Jack W. Gilbert

Jack W. Gilbert, age 85. Passed away on November 6, 2014 at home with family. He was born on May 2, 1929 to Donald W. Gilbert and Ellen Bernice Gilbert in Detroit, Michigan. He was a lifelong resident of Saginaw. He was a graduate of Arthur Hill High School. He spent sixteen years as a truck driver for several local companies. He drove to all areas to the country, both as an over the road driver and then locally. In 1960 with a young family he started a laundry and dry cleaning business in Saginaw named Giant Wash-O-Matic and Dry Cleaning while continuing his full time job. After seven years of dual occupations, Jack retired from driving. He then expanded the cleaning business until his full retirement in 1987. Jack loved to travel and did so throughout his life, traveling in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Shortly after high school, he rode an Indian motorcycle to Florida and Mexico City. In retirement he spent twenty winters enjoying the outdoors at St. James City, Pine Island, Florida. There he made a number of close friends and they fished the Sanibel Sound and connecting waters. He traveled on three different occasions with family to Alaska on fishing trips, once landing a fifty-pound king salmon. He enjoyed gardening and spending time with family, especially at Valhalla, the family cottage. His warm smile and his easy laugh will be missed by all who knew him. Jack is survived by his wife of sixty three years, Mary A. Gilbert; sons Donald A. Gilbert (Patricia) Of Saginaw, Richard W. Gilbert (Mary) of Boulder, Colorado, and Jack V. Gilbert also of Boulder Colorado. He is also survived by his grandchildren Whitney V. Gilbert of Greensboro, North Carolina, Madeline Gilbert of Boulder, Colorado and Jack V. Gilbert of Boulder, Colorado. He is also survived by his sisters Carolyn Habel (Dan) Of Traverse City, Michigan and Sue Ellen Gilbert of Cortez, Colorado, and his sister-in-law MaryLu Gilbert of Saginaw, Michigan. He was 'Uncle Jack' to nine nieces and nephews and their families throughout the United States. He was predeceased by his parents Donald W Gilbert and Ellen Bernice Gilbert. He was also predeceased by his brother, Judge Robert S. Gilbert. The family remains very grateful for the special care provided by the nurses and staff of Hospice of Michigan, especially Julie, Neema, Karnesa, and Gail. A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 10, 2015 at W. L. Case and Company, Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Rd. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression may wish to consider Hospice of Michigan. www.casefuneralhome.com

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company Mackinaw Funeral Chapel
4480 Mackinaw Road
Saginaw, MI
US 48603