Gilbert Tritabaugh of Paynesville died Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009, at Koronis Manor in Paynesville. He was 85.
Services were held at Grace United Methodist Church in Paynesville at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, with Rev. Richard Koehn officiating. Interment was at the Paynesville Cemetery.
Gilbert Charles Tritabaugh was born Feb. 13, 1924, in Fairhaven to Jacob and Ruth (Schoeppler) Tritabaugh. He grew up in Fairhaven and attended school there. May 11, 1946, he was united in marriage to Lois Shultz in South Haven. Two daughters were born to this union. In 1946, the family moved to Paynesville. Gilbert drove a gas truck for North Central Public Service for the majority of his career. In his later years, he also drove for Cenex. Gilbert enjoyed all the years he drove truck. and made many friends and acquaintances among his customers.
He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church and was very active in the church choir, singing second tenor. He was also involved in the Paynesville Lions Club, Paynesville Historical Society, and the development of the Senior Center.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Adeline Filbert; and twin brother Hilburn Tritabaugh.
Gilbert is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lois of Paynesville; daughters Diane Halstead of Oak Grove, and Doris (and Larry) Langford of Ruidoso, N.M.; grandchildren Scott (and Laura) Sjogren and family of Amery, Wis., and Heidi (and Rick) Randa and family of Blaine; sisters Marie Rutherford of Waite Park, Roberta (and Bernard) Hinz of Fair Haven, Janette (and Alfred) Hentges of St. Michael; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Casketbearers were John Tritabaugh, Rick Randa, Warren Theel, Roger Hinz, Walley Sjogren, and Jen Theel. Music was provided by Jeff Kane, soloist, and Helen Olsen, organist. Arrangements were by Johnson & Harvey Anderson Funeral Homes.