HERBERT WILHELM KRABISCH On October 29, 2010, Herbert W. Krabisch, 81, of Ghent, NY passed away peacefully in Barnwell Nursing and Rehab Center in Valatie, NY with his wife, Irene, by his side. Born October 14, 1929 in Richmond Hills, NY, he grew up in Ghent and graduated from Chatham High School in 1947. Herb enlisted in the Army in 1948, transferred to the Reserves in 1949, and was honorably discharged in 1953. During that time Herb attended Cobleskill Agricultural College, graduating in 1950. Herb operated Willow Brook Farm, a dairy farm, for his aunt and uncle in Ghent. He owned and operated Krabisch Electrical, Plumbing and Heating for many years. He joined IBEW Local 724 in Albany. His many assignments included assisting with the wiring of the Empire State Plaza. Though he enjoyed his work and the companionship of his coworkers, he retired in 1991 to focus on his many projects at home. Herb was a multi-talented "fix it" man. No project was ever too big or too complicated for him. He channeled his fervor for antique tractors, especially John Deere, by purchasing and restoring many vintage models. He was passionate about sailing and owned 3 sailboats over time, each one larger than the previous. He also was an avid skier, and relished a trip to the Alps in the 1950s. His interest in art was reflected in the watercolors he painted and in the sculptures and paintings he collected. Photography was also one of his hobbies, and many of his unique photos are in his family's home. Herb was active in the Town of Ghent, as scoutmaster of the local Boy Scout troop, volunteer for the Ghent Fire Department for many years, the Grievance Board, Zoning Board of Appeals and as custodian of the voting booths for Ghent. In 2007, Herb received a Certificate of Recognition for 25 years of volunteer service to the Ghent community. Herb is survived by his wife of 40 years, Irene (Ripley) Krabisch, his sister Elisabeth (Krabisch) Sandler and husband Howard Sandler of Eastham, MA, daughter Sarah (Krabisch) Salatino and husband Bryan of Essex, VT, daughter Susan (Krabisch) Verenazi of Ghent, NY and 4 grandchildren, Galen Salatino, and Glenn, Esther and Katherine Verenazi. A memorial service to celebrate Herb's life will be held Saturday, November 20, 2010 at 1:00 pm at Christ Our Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 19 Park Row, Chatham, reception following. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Herb's name to the Columbia Land Conservancy, 49 Main St., Chatham, NY 12037 or to the Ghent Fire Department, Ghent, NY 12075. For on-line condolences, visit wenkfuneralhome.com