Vernon H. Gilbert

Vernon H. Gilbert, 88 of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Tuesday morning, May 22, 2018 at his home in the loving care of his family and Altru Hospice.

Vernon Howard was born April 21, 1930 at Preston, Minnesota, the oldest son of Joe and Louise (Wohn              e) Gilbert.  He attended a country school at Enfield, MN.  Vernon joined the United States Army on January 15, 1952 and proudly served his country during the Korean War. His basic training was at San Louis Obispo, California. On completion of basic training, Vernon was assigned to Construction and Communications in Germany and France.  He was honorably discharged on December 22, 1953. 

Vernon was united in marriage to Carol Hager on November 24, 1954 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake. They established their home in Devils Lake and Vernon was a dedicated 33 year employee with the North Dakota Telephone Company.  He started in Devils Lake, was transferred to Cando, ND in 1956 and was transferred back to Devils Lake in 1961.  In 1969, he was transferred to Blooming Prairie, Minnesota and in 1977 again transferred back to Devils Lake.  He retired from the telephone company in 1987. 

Vernon was a life member of the VFW Post #756 and also served as the Post Commander. He was also a past Seam Squirrel of the Cooties. Vernon enjoyed riding horseback with the Fort Totten Trail Riders, driving the team and buggy around Lakewood, really anything to do with horses.  He dabbled in gardening in the later years. 

Vernon’s loving family include his wife Carol of 63 ½ years; children Joe (Jo) Gilbert, Mankato MN, Valerie (Bill) Wood, Warwick ND, Ron (Colleen) Gilbert, Austin MN, Jerry (Diane) Gilbert, Helena MT and David (Heather) Gilbert, Grand Forks; nine grandchildren Jacob Gilbert, Andrea (Ryan) Gunther; Jessica (Matt) Herrick, Kristin (Matt) Brodell, Evan Wood; Travis Gilbert, Justin Gilbert; twins Ryan Gilbert and Taylor Gilbert; six great grandchildren Arya, Rayanah, twins Sam and Sophie, Aidan and Brecken; siblings Maye Lundeen, Lemoyne PA, George (Janice) Gilbert, St. Charles MN, Shirley (Fred) Viske, Rochester MN; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law Paulette Gilbert, Goodhue, MN and Adam and Corrine Hager, Palm Desert CA; several nieces, nephews and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson Matthew Wood; brothers John Gilbert and Bob Gilbert.

Mass of Christian Burial for Vernon will be held on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with the Very Reverend C.F. Wilhelm celebrating the Mass. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery with Military Honors accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team. 

Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Tuesday, May 29^th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m.  The Rosary will be led by the Knights of Columbus and Reverend Mr. Ken Severinson, Deacon will officiate.  Visitation on Wednesday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service.

Casket Bearers for Vernon will be Travis Gilbert, Justin Gilbert, Ryan Gilbert, Taylor Gilbert, Jacob Gilbert, Evan Wood, Matt Herrick and Matt Brodell. Gift Bearers will be Andrea Gunther, Jessica Herrick and Kristin Brodell.  Music will be provided by Peter A. Hager and JoDee Lagein.