Rodney Gilbert

Rodney was born on July 13, 1939 to Marvin and Elaine Gilbert, growing up in southern Wisconsin. After graduating from Orfordville High in 1957, he enlisted in the United States Army. Three years after enlisting, he married Susan Gaarder from his hometown. Rodney proudly served in the Army in the Air Defense Artillery branch with tours in Vietnam, Turkey, Germany and several duty stations in the US, but mostly at Fort Bliss. During his career, he completed Warrant Officer School and Officer Candidate School. He retired as Major in 1979 after twenty years of service. After his military service, he worked in Civil Service at Fort Bliss for eighteen years.

In 2001, he retired from Civil Service and remained active in his woodworking shop. He was a member of the El Paso Woodworkers since 1997 and volunteered as a monitor. His favorite program was the Toy program, which he was the chairman for 10 years. Other hobbies he enjoyed during his life included golf, skiing, and traveling with his wife in their RV. He was also a diehard Green Bay Packers fan.

Rodney was a loving husband, father, brother and son. He may be gone, but he will live forever in our hearts. He gave us a lifetime of memories filled with laughter, joy, and happiness.

Rodney was preceded in death by his parents Marvin and Elaine; and great granddaughter, Amara (Mikayla). He is survived by his wife of 61 years Susan Gilbert; daughter Denise Gilbert; granddaughter Mikayla (Carlos) and great granddaughter Jennalise; daughter Jodi (Curt) Cloud, and grandchildren Amber and Justin; son Craig (Michelle) Gilbert; sister Delores (Ronald) Nelson; sister Phyllis Stiendl; brother Larry (Shirley) Gilbert; sister Karen Ackerman; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Del Sol Church East (Ministry Center entrance), 11501 Vista Del Sol on Wednesday, February 7th at 10:00 am, followed by the service at 11:30 am. The Burial will be at Fort Bliss Cemetery at 1:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Team Rubicon or Tunnel to Towers. Team Rubicon is a veteran-led humanitarian organization that serves global communities before, during, and after disasters and crises. Tunnel to Towers, is an organization providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children.

The family extends its appreciation to the staff at Ambrosio Guillen Texas State Veterans Home for the kindness and dedication to Rodney and his loved ones.