Roy L. Gilbert, age 67, of Grand Rapids, MN passed away peacefully on June 30th, 2024, at his son's home surrounded by his family.

Roy Lee Gilbert was born September 30th, 1956, the son of Lawrence James and Elsie Mae Helen (Ragsdale) Gilbert. He attended school in Grand Rapids. Upon graduation from high school, Roy enrolled in the Itasca Pulp and Paper Program at Itasca Community College while working at Beno's Pizza. After graduating, he then worked at Blandin Paper Mill for over 30 years.

He married his high school sweetheart, Linda Otten who became the mother of his two sons.  They later divorced but always remained close friends.

If you knew Roy, he just had a way of "beating the odds" no matter what health issue he was facing. He continued to enjoy life – working at the Eagles Club booth at the Itasca County Fair, helping with local wrestling events, attending the annual Blandin picnic to reminisce with his old co-workers and taking rides on his motorcycle. Roy can be remembered for his love of fishing, deer, and grouse hunting. He was a proud member of the Eagles Club and the Moose Lodge in Grand Rapids. Most of all, he truly enjoyed being a dad and a friend to his two sons, Dan and Tom.

Roy will be deeply missed by his boys, Dan and Tom Gilbert; his grandchildren, Noah and Madison Gilbert; six brothers and sisters, Donny (Debbie) Gilbert, Darlene (John) Hietala, Dennis Gilbert (Katie), Lila Gilbert, Karline (Mike) Muzzy, and Paul (Susie) Gilbert; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Elsie Gilbert; and one brother, James Gilbert.

A celebration of Roy's life will be held Saturday, July 6, 2024 from 1pm to 3pm at The Moose Lodge, 330 NE 10th Avenue, Grand Rapids, MN 55744.

Interment will be in the Harris Cemetery, Harris Township, Minnesota.