William Gilbert Obituary

William "Dave" Gilbert, age 70, of Elwood, passed away after a courageous battle with lymphoma on Monday, July 7, 2025. Survived by his wife Becky (nee Norris) Gilbert, his daughter Jackie Gilbert and his sons Davey Gilbert and Radek Gilbert and his grandchildren Salvatore DeQuattro and Rogue DeQuattro. Preceded in death by his parents Alden and Katherine (nee Dodd) Gilbert, his first wife and mother to Jackie and Davey, Lori Gilbert (nee Shepler) and his infant son William Carl Gilbert. Dave was born on October 22, 1954 and lived his young life in Manhattan, IL. He attended Anna McDonald Grade School and Lincoln-Way Central High School. After graduating Lincoln-Way High School in 1973, Dave earned his CDL and made a living as a truck driver. Through his almost 50-year driving career, he hauled just about everything from livestock and steel coils to grain for local farmers. In 1994 Dave took a job at CDT landfill in Joliet which put him on the path that would complete his driving career. The landfill closed in 1998 and Dave took the leap of faith to start his own company. His pride and joy over the last 25+ years has been Gilbert Trucking hauling scrap steel around the Chicagoland area. Dave also enjoyed dedicating his time to the Will County Sheriff's Auxiliary in the late 90's. If he hadn't become a professional truck driver, Dave would have loved police work. Volunteering with the Auxiliary gave him the opportunity to experience it. Dave never really retired. He did find time to enjoy a couple hobbies over the years. From snowmobiles to race cars, if it went fast and made noise, Dave loved it. He tried to attend as many NHRA races as possible and loved that there was a track in his back yard. It wasn't uncommon for friends to stop in front of his house and leave a burn out. Dave was a loving husband, dedicated dad, cherished grandpa and loyal friend; he will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Visitation for Dave will take place on Friday, July 11, 2025 from 4pm-7pm with his funeral service taking place at 7pm. All services will be at Jackson Creek Fellowship Church, 25800 S. Center Rd, Monee, IL 60449. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dave's name to Jackson Creek Fellowship Church would be most appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3352, www.forsythegouldfh.com.
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