1934
James
2010
James Gilbert
January 13, 1934 — November 2, 2010
James R. Gilbert, 76, resident of Detroit Lakes, MN, died Tuesday, November 2, 2010 at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls, MN after a 10 year struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Mass of Christian Burial for Jim will be held Saturday, November 6, 2010 at 12:00 PM in Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services on Saturday. Interment will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery, Detroit Lakes.
James Russell Gilbert was born January 13, 1934 in Hettinger, North Dakota to Charles and Violet (Bjorum) Gilbert. He was raised and educated in New England, North Dakota. Jim graduated from New England High School in 1952. He proudly served his country from 1952 until his honorable discharge in 1956. After his time in the Navy he enrolled in classes at North Dakota State University. On April 8, 1960, Jim was united in marriage to Bette Lindner in Fargo, ND. In 1962, Jim graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. After his schooling he accepted a position with the U.S. Forest Service in California, using his mechanical engineering degree in developing and testing firefighting equipment. Jim and Bette moved to Minnetonka, MN where Jim worked as a service representative for Ford Motor Company. The family moved to Kalispell, MT where Jim opened his own cabinet shop. Jim’s love for woodworking brought him a great deal of satisfaction. In 1981, Jim and Bette moved to Detroit Lakes and Jim worked for Midwest Mack as a salesman in Fargo. Throughout life Jim had a passion for music, especially gospel and opera. He enjoyed singing in church choir, drama, tending to his gardens and spending time with family, friends and the great outdoors.
Jim’s loving and kind hearted spirit will be remembered and missed by his wife, Bette of 50 years, two daughters: Stacy (Todd) McGovern of Fergus Falls, MN, Jene’ (Greg) Leiner of Inver Grove Heights, MN and one son: James D. (Jane) Gilbert of St. Paul, MN. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Matthew McGovern, Lauren McGovern, Margot Leiner, Tessa Leiner and Griffin Leiner along with one sister: Janet Bjorum of Yuma, AZ.
He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother: Stanley and one sister: Mildred Dokken.
The family will use memorials for a gift to benefit the new addition to the Minnesota Veteran’s Home in Fergus Falls.
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