Gary L. Gilbert, 76 of Sioux City, Iowa passed away Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at his home, surrounded by his family. Services will be held 11:00am Friday, May 19, 2023 at the Waterbury Funeral Service in Sioux City. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Gary was born in Yankton, South Dakota to Glen and Vena Gilbert on October 8, 1946. He was raised in Mission Hill, South Dakota and graduated from Gayville High School; he also graduated from Western Iowa Tech in Sioux City with an Associate’s Degree in Police Science. Gary had a strong faith in God and enjoyed life with his family. Holidays were especially meant to be celebrated.

He married Carol Heck in 1984 and they built a blended family of 5 children. Gary had 3 children, Ron, Twila, and Audra (Chris). Carol had two children, Cheri and Curt (Julie). That life now consists of grandchildren; Mike (Anabel), Austin, Kellie, John, Nicole and Nathan, and great grandchildren Julieana, Jay, Eastyn and one on the way. He owned and operated a printing and copy business for 18 years.

He enjoyed life with collecting cars, camping, campfires, boating and socializing with family and friends. Dogs that he loved also loved him because he spoiled them. He loved his private back yard with a wooded area where he spent many hours feeding birds, squirrels, rabbits, deer, a duck and a loud croaking frog while sitting on the deck observing them. They would come to eat when he was present. One deer actually grazed in the yard when he was mowing. They trusted him.

He is survived by a brother Dick (Nancy) a sister Judy and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Don, Virgil, Edwin, Betty, Charles, Carol, and Ronny.

Notes from Audra;

My last words to my dad the evening of April 25th were “Dad I’ll be back in the morning. Tomorrow is monkey’s Birthday. I love you and I’ll see you in the morning”. I went home thinking I would see him in the morning. Dad passed away early the next day on April 26th my son’s 10th birthday. The first time I heard my son’s heartbeat was on dad’s birthday. It is a bond they will share forever. Nathan meant the world to my dad and my son adored Freddy the Slasher, AKA Grandpa Freddy. I have a million words to say about my dad, but I think what stands out most about my dad was his heart. Dad always had a rough and gruff exterior, but beneath that, he was kind-hearted and sensitive. Those closest to my dad saw the real Gary. He was kind, thoughtful, loving and sentimental. Dad was happiest sitting in the back yard on the deck enjoying the weather. Dad was an avid animal lover. He enjoyed sitting on the deck visiting and watching all the squirrels, birds, and even deer that would come visit for an evening snack. Dad always made sure the neighbor’s dogs had water and treats. Dad just loved a 5 p.m. drink on the deck enjoying family and nature. Dad loved to help people, though, rarely if ever, talked about it. He was always one for a kind deed or helping hand. He taught me so much about life and that is hard to put down in a few short paragraphs. My dad was my hero. I miss waking up in the mornings saying “morning papa Dilbert. How are you this morning?” Some days I’d get “good morning” and other days he’d say “well, Audra, at my age, another day above ground is a good one”. Dad always had a way of being funny without trying to. My dad’s friend Elmer once said my dad was a color in people’s lives and that perfectly describes who my father was as a person. Unforgettable and loved by many.