George “Roger” Gilbert, 77, of Spring Valley, Minn., passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Friday, April 19, 2013, after a lengthy illness.

George Roger Gilbert was born Nov. 4, 1935, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minn., to George Walter Gilbert and Clarice Hillestead Gilbert. He attended school in Spring Valley and was united in marriage to Ramona Ruud on Aug. 1, 1955. Roger worked at Land O’ Lakes in Spring Valley where he retired as chief boiler engineer after 43 years. A true outdoorsman, Roger was an avid trout fisherman, trapper and hunter, hunting rattlesnake and ginseng in years past. He also loved to ride motorcycles and was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church.

Roger was a quiet, gentle and honest man and also a great steward of the land. His greatest joys in life were his wife, children and family.

He is survived by his wife Ramona Gilbert of Spring Valley; son Roger Daniel (Susan) Gilbert of Spring Valley; daughter Lavonne Knutson (Steven Kraling) of Ostrander; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and two siblings, Patricia (Robert) Grabau of Stewartville and Marilyn Gehrking of Spring Valley. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Lucy Gilbert; son-in-law Bradley Knutson; and great-grandson Joseph Mlinar.

Funeral services for Roger will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 22, 2013, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church with the Rev. Dennis Timmerman and the Rev. Laura Fladten officiating. Visitation will be held Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Hindt Funeral Home in Spring Valley and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church. Condolences may be left at www.Hindtfuneralhomes.com.