Howard David Gilbert

HOWARD DAVID GILBERT, age 82 years, of Lomira, was received into the arms of Jesus on April 27, 2025 at SSM Hospice Home of Hope in Fond du Lac, surrounded by his loving family.

Howie was born on October 13, 1942 in Milwaukee to Howard and Myrtle (Strehmel) Gilbert. He was united in marriage to Jeanne Heimerl on June 20, 1964.

He graduated from Lomira High School in 1960 and from University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh in 1965 with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology/Chemistry.

Howard was employed for 41 years at Mercury Marine (aka Mother Merc), starting in the “Oil Shed” and retiring in 2005 as a Manager of Cost Engineering.

He was an avid deer hunter, fisherman, camper, and overall outdoor enthusiast as well as an accomplished woodworker, planner, and builder. Howie was always volunteering at Grace Christian Church, even participating in mission trips to Honduras and Colombia where he could put his skills to work. He also was a huge Packer, Brewer, and Badger fan.

Howie was always a student of history and was an avid reader of Civil War, WWI, WWII, and Wisconsin non-fiction.

During the 60’s, Howie was the very first president of the Fond du Lac Chapter of the Mustang Club of America and in the 80’s, he served Lomira as the village President. He was involved in many community service projects such as Habitat for Humanity, Feed my Starving Children, and Ruby’s Pantry. For almost 50 years Howie was a member of the Lomira Lions Club and served as President, Vice President, Secretary, Secretary of the District 27A2 Cabinet and Zone Chairman, as well as Transporter in the Lion’s Tissue Transport Program. In 2019, Howard received the most prestigious award in Lionism, induction into the Melvin Jones Fellowship.

All who knew him loved his humor, wit, and heart for people. He was always willing to lend a helping hand or share some of the stuff stored in his brain. He loved traveling with friends and vacationing with family, especially the grandkids.

Those Howie leaves behind to cherish his memory include his wife of 60 years, Jeanne, daughters Karen Gilbert and Laurie (Cary) McQuitty, grandson, Bear McQuitty, granddaughter, Teva McQuitty, and sisters-law, Kathy Gilbert and Judy Heimerl, brother-in-law, Ron (Renee) Heimerl. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by his sister, Joyce Kumbier and brother, Gordon Gilbert, brothers-in-law, Neil Kumbier, Jim, Jerry, Ed, and Bill Heimerl, and sisters-in-law, JoAnne Hanson and Donna Heimerl.

VISITATION: Howard’s family will greet relatives and friends on May 17, 2025, from 10:00 until 11:45am at Grace Christian Church, 1596 4th Street, Fond du Lac, WI 54935.

SERVICE: A Memorial Service in remembrance of Howard will take place at 12 noon at Grace Christian Church on May 17 with Pastor Paul Pfeffer officiating.

Memorials in Howard’s name can be directed to Ruby’s Pantry, 39929 Grand Ave., North Branch, MN 55056.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at SSM Hospice Home of Hope for their care and compassion.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Howie’s arrangements. For additional information or to leave an online condolence on the tribute wall, please visit www.myrhum-patten.com.