Robert James Gilbertz

Robert James Gilbertz February 18, 1927 – November 25, 2016 “Well you know…” (As he liked to begin a conversation) Robert James Gilbertz died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on November 25, 2016. Robert was born on February 18, 1927 to Emma and John P. Gilbertz (the same day as his mother’s 30th birthday) in Ferdinand, Idaho. He was the youngest of four children. After his father’s death when Bob was a teenager, his family moved to Portland. He attended Central Catholic High School and University of Portland. He worked for Southern Pacific Railroad for 45 years. He was a member of the Portland Chancellor Club where he met and married Joan Twitchell and developed many lifelong friends. Bob and Joan were married over 59 years and had five children, seven grandchildren and one and a half great grandchildren. He loved the services and the people at both St Agatha and Sacred Heart Catholic Churches. He coached CYO basketball at St Agatha where his children and grandchildren attended school. He spent many hours each week at the St. Agatha Adoration Chapel and was an adult server at the 6:30 AM mass. He was named St Agatha’s Holy Name man of the year in 1976. He gave 19 gallons of blood for the American Red Cross. Robert enjoyed being active. He could be seen walking around the neighborhood most evenings, going to the beach, skiing and hiking with family. He played regular games of pinochle and poker both with his men’s group and with Joan in couple’s groups. He ventured out most weekdays to play golf with friends. He was curious about the people he met preferring to focus conversations on them. He is survived by his wife Joan, all his children Nancy (Paige Sipes-Metzler) Gilbertz, Mollie Starr, Tom Gilbertz, Ed Gilbertz and Amy (Jeff) Delegato, Grandchildren David (Julia) Starr, Josh Starr, John & Robert Delegato, Reed, Meg & Chas Metzler-Gilbertz, great grandchildren Hanna Starr, his brother John Gilbertz, nephews Tim (Anita) Mayhew and Mike (LaDonna) Mayhew and many cousins. Remembrances gratefully requested to Friends of St Agatha or Sacred Heart Building Fund. The Recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 10:00 am, Tuesday, December 6, 2016 followed the Funeral Mass at 10:30 am at St. Agatha Catholic Church. A reception will follow the Mass then the committal services with military honors will follow at 2:30 pm at Willamette National Cemetery. Please leave a condolence for the family. Service Information