Gilbert William Cross

Age 71 of Lake Elmo

Passed away November 22nd, 2020 at his home, lovingly surrounded by family.

Gilbert leaves behind his beloved wife, Kristie; children Gilbert Tyler (Amy), Alison (Matthew) Sturm, and Amanda (Stephen) Fitze; grandchildren Aria, Kadance, and Owen Sturm, William, and Adeline Fitze; parents, Gilbert and Jean; sister, Linda (Donald) Fila; and many other nieces, nephews, and friends.

Gil was born in Flint, MI and was a graduate of Kearsley High School.  He received his Bachelor of Science in Forestry from Michigan Technological University where he was also the president of the fraternity, Tau Kappa Epsilon. He went on to earn a Master’s degree in Park and Recreation Resources from Michigan State University. More significantly, MSU is where he met the love of his life, Kristie. They were married on May 12, 1973 and enjoyed 47 years of growing together in all of love’s trials and tribulations.

Gil had many careers and interests throughout his life. Early in his career, Gil started a degree program at Frederick Community College, Frederick, MD for Park Operation and Management. He then worked for the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission where he was head of facilities at Cabin John Park, Bethesda, MD and also worked as a Park and Forest Ranger. When the family relocated to Minnesota, Gil took on a job with The Keller Corporation working in mortgage loans and property management. Gil then created his own property management company, Metro Community Management, with its motto being, “No magic wand, just excellent service!” Gil worked for several other property management firms while publishing multiple papers on property management for the Community Associations Institute, where he also served as president for several years. Gil prided himself on being an expert in his field and was called on multiple times serving as an expert witness in several legislative hearings at the Minnesota Capitol. In his later years Gil worked for construction companies as an arborist helping make critical landscaping decisions for planned communities.

Gil valued knowledge and education and maintained a strong work ethic. He embraced surrounding himself in nature where he felt the most comfortable and relaxed. This love led to a lifetime of hobbies based in nature including family camping, fly fishing as well as tying his own flies, rock climbing, painting nature scenes and doing wood carvings of wild animals.

For those who did not know Gil, his demeanor appeared quiet and reserved. However, those who really knew him were witness to his dry and witty sense of humor, as well as his passion, true caring, and zest for life. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who was loved dearly and will truly be missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to CurePSP at www.curepsp.org; follow the link at the top of the page to donate. Private Celebration of Life at 2:00 PM Friday, December 4th, 2020 livestreamed at the link below. The password is: william

Attendees of the streamed service are kindly asked to RSVP by clicking on the link at the bottom of this page.