Gilbert "Gib" Felton
Gilbert “Gib” Felton, age 93, of Northfield, MN passed away with his family by his side Sunday evening, September 6, 2020 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN following a brief illness. A graveside service and interment were held Saturday, September 12 at Portland Prairie Cemetery, Eitzen, MN (rural Caledonia).
Gilbert John Felton was born June 28, 1927 in Neenah, WI to John W. and Annette (Zick) Felton. He was raised on the family farm and attended Neenah schools, graduating from Neenah High School in 1945. June 27, 1945, he was inducted into the U.S. Navy and served during WWII.
In 1952, he received his Bachelors of Education degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. In 1962, he received his Masters of Education degree from the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls.
August 25, 1951, Gib married Eileen Lapham at Caledonia Methodist Church. After marriage he completed his degree and they moved to Harmony, MN for one year before moving to Waukon. Gib taught eighth grade American History along with coaching junior high football, basketball and track. He retired in 1987 after 35 years of teaching and coaching.
In retirement he enjoyed woodcarving, caning chairs, furniture restoration, gardening, and making doll houses and barns for his grandchildren. He and Eileen enjoyed traveling and attending elder hostels. Gib was also an avid sports fan.
In 2001, Eileen and Gib moved to Northfield, MN. They were members of Northfield United Methodist Church and were former active members of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Waukon. Eileen passed away March 6, 2018.
Survivors include his children, Sharon Reynolds of Lincoln, IL, Maribeth (Paul) Beck of Northfield, MN and Grant (Tracy) Felton of Maple Grove, MN; seven grandchildren, Wesley (Katie) Reynolds, Katy Reynolds, David Beck, Kristin Beck, Taylor Felton, Carlye Felton and Mackenzie Felton; two great-granddaughters, Lily and Nora; two sisters-in-law, JoAnn Felton of Ripon, WI and Nancy Felton of Anchorage, AK; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Eileen; his son-in-law, Clyde Reynolds; his brothers, Chester and Willard; and his parents.
Memorials are preferred to Portland Prairie Cemetery Association or the Northfield Community Action Center. Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home, www.northfieldfuneral.com.
