Charles Ira Gilbert, age 67, of rural Hitchcock, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away Thursday, November 25, 2010, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer.

His Funeral Service will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 29, at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish in Huron, SD, with burial at Altoona Cemetery in Hitchcock, SD.

His visitation will be from 1-5, Sunday, November 28, at the Welter Funeral Home in Huron, with the family present from 1-3 p.m.; or one hour prior to the service at the church.

A benefit celebrating the life of Charlie will be held at the Hitchcock School Gym on Saturday, November 27th from 6:30 pm - Midnight including a supper, silent auction and dance with band, Undercover.

Charlie was born to Harold and Lucille Gilbert on January 15, 1943 in Huron, SD. He grew up on the family farm near Hitchcock and graduated from Hitchcock High School in 1961. He went on to purchase the farm that he grew up on from his parents.

He met and fell in love with Bernice Bunny and the two were married on November 4th, 1978 at St. Martins Catholic Church in Huron.

Charlie was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church. He enjoyed golfing, travelling, restoring tractors, and having coffee with friends.

He is survived by his loving wife, Bernice, his son, Kevin Kuestermeyer, daughter-in-law, Anna, their children, Jordan, Rachael, Keara and Alex, Tyler, MN; his son, Greg Gilbert, daughter-in-law, Allison, and their daughter, Elise, North Saint Paul, MN, as well as his 14 brothers and sisters: Delores Gilbert, Redfield, SD; JoAnn (Jimmy) Schley, Hitchcock, SD; Evelyn (Beryl) Schley, Paxico, KS; Helen (Tom) Pickles, Hitchcock, SD; Richard (Mary) Gilbert, Kulm, ND; Kenneth (Shirley) Gilbert, Redfield, SD; Carol Carlson, Hitchcock, SD; Ellen Kay (Ed) Haigh, Hitchcock, SD; Jerry (Kathy) Gilbert, Hitchcock, SD; Ron (Mary) Gilbert, Hitchcock, SD; Tom (Sharlene) Gilbert; Hitchcock, SD; Connie (Al) McNeely, Pierre, SD; Susan (Chad) Martin, Moorhead, MN; Beth (Scott) Moore, Lakewood, CA and many nieces and nephews.

Charlie is preceded in death by his parents; his brother-in-law, Richard Carlson; and his niece, Julie Carlson.

The family would like to thank Huron Regional Medical Center Home Health and Hospice staff for the excellent care and support they provided Charlie and his family.