Gilbert Edward Moeller

Unconditional in his love, Gilbert Moeller was a man of integrity, who gave his all in everything he did with an unwavering and optimistic demeanor. His good spirit and smiling face served as testimony to the fact that Gilbert enjoyed every moment of his life, a life full of love. A proud veteran, devoted father and grandfather, and a friend too many, for ninety years Gilbert shared his joy of life with all who knew and loved him. The year was 1921, and America was still in celebration of its momentous victory in World War I, and beginning to rev up for the Roaring Twenties. Prohibition was now in full effect with the 18th Amendment ratified just a year earlier. The country was in the midst of a recession, yet there was a renewed sense of hope as America moved from the Industrial Age to a new Progressive Era. In the small city of East Tawas, Michigan, Edward and Meta (Anschuetz) Moeller had their own reasons for renewed hope as they welcomed the birth of their son, Gilbert Edward Moeller, on March 25, 1921. An only child, Gilbert enjoyed a typical childhood of the time, growing up in a loving, Lutheran home. His father earned a living as a Railroad Engineer, and Gilbert had the great joy of riding, and on occasion, driving his fathers train in route from East Tawas to Bay City. Gilbert received his education in the area schools and upon graduating in 1939, his parents bought him a new car. Shortly thereafter, Gilbert followed the same patriotic calling of other young men of the time, and enlisted in the U.S. Air, proudly serving his country during World War II. He was stationed at Patterson Field in Ohio, but also spent time in Alaska working as an Automotive Equipment Operator. In honor of his service, Gilbert was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal. After the war, Gilbert returned to Ohio for a while and it was during this time that he met a beautiful young lady named Jeanne Burkhardt. The two fell hopelessly in love and were happily married in 1945. The newlyweds soon moved back to Michigan, making their home in Holland. Here, Gilbert and Jeanne filled their hearts and home with the joy and laughter of three children: Jill (1954), Owen Bub (1955), and Todd (1961). To support his growing family, Gilbert found work at Chris Craft in the Joiner Department. Although he was very handy and a hardworking employee, it was his happy disposition that earned him the nickname Smiley among his co-workers and friends. Aside from his day job, Gilbert was also a volunteer fireman in his community during the 1960s and 70s. He often told of how they were once able to put out a fire at the Ottawa Beach Inn and save the kegs of beer too. Although Gilbert worked hard, he always found time to have fun too. The family vacationed every summer in Gilberts hometown of East Tawas, spending time with family and friends. Sadly, Gilbert lost his beloved wife Jeanne in 1975, after 30 years of marriage. A year later, he found love again with Violet June Sherman, and they were married for 21 years before she passed away in 1997. Through the heartaches and delights, Gilbert always found great comfort in his family. His happiest moments were spent in the company of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. In fact, he and his great grandson, Derek, were best buddies, and Gilbert took great pleasure in teaching him the buck snort, long distance call and how to shoot straws at each other in restaurants, much to his kids dismay. Often times, when straws went awry, the kids were the ones apologizing on behalf of their Dad. Gilbert enjoyed traveling with his family whenever possible. Once he took a trip to Florida with his daughter, son-in-law and their children, but unfortunately he came down with a bad cold and sore throat for which his daughter Jill was giving him a throat spray. Trying to take care of himself, Gilbert sprayed his throat but found out quickly he grabbed the hair spray and not the throat spray, which caused terrible burning and a bad taste in his mouth. Gilbert was always active and enjoyed many hobbies and interests. He was an avid bowler, many times playing with the pros, and he loved to golf. He also rode his bike regularly from Holland to Saugatuck. Gilbert was a member of the Holland VFW #2144, the American Legion and the Carpenters Union. As a proud veteran, Gilbert loved to watch documentaries about the Japanese invasion of the Aleutian Islands, which he knew much about, and of course, documentaries on trains. After retiring from Chris Craft in the early 1980s, Gilbert continued working for a while at Holland Ladder and Great Lakes Woods, where he cut his finger off in 1986, but it wasnt his bowling hand so it didnt matter. Over the years, Gilbert found much happiness in his beloved dogs, which included his cocker spaniel, Tiz, his poodles, Max and Frisco, and his daughters dogs, Sam and JD. Gilbert was a loving and hardworking man, whose years of dedicated work afforded him both a happy place in life, and a family that loved him dearly. He will be greatly missed. Gilbert Edward Moeller, age 90, of Grand Haven, MI passed away on Thursday, June 9, 2011. He is survived by his daughter, Jill (Jim) Stitt of Grand Haven; sons, Todd (Terri McCalmont) Moeller of Hudsonville, Owen (Trish) Moeller of FL; 9 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wives, Jeanne and Violet. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 13, at 1:00 p.m. and visitation 1 hour prior to the service in the Clock Chapel of Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Grand Haven with Rev. Jerald Poehl officiating. Interment at Millgrove Township Cemetery - Allegan. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Ottawa - Heartwood Lodge. Please visit Gilberts memory page at www.clockfuneralhome.com, where you may share a memory, upload a photo and sign his online guest book.