A graveside service with military honors will be held at 10:30 a.m. today at Lakewood Memorial Park for Irving "Irv" L. Gilgert, 85, of Ceres. He died May 22, 2012 at his home.
Born Aug. 16, 1926 in Stockton, Irv was a fourth generation farmer from a pioneering family near Collegeville in eastern San Joaquin County. He worked on the farm while attending Stockton High School. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp during World War II and served in the Pacific Theatre while stationed in Okinawa. After his return from military service, he continued farming at Collegeville, while beginning a career selling International Harvester, and John Deere farm equipment. He retired as general manager of the John Deere dealership in Modesto. After his retirement he grew walnuts and operated a business buying and selling farm equipment. Mr. Gilgert once ran for Ceres City Council.
He was a past president of the Stockton Parlor of the Native Sons of the Golden West, past commander of the Ceres Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, member of the San Joaquin Farm Bureau, and of the Grace Community Christian Church.
He leaves behind three children, Randy Gilgert of Gooding, Idaho, Wendell Gilgert of Chico, and Janie Gilgert-Seese of Sacramento; his step-son Michael Smith; and his step-daughter, Cara Smith. He was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Janice Gilgert, parents Carlton and Crystal Gilgert, brother Leroy, and sisters Joyce Hightower and Jean Meyer.
Remembrances may be sent to Optimal Hospice Care, 1101 Sylvan Avenue, Ste. B-10, Modesto CA 95350.
-Ceres Courier/ May 30, 2012
Born Aug. 16, 1926 in Stockton, Irv was a fourth generation farmer from a pioneering family near Collegeville in eastern San Joaquin County. He worked on the farm while attending Stockton High School. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp during World War II and served in the Pacific Theatre while stationed in Okinawa. After his return from military service, he continued farming at Collegeville, while beginning a career selling International Harvester, and John Deere farm equipment. He retired as general manager of the John Deere dealership in Modesto. After his retirement he grew walnuts and operated a business buying and selling farm equipment. Mr. Gilgert once ran for Ceres City Council.
He was a past president of the Stockton Parlor of the Native Sons of the Golden West, past commander of the Ceres Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, member of the San Joaquin Farm Bureau, and of the Grace Community Christian Church.
He leaves behind three children, Randy Gilgert of Gooding, Idaho, Wendell Gilgert of Chico, and Janie Gilgert-Seese of Sacramento; his step-son Michael Smith; and his step-daughter, Cara Smith. He was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Janice Gilgert, parents Carlton and Crystal Gilgert, brother Leroy, and sisters Joyce Hightower and Jean Meyer.
Remembrances may be sent to Optimal Hospice Care, 1101 Sylvan Avenue, Ste. B-10, Modesto CA 95350.
-Ceres Courier/ May 30, 2012
