DeWayne Germaine Guibord

A gentle man who experienced much throughout his long life, DeWayne Guibord knew hardship and good times as well as heartache and love. He gave his all, especially to his sons whom he dearly loved. Forever treasured in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, he will be fondly missed.

DeWayne Guibord’s story began in the year 1925. America was experiencing a time of rapid growth and big cities everywhere were enjoying the heyday of the Roaring 20s. During this time the Chrysler Corporation celebrated its’ inception while the game of baseball was and continues to be the favorite pastime of many. Nestled in the village of La Couderay, Wisconsin on the Couderay River there lived a community of people who endeavored to uphold their proud Native American heritage. On the reservation of the Lac Courte Oreilless band of the Lake Superior Chippewa tribe lived Norman and Clara (Gouge) Guibord. It was indeed a time of celebration for the young couple as they welcomed the birth of their first child, DeWayne Germaine born on March 30, 1925.

The oldest of eight children, DeWayne was later joined by his younger brother, Robert and sisters, Norma, June, Marilyn, Melva, Lana and Ruth Ann. Growing up on the reservation was a great adventure for young DeWayne where the sense of community and kinship was instilled among its’ members. As the nation struggled through the effects of the Depression, hardship was felt on the reservation as well. From an early age DeWayne learned to be independent. He was ten years old when he ventured from the reservation and began living with his paternal grandparents in the town of Dallas, Wisconsin. Living there gave DeWayne structure as he attended the local schools. Quite talented vocally, he in time met up with a woman who played the piano and they soon teamed up as a duo. Often performing at fairs and on the radio, DeWayne considered himself a star. This time in his life allowed for many experiences and gave him insight into the world around him.

The opportunities that came DeWayne’s way afforded him to have much more than if he had remained on the reservation. Always thoughtful and generous with his siblings who continued to struggle, he often brought extra food to them on his visits home. It was certainly appreciated because DeWayne often recalled how his brother Bob took forever just to eat a hardboiled egg, watching as he savored it as if it were a steak. Life turned in a new direction for DeWayne during his high school years. Although he never went on to graduate, he did feel a call to serve his country during World War II. Like many young men during this time, DeWayne lied about his age in order to enter the military. He joined the Navy and trained as a signalman. In his eight years of duty, DeWayne served during a number of various campaigns including the invasion at Normandy and spent time in Southern France.

For DeWayne, the Battle of Okinawa was one of the more tense times during his service. Most of the air-to-air fighters, bombers and aircraft consisted of naval carrier based airplanes. While on a troop carrier mobilizing Marines toward the beaches of Okinawa, DeWayne was dropping the exit gate for them when the rush of men pushed him out on the beach. Although he had no weapon, DeWayne managed to find a shovel to safely dig in. In another campaign, gun flash caused him to be blinded for several days. This injury landed DeWayne in a naval hospital in the Pacific where he was fortunate to have met up with his brother, Robert who was also serving in the war.

When DeWayne returned home from the service he often hopped the train to be with his sweetheart, Betty. In time the two married and they soon welcomed their son, DeWayne Jr. and lovingly nicknamed him Butch. Although DeWayne and Betty later divorced, he was thankful for the blessing of his son. Over the years DeWayne worked at a number of jobs. He was a steeple-jack and was a driver for Greyhound for a while. He was a delivery driver for a local Pepsi Cola distributor and also worked as a carpenter for the Wagner Overhead Door Company.

A jack of all trades, it was while working as a bartender when DeWayne’s life took on new meaning. While tending bar one night, Rose Mary Alioto and a few friends came in. That night something clicked in DeWayne’s heart. He and Rose Mary soon developed a romance. They were joined in marriage in the mid 1950s and celebrated the birth of their son Kim in 1958. Craig completed their family in 1961. They made their home on the east side of Milwaukee where Rose Mary ran a boarding house while DeWayne worked various jobs. In his free time he enjoyed gambling and a good card game. One time his winnings even included the title to a car! He also continued to enjoy music. He loved playing it, singing to it and listening to it, especially sounds of the big bands. When it came to sports, he liked watching football.

DeWayne made for an awesome dad. Always desiring the best for his sons, he provided well for them and they never went without. Quick to let you know he was always right, he had a great sense of humor. DeWayne had a love for children and they in turn were drawn to his gentle nature. With the longing to just hop on a train and go, DeWayne and Rose Mary had plans to travel when they retired but their plans were derailed when Rose Mary developed Alzheimer’s. DeWayne was especially devoted in caring for her during this time and was truly devastated by her death in 1996. Over time DeWayne developed health problems of his own. He suffered from an abdominal aortic aneurism and had circulation problems. When his beloved brother Bob died it hit him hard. In time DeWayne’s will to survive slowly diminished and he stopped taking his medications. Sadly, DeWayne died on Thursday, September 2, 2010 at the age of 85.

DeWayne Germaine Guibord was a man who experienced much and lived through much. He lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him and will be sorely missed.

Along with his beloved wife Rose Mary, DeWayne was also preceded in death by his son, DeWayne, Jr. “Butch”. He was a cherished father to Kim and Craig Guibord; loving grandfather of Jason, Candace, Abigail and Michele; a dear brother to the late Robert Guibord,the late Norma Guibord, the late June Quarderer, Marilyn (Arvid) Russell, Melva Bishop, Lana Guibord, and Ruth Ann (Chuck) Braeger. He is further survived by other relatives and friends.

Visitation: Tuesday, September 7, 2010 at Suminski Family Funeral Home from 4:00 PM until the time of the service at 7:00 PM. Inurnment in Holy Cross Cemetery. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign his online guest book. Suminski/Weiss, 1901 N. Farwell Avenue (414) 276-5122.