Gilman Albert Birkholz

March 19, 1936 – May 1, 2022 

Gilman Albert Birkholz passed from this life May 1, 2022 the way he lived it, quietly and peacefully.   Gil was born in Janesville, WI on March 19, 1936 to Harold W. and Ruth L. (Bloedel) Birkholz.  Brought up with his three siblings in Janesville, Gil eventually made his way to Minnesota where he raised a family and remained the rest of his life, never abandoning his loyalty to the Green Bay Packers.  He was an industrious and adept craftsman, which served him well in a variety of occupations and provided for hours of contentment in his workshop in retirement.  If you needed something built or fixed, he was the guy to see.  With a love of music, he thoroughly enjoyed singing in the church choir and performing in barbershop quartets.   

Gil married his beloved wife Dolores in 1986, residing first in Edina, MN, then retiring to their lake home on Big Sandy Lake in McGregor, MN.  Being an outdoorsman, he spent many happy hours fishing year-round on the lake, bird watching, hunting deer and gardening.  With a keen eye for nature he was always the first to point out a hawk or eagle in the distance or a heron barely visible in the reeds.  Gil was a kind and patient man, a steady friend to many and always there to help when needed.  He will be greatly missed.  In his quiet manner he bravely endured a long and serious illness with dignity and grace, never complaining and always grateful to those who helped him along the way.   

Gil is preceded in death by his parents, wife Dolores, son Brad, brothers Sylvester and Harold Birkholz, sister Dorothy Decker.   He is survived by his children Mike (Gail) Hoard, Tammy (Tom) Eckert,  and Trish Birkholz; Dolores’ children Mary (Christopher) Thurn, Mike (Vicki) Uselman, Rob (Nancy) Uselman, Randy Uselman; grandchildren Kane Halley, Sara (Erin Richman) Uselman, Nick (Moriah) Uselman, Noah Uselman, Nate Uselman, Abigail Uselman and Isaac Uselman; great grandchildren Alex and Cassie Richman.  A celebration of Gilman’s life will be held at a later date.   Memorials to the American Cancer Society. 

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