By james art
Carlson G. Gilbert
OBITUARY
Carlson G. “Mike” Gilbert Sr., 87, of Schuylkill Haven, died Friday at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.
Born in Schuylkill Haven on January 25, 1930, he was the son of the late Ceylon and Alice Moyer Gilbert.
He was the husband of Minerva A. Yoder Gilbert. The couple would have celebrated 64 years of marriage in May.
Mike had attended schools in Schuylkill Haven.
He was a member of the Reformed Church of St. John, Friedensburg. He was a lifetime member of Friedensburg Fish & Game.
Mike attained the rank of Staff Sergeant in the Army and National Guard, proudly serving as a squad leader in the artillery.
He was previously employed as a tailor at Walk-In Shoe Factory for 30 years and later at Schuylkill Haven Bleach & Dye.
Mike was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, trapping, fishing and catching turtles to make soup for friends and fundraisers. He was the one to solve family problems, the first person to call for help or advice. He enjoyed making wine for his friends and always looked forward to family gatherings on Sundays after church. His grandchildren were truly his pride and joy.
Mike loved life; he grabbed it like a chair at a wedding, spun it around, and spun it back onto the dance floor. His character and selfless service to others was unmatched and his spirit lives on in everyone he touches.
In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his brothers, Barney, Nelson and Lowell “Jimmy” Gilbert; a sister, Betty Moyer.
In addition to his wife, he is also survived by three daughters, Carol Merba, wife of Bill, Orwigsburg, Sandra Lascala, wife of Doug, Schuylkill Haven, and Donna Dabaszinski, wife of John, Schuylkill Haven; three sons, Ronald Gilbert, Shoemakersville, Carlson G. “Butch” Gilbert Jr., Schuylkill Haven, and Richard Gilbert, husband of Kara, Schuylkill Haven.
He is also survived by grandchildren, Janie DuCoin, Todd Gilbert, Michael, Matthew and Lindsay Lascala, Joshua, Jacob and Emily Dabasinski, Amanda Thomas, Ciara and Charissa Gilbert; great-grandson, Connor DuCoin; a sister, Susie Schrader, Schuylkill Haven; two brothers, Melvin Gilbert, Schuylkill Haven and Dale “Buzz” Gilbert, Winona Lake; nieces and nephews; and his cat, Peanut.
The service and burial will be private at the convenience of the family. The family requests that donations in Mike’s memory be sent to the Reformed Memorial Fund of St. John, Box 58 Friedensburg, PA 17933. To leave online condolences, visit www.gsesfuneralhomes.com. Ebling-Stabingas Funeral Home, Cressona, is entrusted with arrangements, with cremation services provided by Riverside Cremation Services LLC, Schuylkill Haven.
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