Lavina Johanna Gilbert, 87 of Mountain Iron died peacefully Tuesday, May 21, 2024. She was born December 8, 1936, in Snellman MN, the daughter of Ernest and Aileen (Sandback) Parker. She was a 1955 graduate of Chisholm High School. Lavina married James (Jim) Gilbert on June 11, 1955.

Lavina was a Homemaker for many years, caring for her husband and four children. Her professional attributes included work at Cluett Peabody, serving as the Secretary for Messiah Lutheran Church and teaching in the preschool at Mountain Iron Buhl School District. She had a deep love for her church, spending many years as a Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School coordinator and volunteer for Youth Group.

Lavina enjoyed wintering in Tucson with Jim. Hiking trails, Blueberry Picking, Cooking, and baking sweets from her church cookbook & bringing her dogs for a run.  She loved sitting on her porch visiting with family and enjoying the sun.

She is survived by her children, Brian (Rhonda Meyer) Gilbert of Mountain Iron, Jolene Gilbert of Buhl and Elaina Gilbert of Mountain Iron; Grandchildren Jamey Kaster, Ryan ( Jesse Frankson) Kaster, Taylor ( Sara) Gilbert, Paige ( Michael Dincau) Gilbert and Parker Gilbert; Great-Grandchildren, Emma Kaster, Steven Kaster, Bristol Gilbert, Teagan Gilbert, Lyla Dincau, Rhett Dincau and Dean Dincau; Sisters, Lee VanDamme of Glencoe MN, Lilly Nybo of Eveleth MN, John ( Char Perry) Suomala of Stanchfield MN and Phyllis ( Dean Johnson) Suomala of Buhl MN; nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Jim, daughter Janeane, sister Mary, bother Maurice and niece Sadie.

A celebration of Lavina’s life will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church on Saturday, June 1st at 10:30 AM.

Family Services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share condolences online, please visit: www.baumanfuneralhome.com .