Donald E. Gilbert, 80, of Minden, passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at his home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at the First Christian Church in Minden with Kay Tira officiating. Interment will be held following the service at the Minden Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, January 6, 2025, at Craig Funeral Home in Minden. Memorials in Don's honor are kindly suggested to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the care of Craig Funeral Home in Minden.

Donald Earl Gilbert was born on November 22, 1944, in Kearney to Lloyd B. and Ruby V. (Bloomfield) Gilbert. He grew up in the Minden area, graduating with the Minden High School Class of 1963. Don faithfully served in the National Guard from 1964 to 1970.

He was united in marriage to Judith K. Adams on August 14, 1965, in Hastings and to this union, three children were born: Lynthia, Clarinda "Linda", and Earl. The family made their home in Minden where Don worked for many years as a "professional hired man". He worked for Harold Jensen for 19 years, and then Russel Olsen for 28 years.

Don was a lifetime member of the First Christian Church in Minden and was also a member of the Hastings Eagles Club. He enjoyed building miniature farm buildings and dancing. Don was a hard worker and taught his family to always take pride in your work. He was a kind man that would talk to anyone but could also be quite the jokester. Don loved spending time with his family and his coffee club friends.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Judy of Minden; daughter, Clarinda "Linda" Darling and special friend, Rick Peterson, of Carol Stream, IL; son, Earl Gilbert and his wife, Lori, of Kearney; grandchildren, Travis Holl and his wife, Ashley, Lydia Darling, and Vivian Darling; great-grandson, Hadley Holl; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Lynthia Holmes; and brother, Marvin Gilbert.

Tributes and memories can be shared with the family at www.craigfunerals.com .