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GRAND DETOUR – Cheryl L. Gilbert, 69, of Grand Detour, died Monday, March 16, 2015, at her home. Cheryl had cancer, which she defiantly fought, triumphantly outliving her original prognosis by more than 14 years.
She was born March 23, 1945, in Sycamore, the daughter of Clifford and Kathryn (Gustafson) Boehmer. Cheryl married Vincent E. Gilbert on Sept. 4, 1976, in Washington, District of Columbia. He preceded her in death Dec. 17, 2004.
Cheryl worked at Howell Pipe Organ Co. in Dixon for 28 years, and worked with Vince tuning organs and pianos. She was the first woman in the United States to become a certified pipe organ tuner and was a member of the American Institute of Organ Builders. Cheryl received many kindnesses over the years, and truly enjoyed paying it forward (sometimes anonymously).
Survivors include her brothers, George Ernest (Jean) Boehmer of Wetumpka, Alabama, John Michael (Jo) Boehmer of Kirkland, and Clifford Jerome (Susan Wallace) of Cambridge, Massachusetts; her sisters, Debita Kay Graham of Saline, Michigan, and Patricia Ann (Mike) Stark of Hampshire; stepbrothers, Bill (Hannah) Tucker and Jim (Ann) Tucker; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; stepchildren, Byron Gilbert, Brion (Jean) Gilbert, Charles (Josephine) Crossen Jr., Deborah (Scott) Turnbull, and Dorcas (Keith) Vierow; and special friends, Rodney "Bud" Denekus and Patty Powers.
She also was preceded in death by her parents; stepmother, Peggy; and brother-in-law, Michael Graham.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to each of Cheryl's kind neighbors and caring health care providers. She'll be missed by many, including her little dog, Darla Sue.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday and the funeral at 11 a.m. Saturday at Jones Funeral Home in Dixon, with the Rev. Vincent Marrandino officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Manhattan, Kansas.
A memorial has been established to Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. Visit themmrf.org for more information.
Visit thejonesfh.com to send condolences.