Mike Gildart

Mike Melvin Gildart, 78, of Fort Ripley, passed away on August 17, 2025, in Duluth, Minnesota.

Mike was born on September 22, 1946 to Melvin and Elaine (Graff) Gildart in Brainerd, Minnesota. He was raised with a strong work ethic and a love of the outdoors. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army before beginning his career as a Boiler Room Technician at Potlatch. In May of 1973, Mike married the love of his life, Evelyn Magnan, and together they built a family grounded in love, laughter, and hard work.

A man of many passions, Mike enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and collecting antiques. He found joy in the simple things and was happiest when surrounded by nature and his family.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Evie; children, Jason (Clarissa) Gildart and Lisa Gildart; grandchildren, Chloe, Lily, Cheyanne, Ava, and Remy; and siblings, Pat Oberg, Joliene (Jerry) Grams, and Jeff (Karen) Gildart.

Services for Mike will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in Baxter. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by a service at 10:30 a.m. Interment will take place 1 p.m. at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls.

Mike will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and a man whose quiet strength and steady presence left an enduring impact on all who knew him.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.