George Gilbert

George William Gilbert

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle passed away on Thursday morning August 20, 2026 at Covenant Healthcare. He was 96 years old. George William Gilbert was born April 26, 1930 in Saginaw, MI to the late Ralph and Maud (Raby) Gilbert. He married Donna Taylor on August 29, 1953 in Saginaw, MI. Donna predeceased him on March 30, 2022. George served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Kearsarge and two other Navy ships from Jan. 1949 to Sept. 1953. He was employed at Saginaw Steering Gear for 27½ years, retiring in 1988.

George was very involved in his community, serving as a member of the Lions Club and was awarded the Lion of the Year award for 1975-1976. He also served on the Tax Increment Finance Authority (TIFA); St. Matthew’s Church board and the St. Matthew Finance Committee. He was an honorary member of the Zilwaukee JC’s and they honored him with the Distinguished Service Award for "outstanding community service, through loyal, faithful, and unselfish efforts resulting in lasting contribution to community and nation.” He was also involved with the local Boy Scout Roundtable as a commissioner. He was president of the Zilwaukee Festival Committee for many years and served as Grand Marshal of the Zilwaukee Summer Festival Parade in 1993. George loved to decorate his front yard for Christmas and people came from all over to enjoy it. He won the Zilwaukee JC’s Lighting Contest in 1970 for the “Best Santa Claus.” In 2008, George was voted Citizen of the Year in Zilwaukee.

After retiring, George loved to travel with his wife, Donna, in their motor home. In their travels, they visited all 50 states and also the U.S. Virgin Islands. He would often reminisce about all of the beautiful places they visited together.

Surviving are his children: Gregory (Wendy) Gilbert, Sheryl (Terry) McDonald, Michele Garrett (Ryan Foster), Deborah (William) Bates, Darlene (David) Jekel, and Douglas (Melissa) Gilbert.

Special niece: Maxine Larson (Bob English)

Grandchildren: Aubrey (James) Ciaramitaro, Hali Gilbert, Alexandra (Caleb) Browne, Kaylee (Taylor) Dietz, Brendan McDonald, Mallory (Angel Rodriguez) Garrett, Justin Garrett, Ryan (Trish) Bates, Lauren (Nate) Giesige, Devan Jekel, Dalton Jekel, Connor Gilbert, and Brenna Gilbert.

Step-grandchildren: Jennifer (Rodney) Sowders, William Bates Jr., and Melissa (J.D.) Frank.

Great-grandchildren: Charlotte, Tristan, Emmalynn, Nash, Isabel, Jaxxson, Gunner

Step-great grandchildren: Taylor (Tyler Levins), Tyler Sowders, Kaleb Bates, and Xavier Payne

Step-great-great-grandson: Grayson Levins.

George was predeceased by his wife Donna, his parents (Maud and Ralph), his sisters (Joyce and Donna), and brothers (Raymond, Clinton, John, and James).

In keeping with George’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place in the near future.

Those wishing to contribute in Geroge’s memory are asked to consider either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospital for Children.