Foster John Gilbert

Foster John Gilbert went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 29, 2007. He was born in humble surroundings on April 4, 1914 to the late Anna (Wiemers) and Bert Gilbert in Conklin, Michigan. He used the gift of his own hands to build a warm and loving home for his family. His dream of owning his own hardware store was achieved when he opened Gilbert's Hardware, running it until 1970, and then worked for Grand Rapids Supply Company from which he retired. He had a passion for woodworking, gardening, and Tiger Baseball. Some of his most enjoyable moments were spent with his son on the golf course. Foster will be remembered for loving his family and being their biggest supporter. He never missed an opportunity to see his family "shine" . He married the love of his life, the former Evelyn Stark, on September 28, 1940, and she survives him along with four children, a son Jack (Dona) Gilbert, daughters, Catherine (Kenneth) Jantovsky, Cindy (Lawrence) Bolduc, and Betty (Dr. Jeffrey) Recknagel. He was blessed with nine grandchildren, Amy, Sara, Kyle, Tyler, Cameron, Whitney, Paige, Hannah, and Kim. His legacy continues into the third generation with Alexis, Austin, Alivia, Hunter, Emma, Ava, Raeann, and Rylee. Also surviving are two sisters in law, Carmen Gilbert and Nelda Gilbert. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by an infant son, Gordon Lee; two brothers, Russell and Arden, and a sister, Vivian. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 3, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1215 Apple Ave. with Pastor Robert Conradt officiating. Interment at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, at Ever Rest Funeral Home and Chapel, 1783 E. Keating Ave. (231) 777-3557 and one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials in Mr. Gilbert's name to Our Redeemer General Fund.