Donald Gilbert

Donald W. Gilbert

Donald W. Gilbert, 87, Hibbing, died Wednesday, July 12, 2017 in his home surrounded by his family.  He was born in Gates, West Virginia to Charles and Vinia (New) Gilbert on April 22, 1930.  Don was an Air Force veteran of the Korean War and was decorated with many medals and citations. He married Rose (Skalsky) on June 17, 1950 and had been employed as a locomotive engineer for U.S. Steel retiring in 1989 with 40 years of service.  He was then employed with the DNR retiring from there in 2009. He was an avid outdoors man enjoying hunting, fishing, trapping and the family farm.  He loved the Twins even watching replays of the games.   He enjoyed nothing more than sitting around the campfire with family and friends and having a cold one.

Don’s family would like to thank the wonderful nurses from Hospice – Ann, Carrie, Julie and especially Marcia, and his Social Worker, Sarah, for all the care and compassion they gave.

He is survived by his son Dave (Deb Pearson) Gilbert, Hibbing, daughters Diane (Roger) Van Dyke, Hermantown, and Donna (Jesse) Radika, Silica, his brother James (Marsha) Gilbert, Togo, MN, sister, Martha Bolden, Kitzville,  7 grandchildren, Chad (Jennifer) Van Dyke and their children Julia and Hannah Van Dyke, Sarah (Aaron) Dass and their children Logan and Izabella Dass, Zachary (Miranda) Gilbert and their son Elliott, Zeb Gilbert and his children Domonic and Avalon Gilbert, Nick Gilbert and his son Grayson Lang, and Katie Lind and Ryan Lind, and many nieces and nephews.  Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife Rose, brothers, Charles Jr., Andy, George, Wally, and Nick Gilbert, and his sister, Mary Bensen and his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am ., Thursday, July 20, 2017 in the Dougherty Funeral Home with Chaplain Steve Tomberlin officiating.  Visitation will be for one hour before the service.  Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be his grandchildren. Military honors will be accorded by the Mid-Range Honor Guard.