1931 – 2014

FARMINGTON — LeRoy F. Gilbank, 83, of Farmington, passed away Saturday, March 29, at Franklin Memorial Hospital.

He was born on March 6, 1931, in Beloit, Wis., a son of Thomas Charles and Florence Hannah (Webb) Gilbank. He attended local schools there, graduating from Beloit Memorial High School. LeRoy married Gloria Blair on April 8, 1951, and they had three children. He later married Joy Smith Knight on May 27, 1979.

LeRoy worked for Beloit Corp. for 46 years, starting as a draftsman and progressing to the position of mechanical project engineer. He was instrumental in the installation and start-up of many of the paper machines currently running throughout the United States and Mexico.

He enjoyed golfing, bowling and boating. LeRoy was a member of Old South Congregational Church in Farmington. He was also a past president of the Porter Lake Fish and Game Association.

He is survived by his three children, Kathleen Korback and her husband, Gene, of Beloit, Wis., Karen Hogan and her husband, Shawn, of Beloit, Wis., and Ken Gilbank of Ruskin, Fla.; a brother, Jim Gilbank and his wife, Nell, of Clinton, Wis.; stepchildren, Karl Knight and his wife, Kathy, of Dixfield and Dorothy Unkles and her husband, Ted, of Bradford, Vt.; two granddaughters, Jennifer Cook and Stephanie Day; seven stepgrandchildren, Benjamin and Kelsey Unkles and Kevin, Holly, Thomas, Hannah and Rachel Knight; and four great-grandchildren, Jazmine, Devan, Dylan and Carter.

He was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Loraine; a daughter-in-law, Karen Gilbank; and his wife, Joy Gilbank.

Words of condolence and tribute may be shared with LeRoy’s family and friends on his tribute wall at www.wilesrc.com.

Copy the Story Link