Melvin Gildart (1924 - 2010)

Died 19 May 2010 at age 85 in Edgerton, Wisconsin, United States

Biography

Obituary

Melvin Gildart, age 85, longtime resident of Brainerd, MN and recent resident of Edgerton, WI died Wednesday, May 19, 2010 in Edgerton, WI. Melvin was born on July 17, 1924, to Wilbert and Eva (Barto) Gildart. He lived with his family south of Brainerd.

Melvin married Elaine Graff in August of 1942. Shortly after their marriage Melvin enlisted in the US Army and proudly served his country in World War II. He was stationed in the South Pacific on the island of Saipan. After being discharged in August of 1949, Melvin and Elaine owned and operated a family dairy farm south of Brainerd on 13th Street until they retired. Melvin also drove truck in the iron ore mines and for several different trucking companies. He loved to drive. Melvin owned and operated a Christmas tree farm on his property on 13th street. He enjoyed meeting people at the holiday season and selling his fragrant trees. Melvin played cards with his buddies and enjoyed playing cribbage with anyone who would play. He had a passion for horses and enjoyed the smell of fresh cut hay and freshly turned earth. He loved to fish, especially ice fishing. Melvin’s beautiful blue eyes would sparkle with mischief and he enjoyed a good joke. He also loved to read and in his later years read a wide variety of literature.

Melvin is survived by four children: Patricia Oberg-Matlatcha of Isles, FL; Michael (Evie) Gildart of Ft. Ripley, MN; Joliene (Jerry) Grams of Edgerton, WI; Jeffrey (Karen) Gildart) of Brainerd, MN; Eleven grandchildren, Cheryl Smude, Tyra Smude, Jason Gildart, Lisa Gildart, Jeffrey Grams, Jodie Hanson, Julie Ulset, Jamae Ramsden, Jaclyn Grams, Rebecca Oppelt and Andrew Gildart. Twelve great grandchildren, a sister Lorraine (Marvin) Montgomery of Brainerd; brother, Clarence Gildart (Pete) of Minneapolis, MN; a half brother, Wilbert (Diane) Gildart and two half sisters Shirley Borg of Brainerd and Beverly Hines of Pillager, MN.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine in 1980; his parents, Wilbert and Eva Gildart and a sister Carol Harrigan.

Funeral services for Melvin will be held 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 at Riverside Union Church. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. Burial will be at the Riverside Union Cemetery with Military Honors. Pallbearers will be present Grandchildren. Melvin will be missed by his family and friends in Brainerd, MN Edgerton, WI and Sun Lakes, AZ, where he had enjoyed several sunny winters. ^[1]

Sources

1. ↑ http://www.nelson-doran.com/memsol.cgi?user_id=209484