Clarence John Gilb

Clarence Gilb, age 101, of Marshall, Minnesota, died on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at his residence in Marshall, Minnesota. Family will lead a graveside service at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Lucan, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/donate.html). Thank you.

Clarence John Gilb was born May 16, 1923, in Westline Township, Redwood County, Minnesota, the only son of Anton and Clara (Paul) Gilb. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Milroy, Minnesota. He reached the amazing age of 101 years, 3 months, 18 days.

Clarence was United in marriage to Shirley Meiners on September 12, 1944, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lucan. After 64 loving years, Shirley passed away on March 18, 2009.

On October 10, 2015, Clarence and Geneva “Gene” Zick exchanged vows at a commitment ceremony at Family of Christ Lutheran Church in Lakeville. Sadly after 3 loving years together Gene passed away on November 21, 2018.

Being strong in his faith, Clarence served as a deacon, trustee, usher, and bell ringer for many years at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lucan. After moving to Marshall in 1999, Clarence and Shirley became members of St. Stephens Lutheran Church.

Clarence and Shirley farmed the family farm near Lucan for well over 60 years. They were very active in raising their 3 sons as they were growing up and played a very important part in the success of all three sons. Clarence was a Cub Scout Cubmaster and Shirley was a den mother. They also were Lutheran League Leaders as well as being 4-H leaders and advisers. Clarence and Shirley spent over 30 years as winter Texans and were avid square dancers for many years. They taught many local friends the art of square dancing.

Besides farming, Clarence did custom combining of corn, oats, and soybeans, silo filling, corn shelling, grain swathing, and crop spraying. He was also a bulk milk hauler for the Wabasso creamery. He worked for the Redwood County ASC measuring land and corn bins. He also served several years on the Westline Township Board. After retiring they moved to Marshall and he spent many days volunteering at the Marshall Hospital Thrift Store, at the Senior Center, delivering Meals on Wheels, and helping the staff with several tasks where he lived at Boulder Village. Clarence was voted Senior Citizen Volunteer of the year for Lyon County in 2014. He enjoyed dancing, playing cards, and golfing well into his upper 90s. He will be remembered for his volunteering and his sense of humor.

Clarence is survived by his 2 sons, Ardell (and Barb) Gilb of Shorewood, Roger (and Jan Guerber) Gilb of Lakeville; daughter-in-law, Kathy Gilb of Shakopee; 6 grandchildren, Craig (and Lora) Gilb, Todd (and Jen) Gilb, Anton Gilb, Ben (and Amy) Gilb, Sonya (and George) Gilb, Angela (Brian) Wahl; 6 great-grandchildren, Tyler, Colby, Taya, Kali, and Elie Gilb, Seth Wahl; sister, Doris Hemisch; extended family, Dan (and Ruth) Moore, Sharla (and Dave) Stueck, Darwin (and Debbie) Moore, Sandi (and Tom) Newgard, Shari (and Terry) Altermatt, Rachel (and Brad) Deutz, Randy (and Corina) Zick, Rodney Zick; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Clara Gilb; wife, Shirley Gilb in 2009; significant other, Gene Zick in 2018; infant daughter, Arlene; son, Dennis Gilb in 2022; sisters, Laverna Julich, Marjorie Anderson, Mable Gilb; daughters-in-law, Dorothy Gilb in 2002, and Janie Gilb in 2013. 

~ written by Clarence’s son, Roger