Carol Gilbert

Carol Gilbert of Devils Lake ND passed away on Sunday morning, March 10, 2024, at CHI, St. Alexius Health, Devils Lake Hospital at the age of 87.

Carol Hager, daughter of Michael and Julia (Miltenberger) Hager was born on October 14, 1936, in rural Esmond, North Dakota. At a young age the family moved to Devils Lake where Carol was raised and educated.

Carol met and later married Vernon H. Gilbert on November 24, 1954, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Devils Lake. Vernon’s work with the North Dakota Telephone Company involved moves to many locations and Carol was always there at his side as the devoted wife and caring mother to their children.

They established their home in Devils Lake for a couple years, then in 1956 was a transfer to Cando ND. 1961 brought a move back to Devils Lake then to Blooming Prairie, Minnesota in 1969. A transfer back to Devils Lake in 1977 would be their home for the rest of their lives. Vernon died on May 22, 2018.

First and foremost, Carol’s life was her family. She did work outside the home at various jobs, and customer service was her forte. She worked at Jerry’s Super Club in Owatonna, MN, Cook at Camp Grafton and later at the Minnie H School, and for several years she worked at K-Mart in Devils Lake. Between these jobs, she and Vernon were owners and operators of Pop’s Bar for several years. Carol was never one to be idle, so when given the opportunity to work with her daughter at the East Bay Campground she jumped at the chance. This was precious lake and camper time for her too. She loved visiting campsite neighbors and clients of East Bay. Carol also had her Devils Lake Cedar Inn friends that meant the world to her. Special friend, Veronica Sailor would pick her up and take her to the Cedar Inn.

When not working, Carol was busy baking family favorites, doing word search puzzles and playing Bingo. If there was a chance to travel or a trip somewhere, Carol had her bags packed and was ready to go.

Carol was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and Altar Society and a life member of the VFW Auxiliary.

Carol’s indomitable spirit encouraged her family and friends to persist in the face of many struggles, never give up, make the best of any situation.

Carol is reunited with her parents, husband Vernon, grandsons Matthew Wood and Justin Gilbert, brothers Adam Hager and James Hager, sisters Cathy Fleming and Ann Tuchscherer.

Carol’s loving family who survive include her children Joe (Jo) Gilbert, Mankato MN, Valerie (Bill) Wood, Warwick ND, Ron (Colleen) Gilbert, Austin MN, Jerry (Diane) Gilbert, Helena MT and David (Heather) Gilbert, Grand Forks, ND; nine grandchildren Jacob Gilbert, Andrea (Ryan) Gunther: Jessica (Matt) Herrick, Kristin (Matt) Brodell, Evan (Morgan Barendt) Wood: Travis Gilbert: twins Ryan (Alexis) Gilbert and Taylor (Danielle) Gilbert;  eight great grandchildren Arya, Rayanah, twins Sam and Sophie, Aidan, Brecken, Ryder and Amelia; several nieces, nephews, and their families.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, March 22, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church with burial to follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.