Frederick Jon Gilbert, age 74, of Comstock Park, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, August 6, 2026. He was born March 4, 1952, in Grant, Michigan to the late Clayton Gilbert and Betty Gilbert Hirst.

Fred married Vickie Lee Anderson in 1974, and started a family with their two children, Tonya and Ryan. Fred later married Shelly Ann Carlson in 1990, and had two sons, Tanner and Tyler.

In Fred’s younger years he grew up on J-8 Ranch in Bailey. He carried great pride in the life his family built there among their Galiceno horses. He held a special place in his heart for a beautiful, black horse named Esteban, whose memory remained especially dear to him. Fred later graduated from Grant High School with the class of 1970. Days after graduation, he started his career at Wolverine Building, where he was a loyal and dedicated employee for over 56 years.

You would not find a harder working man than Fred; he committed his entire career to his love of construction and Wolverine Building, along with every side job he could find. Most people view work as a necessity whereas he saw it as a hobby. Many cherished memories were seen as working to most, but to his family and friends, it was spending time together and learning from Fred. Those who were lucky enough to work with him in his later years experienced him more as a teacher and mentor, rather than the man yelling to get things done. There wasn’t a problem that Fred couldn’t solve, and he took pride in figuring out how to get the job done.

When he was not working, Fred enjoyed driving his Corvette and going to Thursday poker nights with friends - he looked forward to it all week. The most important things to him in life were his children and his family, and Fred was always willing to help anyone in need. His "Bad to the Bone" ringtone will be remembered by many, and it perfectly describes the man that he was.

Survivors include his 4 children, Tonya (Lynn) Woollard, Ryan (Ashley) Gilbert, Tanner (Janna) Gilbert, and Tyler Gilbert; grandchildren, Tristen Bonter, Josh and Justin Woollard, Emma Gilbert, Alexia DeVary, and Wyatt Gilbert; sisters, Barb (Paul) Foster, Sally (Fred) Rosel, and Kim (Kevin) Akin; brothers, Tom (Tammy) Gilbert, Art (Kristi) Gilbert, Howard (Susan) Gilbert, and Wes (Linda) Gilbert; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton Gilbert and Betty (George) Hirst; grandson, Kevin Glenn Gilbert; infant granddaughter, Hailie Bonter; brother, Rollin Gilbert; and sister, Nora (Cliff) Haff.

In honor of Fred’s life, Wolverine Construction, the West Michigan Whitecaps, and his family will host a Celebration of Life at the West Michigan Whitecaps Stadium (LMCU Ballpark, 4500 W River Drive NW, Comstock Park, MI 49321), on Monday, August 31, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friends, family, co-workers, and all whose lives were touched by Fred are warmly invited to gather, share memories, find comfort in one another, and celebrate a life that meant so much to so many. (Upon entering the stadium, follow event parking signage.)

In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A private service will be held at Beuschel Funeral Home, 5018 Alpine Avenue NE, Comstock Park, MI, on August 25, 2026, for immediate family, to provide a quiet and meaningful time for them to gather.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the American Heart Association.