Claire Eugene Gilbert

Claire Eugene Gilbert, 88, of Brooklyn, passed away April 11, 2024. Claire’s family and friends will gather on Thursday, April 18, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Eineder Funeral Homes – Brooklyn Chapel and Friday, April 19, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Federated Church of Grass Lake, MI. His funeral service will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Federated Church of Grass Lake. Rev. Chuck McNeil will officiate. Claire was born on October 9, 1935, in Manchester, Michigan to Ile and Mabel (Zentmyer) Gilbert. He was one of eight children and graduated in 1954 from Cement City High School. Claire was married to Darla Brunk for 26 years. He then married Dollie Ellsworth in 1988 and they were married until her passing in 2018. He worked for Consumers Energy for 38 years. Claire was also a long-time member of the Federated Church in Grass Lake. He volunteered as a coach and umpire in Little League baseball, and a coach and referee for youth basketball. He was a snowbird who wintered in Ruskin, Florida where he enjoyed his time on the golf course. Claire was a devoted father and grandfather who loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. Claire will be missed by his children, Scott Gilbert of Jackson, Melissa (Gary) Wrozek of Clarklake, Jon Gilbert of Jackson; step-children, Terry (Sheila) Crawford of Coldwater, Tammy Crawford of Jackson and Shelley Cole of Houston TX; a sister, Sharon (Bill) Thompkins of Clarklake; grandchildren, Joshua (Jordyn) Wrozek, Nathan Wrozek, Emily (Erick) Byl, Lucas Gilbert, Miranda Gilbert, Robert Gilbert; step-grandchildren, Rachele Crawford, Brandon Crawford, Kierra Cole; great-grandchildren, Oakley Wrozek, Paul Gilbert, Lenore Crawford and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dollie; a son, Robert; and siblings, Marjorie Choate, Charles Gilbert, MaryLou Wardwell, Carl Gilbert, Ray Gilbert and Lois North. Memorial contributions are suggested to Federated Church of Grass Lake Memorial Fund. Please leave a message of comfort for Claire’s family or sign his guestbook at www.EinederFuneralHomes.com.

Claire Eugene Gilbert

October 9, 1935 - April 11, 2024