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Harold "Harry" Gilbert

harold

May 20, 1940 ~ May 4, 2023

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Harold Francis "Harry" Gilbert, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and pillar of the New Hampton community, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2023, at the age of 82. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at Holy Family Parish in New Hampton with Rev. Jim Goerend celebrating the Mass. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in New Hampton with Jerod Gilbert, Scott Anderson, Steve Gilbert, Gerard Shekleton, Dwayne Gilbert, and Randy Gilbert serving as pallbearers. Friends may greet the family from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton where there will be a 7:00 p.m. Parish Scripture Service. Visitation continues an hour prior to the Mass on Wednesday at the church. Born on May 20, 1940, the son of Henry and Amalia (Glaser) Gilbert, near North Washington, Iowa, Harry lived a life full of love, laughter, and service to others. Harry attended grade school in North Washington and went on to attend New Hampton High School, graduating in 1957. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as a missile technician from 1961-1962, stationed in Texas, Illinois and Nebraska. On July 28, 1962, he married the love of his life, Patricia Ann Troyna, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Ionia, Iowa. The couple met at Pat's sister's wedding dance in Lawler and shared a love that lasted over six decades. As the owner and operator of Gilbert Towing and Radiator, Harry was known for his kindness and generosity. He once rescued a mother and her young son in the middle of a winter storm and invited her to join his family for Christmas Eve because she had nowhere else to go. Work was his hobby, and he was committed to helping others in their time of need. Harry's dedication to his community extended far beyond his business. He served as the mayor of New Hampton from 1975 - 1986, working tirelessly to improve the lives of its residents. As a member of the Jaycees, he held the positions of local and state Vice President and received numerous local and national awards for his service. His commitment to public service also led him to join the volunteer fire department, where he selflessly served alongside his fellow firefighters. In his free time, Harry enjoyed golfing with his regular foursome on Wednesday nights during the summer months. He loved the camaraderie and friendly competition it brought each week. He cherished moments spent playing cards with his family and close friends, as well as dancing to polka music. Harry had a fondness for a good slice of apple pie and took pleasure in traveling and visiting different museums. This interest in exploration led to his love for maps, often studying them and quizzing others about their geography. Harry will be remembered for his kind and friendly nature, always willing to lend a helping hand or share a laugh with those around him. His legacy of love, service, and devotion to his family. Harry is survived by his wife of 60 years, Patricia of New Hampton; two daughters, Christine (Scott) Anderson of Seattle, WA, Lisa Gilbert of Ames; one son, Al (Cindy) Gilbert of New Hampton; one grandson, Jerod (Mandy) Gilbert of New Hampton; three great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; six siblings, Mary Ann (Pat) Shekleton, Agnes (Virgil) Lentz, Marceille (Herb) Christoph, Norbert (June) Gilbert, Alvin (Patricia) Gilbert, and Doris (Louis) Haskovec.

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  3. Sending our prayers to his family. He was always doing something in his yard, his pride and joy. May his memories console you today. Jeanne and David Roder

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  12. So sorry to hear this. Our deepest sympathy Pat and family. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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  20. R.I.P Harry! Pat and family you have our sympathy! Harry hired me as a Police Officer for New Hammoton when he was Mayor!

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  24. Very sad to hear such a great man has been lost. My condolences to all his family and friends who will miss him . I remember uncle Harry well.

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  26. So sorry to read this,Sympathy to his family and all that knew this wonderful man. He will be miss in the area.

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  27. Our thoughts and prayers to Pat and the entire family! Harry was a wonderful person and a great businessman in NH for many, many years! May he rest in peace!🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻

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  34. So many wonderful memories, but one always stands out. A typical Harry incident. I was going with Patsi’s brother, Gene, and Harry, Patsi, Gene and I were standing outside the Troyna house saying good night and Harry left. We were still outside when we heard this hollering ( and swearing) and banging. We got in Genes car and went to see what was going on. Here was Harry kicking his brand new rambler and cussing it because it ran out of gas. Gene asked when he put gas in it. Harry stated he hadn’t put any in since he bought it!! “The dealer said it would run a long time before it needed a refill!!’ He owned a gas station!!!! We laughed so hard. He didn’t love that down for some time! Harry was a wonderful human being. I will always remember him, smile and be happy he was in my life.

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  42. So sorry to hear of Harry’s passing. He was always good to talk to. May he rest in peace.

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  50. Patsy, I am so sorry to hear of Harry’s passing. I will never forget the kind things he told me when Michael died!

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  51. I have so many memories that I couldn’t possibly share them all right here. Only happy childhood memories. Please check on my mom and dad once you get settled in

    Shirley Webb-Hook

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  54. Our sympathy to Pat and the family. Sorry to hear about Harry’s death. 🙏 to you all.

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  57. Condolences to Harry’s family. Spent numerous nights assisting him with wrecker calls.
    Deputy Lance Manson and Jan

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  66. Deepest sympathy to the Gilbert family. He enjoyed being a great mayor to our wonderful city.

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  72. Harry was a great friend of many of us in the Jaycees. Harry came out on a cold and snowy night to pull our car out of a snow filled ditch after we slid off the road. He didn’t want any money, that’s the kind of friend Harry was.

    Our hearts go out th his family!♥️

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  78. My sympathy and prayers to you and your family. I am sorry I won’t be home for the visitation as I am still recuperating at Mona’s.

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  80. Pat and family, our sincere sympathies.
    Harry was always there to help bring in those frozen semi trucks during frigid winters to Mike’s Service Center.

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  92. So sorry to hear this. I spent many an hour along side Harry working accidents. He was a good friend and someone we could always depend on.
    Doug Strike, former Chief Deputy Sheriff
    Chickasaw County

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  93. Our sympathy to the Gilbert family.
    Harry always had a smile for everyone. RIP
    Louise and Donn Harris

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  96. Condolences to the Gilbert family. I spent many nights assisting Harry on wrecker calls for the Sheriff’s Office. RIP.
    Deputy Manson 19-4 and Jan

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  101. Harry gave so much to his community! He was a true public servant and I totally enjoyed working with him on the New Hampton City Council for many years. Honest, hardworking, God’s servant, traits he held in abundance. Blessings to Pat and family.

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  113. So sorry for your loss. Enjoyed Harry and Pat as neighbors when we lived in New Hampton. Such a special man. Always there to lend a hand. RIP Harry. Gary and Terry Ball

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  114. Pat: My sympathy to you and your family. We now know that Harry and Jerry are tipping a few!, as they are both in a better place! Harry will be missed, so sorry.

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  115. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Pat and family. Such a kind and sweet man
    may he rest in peace. Always in your hearts ♥️

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  118. Our Sympathy and Prayers to Pat and family! He was one of the Best! May he RIP!!🙏❤️🙏

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  119. Heartfelt condolences to you, Pat, and your family. Harry and the station coffee crew discussed and solved many worldly problems over the years !

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  120. Sorry to hear about Harry’s passing. Know him for over 50 years. As a person and fellow business man. Always A friendly person. He will be missed.Ronald J Schaufenbuel.

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  122. Our condolences to Pat and all the family. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace, Harry.

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