Kenneth “Kenny” L. Gilbert, 89, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Friday, Nov. 22, 2019, surrounded by his loving family at Sacred Heart Care Center in Austin.

Kenneth Lyle Gilbert was born Dec. 22, 1929, the son of Merrill and Mabel (Hayden) Gilbert in Spring Valley, Minnesota. He attended school in Spring Valley. In 1948, Kenneth married Arlys Hellickson and the couple raised five children during their 35 years of marriage. The couple later divorced. He worked at Hormel Foods, retiring after 35 years of service. Kenneth was an avid antique collector. He enjoyed attending auction sales and refinishing furniture. He loved antiques of any kind. Kenneth enjoyed visiting with friends as the doorman at the Moose Lodge and later at the Eagles Club. He enjoyed playing cards and spending time with his family. Kenneth will be dearly missed.

Survivors include special friend, Joanne Clark of Austin; five children, Cheryl Christopherson of Austin, Robert (Kathy) Gilbert of Omaha, Nebraska, Michael (Diane) Gilbert of Rochester, Minnesota, Susan (Randy) Severson of Austin and Jane (Peter Lange) McFarland of Austin; 10 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, Merrill and Mabel Gilbert; a grandson, Nathan McFarland; four brothers; and one sister.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019, at Worlein Funeral Home. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service on Wednesday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery. Memorials may be directed towards Mower County Senior Advocacy or Sacred Heart Care Center. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.