Gilbert "Gib" Frank DeKlotz

Gilbert Frank DeKlotz, Jr. 1929 - 2015 Gilbert Frank DeKlotz, Jr., 86 of Filer, Idaho passed away at his home August 20, 2015 with his loving wife and family by his side. Gilbert was born May 22, 1929 in Twin Falls Idaho, the son of Gilbert, Sr. and Agnes Starkey DeKlotz. His mother died when he was six weeks old. Later, his father married Florence Starkey, who was his first wife's sister. She helped raise Gilbert and his three older sisters, his three younger sisters and two brothers. In 1947 he graduated from Filer High School, and then attended the University of Idaho. On October 18, 1953, he married the love of his life, Eleanor Kistler and to this union were born two children, Martin and Linda, and two granddaughters, Adrianne and Marla DeKlotz. They would be married 62 years in October. Gilbert farmed for 22 years and then worked in the maintenance department as a millwright at CSI for 20 years. A long-standing member of the Filer United Methodist Church, Gilbert served several years on the Board of Trustees of the Oregon - Idaho Conference. He also served many years as a resource counselor at Camp Sawtooth, North of Fairfield. He was past president of the Dilettante's of Magic Valley; was a member of Filer - Hollister Masonic Lodge #55 AF & AM and served as chaplain for the Lodge. As an accomplished woodworker, Gilbert won numerous awards on his lathe work at the Idaho Wood Carver's Competitions and the county fair. He loved wildflowers and presented a slide show on wild flowers to many schools and organizations. He was a volunteer at the Buzz Langdon Visitor Center for many years. He loved geology, astronomy, history and all types of construction. He also liked to cook and travel. Surviving Gilbert is his loving wife, Eleanor DeKlotz of Filer; son, Martin (Roberta) DeKlotz of Twin Falls; granddaughters, Adrianne and Marla DeKlotz. Daughter, Linda DeKlotz (Melvin Howard) Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota; sisters, Margaret Brown, Helen Brake, and Jessie Olson all of Filer, Idaho; Mary Campbell of Spokane, WA; Betty Lou Brabb of Potlatch, Idaho and Karen Judd of Olympia, WA. Also surviving is his brother, Ralph DeKlotz of Boise, ID and many loving nieces and nephews, and his "adopted" kids LaDonna and Larry Andrews. Gilbert is preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother and brother John. Funeral services for Gilbert will be held Tuesday, August 25, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home 2551 Kimberly Rd., Twin Falls, ID with Pastor Mike Hollomon officiating. Private interment will be held prior to services at the Filer Cemetery, Filer, Idaho. In lieu of flowers the family wishes memorials be made to Camp Sawtooth (Methodist camp) or the CSI Foundation. All services and arrangements are under the direction of Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home of Twin Falls, Idaho. Those wishing to share memories and condolences may do so on Gilbert's Memorial webpage at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com