Gilbert Lee "Gib" Wiser Jr.

Gilbert Lee “Gib” Wiser Jr., age 83, passed away on December 13, 2025, at 9:48 PM. He was born on March 6, 1942, in Hartford, Wisconsin, and spent his life in Neosho, Wisconsin, the community he proudly called home.

Gib is survived by his wife Patricia, and his sons Chris and Grant.

He was preceded in death by his father Gilbert Wiser Sr., his mother Helen Wiser, sister Jeanne Kunz and brother-in-law Kenneth Kunz.

Known throughout the Midwest as the “Racing Schoolteacher,” Gib lived a life defined by passion, discipline, and impact. By day, he was a beloved educator at Saylesville Elementary, where he spent his entire teaching career shaping young lives and earning the respect and admiration of countless students and families. By night and on weekends, he was a fierce competitor on the dirt track.

Gib began his racing career testing go-karts for the West Bend Company, which led to an extraordinary motorsports journey that included hundreds of wins, championships, and track records across the Midwest. He competed with Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car Association, Interstate Racing Association, Star Trac, All Star Circuit of Champions, World of Outlaws, and USAC, leaving a lasting mark on the racing community.

Whether in the classroom or at the racetrack, Gib Wiser was a teacher, a competitor, and a mentor whose legacy will live on through the lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Gib’s name to the Wisconsin Short Track Hall of Fame and Museum.
A service will take place on January 10, 2025, at Pagenkopf Funeral Home (NEW LOCATION: 2228 N. Silver Maple Lane, Oconomowoc, WI 53066) from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, followed by a service and dinner. Family and friends are welcome to come celebrate Gib’s amazing life.