Harold Gilbert

Harold Ray Gilbert, age 81 years, 28 days of Westport died Monday morning at his home. He was born in Orange Township, Douglas County on Feb. 4, 1927 to Harry (Shorty) and Velma Gilbert. Harold went to school in Villard. He spent his whole life on the family farm. He married Jean Johnson on Sept. 1, 1956 and they raised three sons, Terry, James and Michael. He enjoyed playing baseball for the Villard and Westport teams. He enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, while stirring the kettle. Harold worked hard with his sheep, cattle and hogs. He also hauled cattle to So. St. Paul and Long Prairie for about 50 years. He will be greatly missed by his family, relatives and friends.
Harold is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jean; two sons, Terry (Mary) of St. Michael and Michael (Ella) of Villard; 7 grandchildren & 5 great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Betty (Doug) Hanson of Long Prairie, Blanche 'Muggs' (Bob) Brown of Lake City; many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and a son, James Gilbert.
Funeral services were held on Friday, March 7, 2008 at 10:30 am at the Osakis Lutheran Church with Rev. Ron Calvert officiating. Musicians were organist, Pat Converse and soloist, Sandi Luedtke. Interment was at the Lake Levin Cemetery in Villard. Casketbearers were Bob Brown, Chris and Nick Volkmann, Tammy, James, Jennifer Gilbert, Kerry Mikkelson, Julie Dolman, Roman Malecha and Ronnie Boogaard.
Arrangements were handled by the Roy-Hetland Funeral Home, Osakis, MN.