Obituary of Thomas Gilbertz

Colonel Thomas E. Gilbertz (Ret.), 76, of Coeur d'Alene, ID passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2014 in Boise, ID with his wife Miki by his side. He was born to the late Hubert and Mary Gilbertz, December 14, 1937, in Lewiston, Idaho. He graduated from Lewiston High School in 1956 and attended the University of Idaho before joining the Idaho State Highway Department and enlisting in the Idaho National Guard. Tom's more than 30 years of military service began as a Commissioned Second Lieutenant assigned to Headquarters Battery, 148th Field Artillery Battalion of the Idaho Army National Guard in Lewiston, Idaho. He went on to be appointed to Command positions and eventually went to work full time with the Idaho National Guard as a Battalion Training Officer and then as the Administrative Commander of the Full Time Force of North Idaho's National Guard Units, from Grangeville to Bonners Ferry. In 1980, Tom was assigned to the State Headquarters at Gowen Field where he held various positions including Commanding Officer of the Installation Support Unit at Gown Field. Tom was promoted to full Colonel in 1988 where he served until his retirement in 1992. Following retirement, Tom and his wife Miki enjoyed frequent travel, giving their time to benefit various organizations and spending time with friends and family in both Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and Yuma, Arizona. Tom will be remembered as a loving father and husband, as someone who served his community and loved his friends dearly. Tom married Marilyn Eiting in 1962 and had two daughters, Kim and Jodie. In 2005, he married Miki Wick who had two sons, Arnie Ray and Dennis. His brother, Jim Gilbertz of Spokane, Washington, precedes him in death. He is survived by his wife Miki of Coeur d'Alene; daughter Kim and son-in-law Alan Henderson of Franklin, TN; daughter Jodie and son-in-law Paul Smith of Covington, WA; son Arnie Ray and daughter-in-law Amy Wick of Lake Havasu City, AZ; son Dennis and daughter-in-law Diana Wick of Pasco, WA, as well as 8 grandchildren: Molly and Maggie Henderson, Nick and Meagan Smith, Stephanie and Kristin Wick and Amanda and Daniel Wick. Full Military Honors, a memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2014 at 11 am at The House of Faith Church, 2502 16th Avenue, Lewiston, Idaho. Arrangements are at Summers Funeral Homes, Boise, Idaho.