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Jan C. Gilmer Obituary – 5/23/2019


Jan Carter Gilmer, age 74, of Howard Lake, passed away peacefully Thursday, May 23, 2019, at his home.

Services will be Saturday, June 15 at noon at Delano United Methodist Church in Delano, with Pastor Christina Koppes officiating. Family and friends will gather one hour prior to the service.

Memorials are preferred to the Good Samaritan Society (Howard Lake) or Delano Food Shelf.

The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family; www.thepetersonchapel.com.

Jan was born Dec. 31, 1944, in Minneapolis, to Howard and Marjorie (Staples) Gilmer.

He was a graduate of Howard Lake High School.

Jan was united in marriage to Janet Peterson June 26, 1964. The couple lived in Howard Lake until Janet’s passing, Aug.16, 1994.

Jan’s loving companion for more than 20 years, Patricia Salmela, were together until his passing to be with our Lord.

Jan served as vice president of Gilmer Monument Works in Howard Lake until 1985, when the business was sold. He started Gilmer Hobby and Machine in 1986, continuing his passion for racing by designing, building, and selling quarter-scale race cars to clients around the world.

He also served his community from 2004 to 2016 as a member of the Howard Lake City Council.

Jan was passionate about automobiles and automotive racing. He was a self-taught artist, engineer, and craftsman, who enjoyed being a race car driver, restoring classic wood boats, and restoring race cars.

Jan had the “need for speed,” a heavy lead foot on the accelerator, and felt a sense of relaxation and peace when racing.

His works of art were cherished and admired by all fortunate to have something hand-made by Gilmer.

Jan is survived by his son, Preston Gilmer, and wife Annette Gilmer of Delano; grandsons Dylan and Cole Gilmer, of Delano; loving companion, Patricia Salmela of Cokato; along with special brother- and sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers and sister, Jerry Gilmer, Jay Gilmer, Bruce Gilmer, and Kay (Gilmer) Gerber.

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