Joseph William Gilbuena was born December 13, 1944, in Richmond, VA, to Joe Gomez Gilbuena and Marjorie Louise (Gould). He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on March 25, 2025, in Norfolk, NE.
Joe was raised by his beloved grandfather, Papa, before proudly joining the U.S. Marine Corps as a teenager. After serving for four years, he was honorably discharged. In 1973, while working in California, he met the love of his life, Sherry. They married March 28, 1975, and shared 50 beautiful years together.
In 1980, Joe and Sherry moved to Oregon to raise their three children. He became a well-known and respected business owner in the community. He owned J.G.’s Texaco in Roseburg, OR, for 11 years before selflessly selling the successful service station to spend more time with his family. During the next several years, they embarked on many memorable trips together. He later owned additional service stations, including another Texaco with a Taco Maker restaurant that he and his wife built in 1998.
In 2012, Joe semi-retired and worked at Love’s Truck Stop for four years before fully retiring in 2017. He and Sherry then decided to settle in Nebraska to be closer to their eldest child and experience small-town USA, a decision they thoroughly enjoyed. Throughout his life he enjoyed fishing, crabbing, and bowling with his wife and the occasional trip to a casino. Joe is survived by his loving wife, Sherry, of 50 years; his three children, Shanda (Alvin) Benemerito of Long Pine, NE; Joseph (Allie) Gilbuena of Vail, AZ; and Michelle (Andy) Thingvall of Glide, OR; and his cherished grandchildren, Austin, AJ, Dylan, Taylar, Hadley, Maddie, CeCe, and Maizie; and his brother Richard (Elena) Gilbuena of Visalia, CA, and 11 other brothers and sisters.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Jose Papa Gilbuena; his mother, Marjorie (Gould); his father, Joseph Gilbuena; and his Uncle Dick.
Joe was known for his witty sense of humor, unwavering love for his family—especially his eight grandchildren—and his incredible work ethic. He was a guiding force in his children’s lives, instilling values of dedication and perseverance.
He believed in working hard and giving 100 percent in all that he did, a legacy that his loved ones will continue to honor. Joe’s kindness, generosity, and deep love for his family will forever remain in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him.
