Fred Earl Gilbert

Fred E. “Moose” Gilbert passed away peacefully in his home on October 27, 2026, at the age of 85. He was born May 5, 1941, to Clifford & Matilda Gilbert in Two Rivers, WI, the 4th of nine siblings. Family was always a deeply important part of his life.

Fred was a 1960 graduate from Lincoln High in Manitowoc and joined the Navy the same year. He met Linda Boaz in San Diego and they married in May of 1965 in Honolulu, HI. Married for 35 happy years, Fred & Linda had two children and endured multiple moves & military bases between CA & HI. Linda supported Fred thru the “best and worst”...deployments during the 60s & 70s, including River Patrol Boats during the Vietnam Conflict.

After serving 21 yrs in the Navy, Fred and Linda retired to the Pacific NW in ‘81 with the enlisted rank of Chief Petty Officer. Fred ended his maritime career at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard which totaled 30 yrs in service to his country. In later years, he was Caregiver to his beloved Linda until she passed in 2000, after which he volunteered at Madigan Army Hospital in Tacoma, WA.

Fred was greatly loved by two good women in his life. He met Kathleen “Kate” Hamill at a car show. Both growing up in the Northern Midwest, they shared much in common. Fred married Kathleen, the 2nd love of his life, in 2006 at a wedding full of friends, family, Big Band music & classic Chevrolets, including Fred’s own ‘47 Chevy Business Coupe. They made their home in Lakewood, WA and enjoyed a happy & active life. Keeping family close they managed Ocean outings, Alaskan Cruises, cross country train trips, road trips with the Rainier Region, VCCA Car Club of America and enjoyed their golden years to the fullest. Kate was Fred’s Caretaker in his final years and she was with him at his passing.

He will always be loved and greatly missed by his family: Daughter Lara Lane (husband Rocky), Son Sam Gilbert (wife Cheryl); grandchildren Patrick Lane, Paige (Lane) Cape, Matthew Gilbert and Haylee Gilbert and blessed as Great Grampa to Chet Cape III and Elijah Gilbert. He found a new sense of pride in the lives of his children and in the people they became. Fred’s remaining siblings are Glenn Gilbert and three sisters; Lila Ryder, Bonnie Mutsch & Nancy Thomas of Manitowoc, whom he loved dearly.

A steadfast and caring man who enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, Fred loved telling stories of his adventures, sharing a good joke, and making people laugh. He was a plank owning fan of the Green Bay Packers, NASCAR, Mu-sic, loved to dance, classic cars and his beloved dogs, Lucy Lou & DeeDee Su, who miss him dearly.We all will cherish the memory of Fred, Moose, Chief Gilbert, beloved Husband, Big Brother, a Father to look up to, a Grand & Great Grandpa, friend to many, storyteller, someone who could fix any engine and always appreciated a good joke. His stories, laughter and the memories he created will live thru the generations and in our hearts forever.