Dwight Gilbert, age 71, of Zeeland, joined his Lord and Savior on Friday, July 10, 2026. He was raised in Wayland and graduated from Wayland High School. He met the love of his life at Batts Inc. in Zeeland and they were married in April of 1978. He stayed with the company after they changed to Artex Label and Graphics and retired in June 2022 after 48 years. He enjoyed serving as a volunteer firefighter in Blendon & Olive Townships for 22 years. He loved camping and boating with his family. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and his dalmatian dogs.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 48 years, Carolynn; daughter, Jennifer (James) Bing; grandchildren: Brayleigh, Corbin; sisters-in-law, Peggy (Mark) Ochsankehl, Lori Brooks; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and Myrtle Gilbert; sisters: Janet, Bonnie, brother-in-law, Ronald Brooks.
According to his wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of Dwight’s life will be held at a later date. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society.
I want to express my sincere condolences to Dwight’s family on behalf of my brothers Bill, John and myself. We shared the school bus stop with Dwight when he attended Mattawan elementary and junior high school. Dwight lived about a half mile away at the Pretty Lake Camp. He and I were in the same grade. We both played the cornet in band and had many fun adventures together outside of school.
A memorable event was the sixth grade softball tournament. Dwight and I were on different teams. Both our teams made it to the championship game where we were opponents. In the bottom of the last inning my team was ahead by one or two runs. I think there were two outs, two on base and Dwight at bat. I’d seen Dwight bat enough times to know there were two probable outcomes as I watched from my position in right field. Dwight would either strike out or hit a deep home run down the 3rd base line. He hit a beautiful home run down the 3rd base line. He won the game and was the hero for his team. I hated to lose, but I was glad Dwight was the hero for the winning team.
I only saw Dwight a couple of times after his family moved away but the memories of the time I spent with Dwight, the kindness of his parents and sister Bonnie remain fresh in my mind.
Jim Selkirk
- Jim Selkirk
I went to school with Dwight I have many great memories sitting next to him in classes as we sat alphabetically back then. We reconnected on Facebook and he shared being on the fire department my husband was also a fireman so we had talked about that .I will always remember what a kind thoughtful caring man your Dad was .I will keep all the family in my prayers so sorry for your loss. Helen Wagner
- Helen Gonzales Wagner
SINCERLY WILL BE MISSED. NEIGHBOR FOR MNAY YEARS. ENJOYED BIBLE STUDY.
- KEN VANDERWALL
We both remember Dwight from our days at Pretty Lake. His dad was the care taker of Pretty Lake Vacation Camp. We got reconnected after David and I got married. He will be missed by many but all the memories of him will keep him alive in your hearts! God Bless!
- David and MaryJane Hames
