Roger C. Gilbert

Fort Collins, CO – Roger C. Gilbert passed away on January 2, 2009, peacefully in his sleep from complications due to cardiac arrest.

Roger was a ten-year resident of Fort Collins, CO, “God’s country,” as he referred to it. Prior to this he resided in Wisconsin.

Roger was born in Coleman, WI, on a farm, then left home and joined the U.S. Navy at an early age. He served for two years during the Korean War. Roger then moved back to Wisconsin and drove a bus for two years. A chance encounter with a friend led him to apply to the Racine Police Department. He served as a Police Officer for 31 years, the last 15 as Officer of the Courts. After his retirement from the Police Department, he started a Funeral Coach Livery Service with his good friends, Richard Purath and Gary Strand.

Roger loved to sail Lake Michigan in his “Lady G” sailboat, canoe up the “unpredictable” Root River and camp in Lake Delton at his trailer home. Roger also loved to play cribbage and “shoot the breeze” with his many friends. He had the gift of gab and many humorous stories and jokes to tell. They were his words of wisdom.

Roger was a member of the Policeman’s Retirement Association and the American Legion. We are all sure that he is entertaining the folks upstairs with his continuous repertoire of tales.

Roger is survived by his wife, Dianne Gilbert, employed at Colorado State University. He is also survived by his children, Peggy Cummings of MN, Maryann Blezien of CA, Roger Gilbert, Jr. of Minnesota and Carol Wilson of Ohio; three step-sons, James, Colin and Peter.

Memorial services for Roger were held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fort Collins, CO. Inurnment will take place at Fort Howard Cemetery in Green Bay, WI.

Purath-Strand Funeral Home and Crematory
3915 Douglas Ave., Racine (262) 639-8000