programs, playing flute and piano with Margy, ice skating and swimming on the same day, flirting with Billy and his buddies, marching band (the horrible wool uniforms), the parades and fireworks - all wonderful memories. And, you, the Gamble family are central to them. My heart smiles when I think of you all, and of Bill and Marge. Once the hurt subsides, and it will, your hearts will smile again also. God Bless!
Bill, Margy, Nancy, Becky and Mike,
My heartfelt condolences to you all. Your family has meant the world to me from the moment I first met you all over 40 years ago. Your mom and dad are the center of all the love and happy memories I hold so dear. Your dad was one of kindest men I have ever known and his sweet demeanor and quiet humor will forever be remembered.
Love and aloha to you all,
Cindy Olmstead and family
Ted's and my memories of the Gamble family begin in 1975 when we were introduced to the Gamble home in White Lake, by Pastor Don Huston. We came to worship at Hope Presbyterian. The following years we were befriended by Marian at the Wausau 1st Pres and then much later with Bill and Marge when they returned to White Lake when Ted was Moderator of the church session. Bill was such a helpful, generous support to this congregation. Blessings and sympathy to all the family. We will truly miss your dad, grandfather, etc.
Growing up in White Lake he was always somebody with a kind word to us as kids. He was a good man.
Mike - We would like to express our sincere condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Richard, Jayne & Rachel & your VISIT DENVER friends
To the Gamble family, Very sorry to hear of your loss. Your Dad was a very special man. I could always count on seeing him down the 3rd base line every warm, sunny Sunday afternoon cheering us on with the White Lake baseball team.
I am sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Bill and Marge. Very caring people. This community appreciates all they have done, and we are so fortunate to have their children still connected here. Sending love and sympathy to you all.
To the Gamble family, very sorry to hear of your loss. Your mom and dad were great people, and always made you feel at home. Bill will be missed by many, our condolences to one and all.
The Mark Pomasl Family
Which fond memory of your Dad can I share, there were so many? In winter he had a snowmobile and pulled us behind in the sled. He gave me my first opportunities to water ski or ride on that little round surf board. I smiled when he called me poochie pie or Sandi Pandy. He's home now, Mike, Georgine, Bill and Marge are having a brandy and sitting around the kitchen table. Hugs to all of you!
I remember as a kid we used to go to summer parties at your mom and dad's house. It was the first place I ever saw a watermelon carved and filled with different fruits. I was amazed! Your mom and dad were always so kind to me. Such an asset to the community. I am so sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and Prayers go out to the Gamble Family, May God comfort and hold you at this sad time, Bill was a Great person and will be missed by many.
To Mike and the entire Gamble family: We are very sorry for the loss of your father and will keep you in our family's prayers this week.
The Marinelli's
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