JACK OLIVER GILBERT
JACK OLIVER GILBERT
Jack Oliver Gilbert of Melrose, 97, passed away peacefully at his home April 17, 2023.
Jack was born Nov. 2, 1925, in Sparta, WI, to Z.W. and Bessie (Cary) Gilbert. He attended high school in Melrose, graduating in 1943. He served in the United States Army from 1943 until 1946 and was a veteran of World War II; he shipped out from New York immediately after basic training in Camp Lee, VA. He served in England, France, Germany and Belgium. He was en route to the Pacific Theater when the war ended. Jack was married to Beatrice “Bobbe” Bolger May 8, 1954, in Chicago, IL, with whom he had two sons Joshua and Luke.
Jack worked many jobs over his life, including driving a bus in Glenview, IL, working guard duty and selling real estate. He started installing carpet while still living in Illinois, which he continued upon his return to Wisconsin, eventually going into business as Coulee Carpet with three others.
The hobbies Jack enjoyed include carpentry, listening to big band music, playing his guitar, enjoying his old cars, watching old movies, especially Humphrey Bogart. He was a wild-eyed Green Bay Packers fan; many Packers games were the heart of family outings. He was also a proud member of the American Legion Post 439 in Melrose and the VFW Post in Black River Falls.
Jack is survived by his wife, Bobbe; sons Joshua and Luke Gilbert; his in-laws, John and Diane Bolger and Janice Bolger; and many loving nieces and nephews.
Jack is preceded in death by his parents; sisters Audrey (John) Mallon and Joyce (Melvin “Boots) Yeskie; in-laws Patricia Zeman, Micki (Willard) Radcliffe, Chuck (Dotti) Bolger, Alan Bolger; and two nephews.
A memorial service for Jack Gilbert was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at the Melrose United Methodist Church, 101 Douglas Street in Melrose, with Pastor Robbie Nowicki officiating. Burial followed at St. Malachy Cemetery in Irving Township with full military honors. Friends and family were invited for visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
The Buswell Funeral Home of Black River Falls is assisting the family with arrangements, 715-284-2231.