Mr. Donald Charles Gilbert's Obituary
Mr. Donald Charles Gilbert, age 78, went peacefully into the arms of his Savior Wednesday morning, June 29, 2011. Donald was born November 12, 1932 in Muskegon to Charles and Grace (Duff) Gilbert. On March 31, 1951 Don married the former Dorothy Bodnar and she survives him. Don had worked for Teledyne Continental Motors as a drafting supervisor for 32 years prior to his retirement in 1987. He went on to work for the Donnelly Corporation where he invented several patented products. Don was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church for many years where he had served as an usher and on the Parish Council. He also, at one time, reupholstered all the kneelers in the sanctuary. Don was also a past scout master and had been part of the Glenside Neighborhood Association. Don was a humble, giving and loving husband, father and grandpa. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dorothy; and 7 children, Susan (Rick) Clark of Grand Haven, Larry (Rita) Gilbert of Muskegon , Nanci (Peter) Scott of Nunica, Patti (Michael) Grillo of Grand Haven, Donald (Ella) Gilbert of Allendale, Rick (Janice) Gilbert of Fruitport and Bill (Nancy) Gilbert of Mesquite, TX; 18 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; 2 brothers, Paul (Dorothy) Gilbert of Norton Shores, Thomas (Marlene) Gilbert of Fruitport; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Ruth Bodnar and Maryann Hoffman and his brother, Jack. THE MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be 11AM Friday, July 1, 2011 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (150 E. Summit, Muskegon Hts.) with Rev. Fr. Norman Droski presiding. VISITATION will be Thursday evening (tonight) from 6-8PM at The Lee Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 6291 S. Harvey St. 231-798-1100. INTERMENT will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be made to International Aid or Muskegon County Catholic Education Foundation. Share memories with the family at their online guestbook @ www.sytsemafh.com
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