Carlson G. "Mike" Gilbert, Sr., 87, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away Friday, March 3rd, at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.
Born in Schuylkill Haven on January 25, 1930, he was a son of the late Ceylon & 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 Schuylkill Haven schools.
He was a member of St. John's Reformed Church, Friedensburg. He was a life member of Friedensburg Fish & Game.
Mike achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army and National Guard, proudly serving as a squad leader in the Artillery.
He was formerly employed as a cutter at the Walk-In Shoe Factory for 30 years, and later with the Schuylkill Haven Bleach & Dye.
Mike was an avid outdoorsman.He enjoyed hunting, trapping, fishing, and catching Snapper Turtles to make soup for friends and fundraisers.He was the family problem solver, the first guy everyone called for help or advice. He loved to make wine for his friends and always looked forward to family gatherings on Sunday after church.His grandchildren were truly his pride and joy.
Mike loved life; he grabbed it like a chair at a wedding, twirled it around, and swung it back onto the dance floor.His character and selfless service to others were unmatched, and his spirit lives through everyone he touched.
In addition to his wife, he is also survived by three daughters, Carol Merbah, wife of Bill, Orwigsburg, Sandra Lascala, wife of Doug, Schuylkill Haven, and Donna Dabashinsky, wife of John, Schuylkill Haven, and three sons, Ronald Gilbert, Shoemakersville, Carlson G. "Butch" Gilbert, Jr., Schuylkill Haven, and Richard Gilbert, husband of Cara, Schuylkill Haven.
He is also survived by grandchildren: Jani DuCoin, Todd Gilbert, Michael, Matthew & Lindsay LaScala, Joshua, Jacob, & Emily Dabashinsky, Amanda Thomas, Ciara & Charissa Gilbert, a great-grandson, Conner DuCoin, a sister, Susie Schrader, Schuylkill Haven, and two brothers, Melvin Gilbert, Schuylkill Haven, & Dale "Buzz" Gilbert, Lake Wynonah, as well as nieces & nephews, and his cat, Peanut.
In addition to his parents, Mike is also preceded in death by his brothers, Barney, Nelson, and Lowell "Jimmy" Gilbert, and sister, Betty Moyer.
Service & interment will be privately held at the family's convenience.
Family request donations in Mike's memory be sent to St. John's Reformed Memorial Fund, Box 58 Friedensburg, PA 17933