William Gilbert

William "Bill" Gilbert, 81, of Winthrop Harbor, died on Wednesday, May 5, 2010, peacefully at Vista Medical Center East surrounded by family. Bill was born February 10, 1929 in Waukegan and has lived in this area all of his life. Bill retired in 1989 as Director of Engineering from Victory Memorial Hospital in Waukegan after 32 years of service. He then went on to drive school bus for 15 years with the Zion Benton Transportation Department. He was a member of Zion-Benton Moose Lodge #667 for 48 years wherein he held the position of Lodge Governor. He also was a member of the Lake County Radio Control Club, and a volunteer for Senior Circle at Vista East. His past accomplishments include serving in the United States Air Force as a tower operator and a member in the Waukegan Symphony Orchestra. He was a woodworking enthusiast and during his lifetime built a boat, a canoe, several musical instruments, model airplanes and many clocks. Bill enjoyed his property in Northwest Wisconsin and was an avid camper, hunter, fisherman, and musician, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, hearing and telling a good joke and chocolate. Survivors include his wife, Patricia (McCleary) Gilbert; two daughters, Lynette (Randy) Gilbert-Palbitska of Waukegan, IL and Kristi Gilbert of Waukegan, IL; two grandchildren, Ashley Palbitska and Brendan Palbitska both of Waukegan, IL ; one brother, Norman (Marion) Gilbert of DeKalb, IL and a host of many nieces and nephews and a great many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Reuben and Laura "Ella" Gilbert. Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 9, 2010 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Congdon Funeral Home at 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion, IL 60099 , the Funeral service will be held on Monday, May 10 at 10:00 a.m. also at Congdon Funeral Home with Chaplain Debra Waterman officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park, Zion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp Jorn YMCA, PO Box 430, #28 Red Feather Road, Manitowish Waters, WI 54545 or Safe Harbor Humane Society, 7811 60th Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53142.