David John Gilbert

Jan. 17, 1949-April 2, 2018

David John Gilbert, 69, of Homer, Alaska died peacefully Monday, April 2, 2018 at University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, Washington. There will be a Celebration of Life service at 6 p.m. Friday, April 13, 2018, at Refuge Chapel, 397 E. Pioneer Ave. Homer, Alaska. Pastor of Refuge Chapel, Darren Williams, will be officiating.

David was born Jan. 17, 1949, in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, to Roy and Minnie Gilbert. In 1968, he graduated from Washington High School in Two Rivers. On Aug. 10, 1985 he married the former Kimberly Merrill in Homer. David owned an auto mechanic shop and was one of the leading mechanics in his region for 27 years until 2010 when his health forced him to retire. In his spare time he enjoyed carpentry, working on cars and in the summers taking care of his garden. He also enjoyed cooking large meals for family and friends, fishing, and sports, especially when it came to watching his children play. What made him happiest was being with his family. David also was a fervent Green Bay Packers fan and loved watching the games with the family.

David had a deep and sincere faith in God. The book of Proverbs became part of his daily devotionals, which he exemplified through Proverbs 3:4-5: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your path straight.”

David is survived by his wife, Kim Gilbert; his children and their spouses, Bill and Patti Anhalt, Todd Gilbert, Keith Gilbert, Aaron and Jessica Gilbert, Luke and Cassie Gilbert, and Josh Gilbert; his sisters, Virginia Olsen, Gigi Zietlow, Bette Popp, Linda Taddy, and Theresa Presl; his brother-in-laws, Steve Zietlow, Glenn Popp, Ted Taddy, and Bryan Presl; his grandchildren, Christopher, Kayla, Amanda, Michael, Nicholas, Ethan, Isabella, Samantha, Justin, and most recent Graham; plus great grandchildren, Isaiah, Jace, Bentley, Barrett, Lexi, and most recent Atticus; along with a host of nieces and nephews.