John H. Rebillet, Sr., 79, passed away Monday, May 6, 2024 at Box Butte General Hospital surrounded by his family.
He was born May 5, 1945 in Torrington, Wyoming to Charles and Gladys (Neal) Rebillet. Raised in Guernsey, Wyoming, he grew up with his sisters Carol, Sandy, Irene and his brother Ray. For most of his adolescence, he spent his time working in his mother’s café and helping his father on their ranch.
In August 1963 he enlisted in the Wyoming National Guard and received an education as a heavy equipment mechanic. During that time he met and fell in love with Verna K. Dinnel. They were married on November 2, 1964 in Gering, Nebraska. John and Verna earned their GEDs from Eastern Wyoming College together. After an honorable discharge from the National Guard in April 1969, John began working at CF&I.
From 1966 to 1969, John and Verna welcomed their three children into the world. John H. Rebillet, Jr. on August 2, 1966, Charles V. “Chuck” Rebillet on October 23, 1967 and Melissa A. Rebillet (Offe) on October 14, 1969.
They raised their children on the family ranch outside of Guernsey until 1987, when John retired from CF&I. In 1988, they moved to Alliance where John started his career with BNSF, retiring in June 2011 as an Engineer.
Throughout his life, John enjoyed riding his Harley and working on his 1934 Model A. His greatest enjoyment, though, came from spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was an incredibly devoted father and loving husband to Verna for what would have been 60 years on November 2, 2024. John was tremendously wise, caring, and hard-working. He doted on his family with all the love within him. There was never a dull conversation with John as he had a fantastic sense of humor and plenty of stories to tell! He will be greatly missed!
John was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Gladys Rebillet, sister Irene Beal, brother Ray Beal and his son, Chuck Rebillet.
He is survived by his wife Verna Rebillet of Alliance, son John Jr. and his wife Kari Rebillet of Alliance, daughter Melissa and her husband Tom Offe of Alliance, sister Sandy Haynes of Lingle, Wyoming, sister Carol Fertig of Alco, Nevada, 9 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Graveside services for John will be held at a later date and announced at that time.
Memorials may be given to Shriners Hospitals for Children Attn: Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607, or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, ATTN: St. Jude Heroes, P.O. Box 2081, Memphis, TN 38101.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com. Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.