Gilbert A. Blatz, age 91, of St. Paul Park , passed away Wednesday November 19, 2008 at United Hospital in St. Paul .

Gilbert was born June 20, 1917 in Richfield , MN the son of Edward and Susanna (Bungert) Blatz. He grew up in New Trier, MN and attended school at St. Mary’s Catholic School .

During the period of March 14, 1941 and October 13, 1945, he was a soldier in the U.S. Army. On May 22, 1944, Gilbert was married to Sabina Riesgraf at St. John’s Catholic Church in Union Hill , MN . They planned their wedding in one week and shortly there after Gilbert was sent overseas where he served in Northern France and Rhineland . It was there that he earned the EAME Ribbon with 3 Bronze Stars, the American Defense Ribbon, and the Good Conduct Medal.

Gilbert was a devoted husband and family man. He enjoyed woodworking, cards, reading, and gardening. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Gilbert is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Sabina; children Linda (Roger) Andres, Gloria (Terry) McLean, Ambrose, Harold (Carol), Eileen Blatz, Charles (Debbie), Karen (Jon) Bendix, Mary (Homer) Goff, Joe, Virgil (Debbie), and Tony (Lori); 31 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren. Also survived by his brothers and sisters Lorraine Doffing, Dorothy Eckhart, LeRoy (Mary Ann), Alvin (Ferrell) sister-in-law Susie Blatz; many nieces, nephews, other family and friends.