Jack Oliver Gilbert of Melrose, age 97, passed away at his home on April 17, 2023.
Jack was born November 2, 1925 in Sparta, Wisconsin, to Zina 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. Jack was married to Beatrice “Bobby” Bolger on May 8, 1954 in
Chicago Illinois, with whom he had two sons Joshua and Luke.
Jack worked many jobs over his life, including driving a bus in Glenview, Illinois, working guard duty, and
serving as a mailman. He started installing carpet while still living in Illinois, which he continued upon his
return to Wisconsin, going into business as Coulee Carpet with three others.
The hobbies Jack enjoyed include carpentry, listening and playing guitar to big band music, old
movies—especially Humphrey Bogart, and his old cars. He was a wild-eyed Green Bay Packers fan; many
Packers games were the heart of family outings.
Jack is survived by his wife Bobby, and sons Joshua and Luke Gilbert.
Jack is preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service for Jack Gilbert will be held Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at the Melrose United Methodist
Church, 101 Douglas Street, in Melrose, Wisconsin, at 11am. Friends are invited to call during visitation
at the church from 10am until the start of services. Burial will be at St Malachy’s Catholic Cemetery in the Township of Irving, with Military rights by the American Legion in Melrose.
The Buswell Funeral Home of Black River Falls is assisting the family with arrangements, 715-284-2231.
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