Gene James Gilbert, age 76, of Baraboo, passed away at his home from natural causes on Friday, March 20, 2026, with family nearby. Gene, the son of Gene and Dorothy (Jung) Gilbert, was born on September 24, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from Lane Tech High School in Chicago and went on to study English at Northeastern Illinois University. During this time, he met the first love of his life, Sharon Zvolner. They later moved west to California, where he and Sharon were married and went on to have four children. In 1986, the family moved to Baraboo, Wisconsin, where Gene continued his long and steady career with the United States Postal Service, serving for over 30 years until his retirement. In 2009, he was united in marriage to Min Shen in Baraboo, and together they shared his later years. Gene was, at his core, a creative spirit living within the structure of a government career. He was a writer, poet, and musician whose artistic perspective never left him. Though he built a life defined by consistency and dedication through his work with the Postal Service, he carried that creativity in his words, his humor, his thoughtful gestures, and the way he saw the world, often with a story or observation close at hand. He had a way of connecting with people, whether through conversation or a well-timed joke, leaving a lasting impression on those who crossed his path. Raised in a hardworking Chicago family, Gene remained a proud North Sider throughout his life and a loyal fan of the Bears, Cubs, and Blackhawks, even while living in Wisconsin. His quick wit and easygoing personality made him welcome anywhere, and he was always ready to brighten someone’s day. Known for his dependability and punctuality, he was the kind of father who never missed a game, always showed up, and made sure his family got where they needed to be, especially when it came to youth sports. He was an avid collector of sports memorabilia and a thoughtful gift giver whose generosity was his love language. He led his family through many meaningful experiences, including an extended “trip” to Israel in the late 1980s. In his later life, while time may have softened certain details, it never took his humor. He always had a joke in his back pocket and a way of keeping people smiling. Gene will be remembered for his humor, his stories, his role as a beloved “Papa,” and the way he showed up for his family and for others, always leaving people better than he found them. He is survived by his wife, Min of Baraboo; his children, Charis Gilbert of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Jordan Gilbert of Baraboo, Matt (Kristy) Gilbert of Baraboo, and Julian (Danielle) Gilbert of Chicago, Illinois; his step-daughter, Wei Zhang of Baraboo; his grandchildren, Jacob, Tyler, Isaac, Madilyn, Evan, Liam, and Joshua; his siblings, Pamela Lemus, Sandra (Ray) Martinek, and sister-in-law Winnie Gilbert; and the mother of his children, Sharon Gilbert. He is further survived by loving nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, John Gilbert; his sisters, Phyllis Taylor, Patricia Gilbert, and Paulette Gilbert. The family invites you to a visitation that will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home in Baraboo, Wisconsin. A private family celebration of life will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gene’s honor to the Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets, the National Association of Letter Carriers, or a Baraboo youth sports program of your choice.

Greg Lang March 20, 2026

Acquaintance Reedsburg ,

Sorry for your loss.

Dan and Karla Vale March 21, 2026

Friends Baraboo , Wisconsin

Gene you will be missed. You always made us laugh.

Rebecca Lack March 21, 2026

Acquaintance Baraboo , Wisconsin

You will be missed gene you always made me laugh...

Barbara J Opatik March 21, 2026

Friend of loved ones Baraboo , Wisconsin

Matt and family. So sorry for your families loss. Prayers are sent

Borys Kusyk March 21, 2026

Acquaintance Beaufort , South Carolina

Sorry for your loss. Gene was one of a kind, quick wit and smile.

Ms Chris Baltazar March 21, 2026

Friend Wisconsin Dells , Wisconsin

My deepest sympathy to your family. I have many fun memories during our Antique/Collectible days on Oak St.

Jim Bowen March 23, 2026

Friends from Baraboo Post Office. Baraboo , Wisconsin

My prayers are thoughts with you and your family. He always makes me laugh with his jokes when we were working together at the post office. Take care and rest easy my friend!

Stephanie (Stevie) Lund March 23, 2026

Retired Co-worker Portage , Wisconsin

My deepest sympathy and prayers to the Gilbert family. I had the pleasure of working with Gene at the PO. His creative sense of humor could always put a smile on your face. He will be missed, but remembered by many.

Jerry Mandelstam March 23, 2026

Former In-law Flower Mound , Texas

I’m so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. My condolences to the entire Gilbert family. My interactions with Jim were always good, always enjoyable and memorable. I will miss his sports related posts on Messenger that were always honoring to Chicago sports legends. Rest in peace Jim….you will be missed.

Lori Sanders March 23, 2026

Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin

My condolences. I am so sorry for your loss. May God bless you and keep you, and give you comfort at this time, and always!

Sharon A Drennan-Huizinga March 23, 2026

Long time friend of the family. Minocqua , Wisconsin

You will be missed. Your jokes you used to send me in messenger were always a delight. Rest easy my friend.

Marlene Lawtonon March 23, 2026

FRIEND Deforest 53532 , Wisconsin

I was Gene's supervisor at Lands End. Or should I say he was mine. He always had a joke to tell or some words of wisdom to share. He was a caring man. Rest in peace Gene. You will be remembered by many.

Becky Greenway March 23, 2026

Former co-worker at USPS Reedsburg , Wisconsin

My heartfelt sympathy to the family. I was fortunate to work with Gene at the Baraboo Post Office where he kept us laughing with his endless supply of jokes and keen sense of humor. He will indeed be missed.

richard wheet March 23, 2026

Best Friend Woodway , Texas

Jimmy and I have been best friends since we were in elementary school at age 10. Whenever I was visiting Chicago either Jimmy would drive to Chicago or, in recent years, I would make the trip to Baraboo. My condolences to Jim’s family.. we will all miss him..

Pam Drohomyreky March 23, 2026

Friend Middleton , Wisconsin

My sincere condolences. A great guy, witty and kind!

Dennis Mullarkey March 24, 2026

Friend Cedar Rapids , Iowa

My condolences to Gene's family. I went to high school with Gene for a short period of time, getting to know him then and in recent years reconnecting via social media. All of the comments about Gene that I have read sum up the same person I knew back in 1968. He was a good friend. May he rest in peace.

Cindy Pfanku March 25, 2026

Friend Broken Arrow , Oklahoma

I am very sad to hear of Gene’s passing I knew him and his initial family and met his dad and step-mom when they lived a bit in ‘boo I always enjoyed Gene’s personality and how his brain was always ticking! His daughter has his smile for sure! It was hard not to tease him those many yrs - maybe too much My prayers and love to his families for such a loss

Gordy March 25, 2026

friend/former co-worker Red Wing , Minnesota

Ecclesiastes 3:4 says there is a time to laugh. That is usually when Gene entered a room! He will be missed!

Nancy Peidelstein March 27, 2026

friend Baraboo , Wisconsin

Will always remember Gene for his readiness with a good joke and his advocacy for keeping a mailbox handy at the grocery store on the east side.

Ruth M Browning March 30, 2026

Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin

My deepest condolences to the family. Gene was definitely a character and always had a smile and a story to share. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by many.

Albulena Dzeladini March 28, 2026

Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin

Gene was a beloved regular at our family’s restaurant, Four Star Family Restaurant, and he brought so much joy with him every time he walked through the door. He was always cracking jokes and had such a wonderful sense of humor that brightened everyone’s day. He held a special place in our hearts—especially for my child, who absolutely adored him. Gene took the time to teach him the game “Hi five, to the side, down low… too slow,” and it became a moment my child will never forget. Gene’s kindness, warmth, and laughter made a lasting impression on all of us. He will always be remembered and deeply missed. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. —Isak, Amdija, Buska, Ben and Albie