Gilbert Picken Obituary

Fairmont, MN

            A Celebration of Life Visitation for Gilbert G. Picken, age 90, of Fairmont, MN, will be 1:00 to 3:00 pm on December 18, 2021, at the Lakeview Funeral Home in Fairmont. Gilbert passed away on Tuesday evening, November 30, 2021, at the Methodist Hospital in Rochester, MN. The Lakeview Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Fairmont is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Gilbert Gene Picken was born on April 23, 1931, in Peru, Iowa to Clyde Picken and Ethel Porter Picken. He graduated from high school at Truro, Iowa. From 1949 to 1956, he was employed in the accounting department of the Union Pacific Railroad in Omaha, Nebraska. During this time, he also served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1951-1953.

Gil graduated from Northwestern College in Minneapolis with a B.A. in English in 1960, obtained a B.S. in Education from the University of Minnesota in 1962, and received a Master’s in Library Science from the University of Michigan in 1968. He taught high school English in Adams, Minnesota until June of 1964, when he was hired at the Genesee County library in Flint, Michigan, serving in the bookmobile department and later in the reference department.

In August of 1969, he began his position as director for the newly opening Martin County Public Library in Fairmont, Minnesota, serving in this position until his retirement 26 later.

Gil was a longtime member of the Rose Lake Golf Club, and some of his fondest memories were of golfing with friends and family. He enjoyed reading, gardening, and taking care of his beloved dog, Sarah.

Gil is survived by his second wife, Joyce; his son, Daniel Picken (Amy Kosbab); and his daughter, Diane (Scott) Posner. Also survived by niece Deb (Mark) Covert and their daughters Abigail and Darcy Covert; nephew Dennis (Mary) Picken and their son, William Picken, all of Omaha, Nebraska.

Gilbert was predeceased by his first wife, Betty Picken; his brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Bev Picken; and a nephew, John Picken. Memorials can be made to the Martin County Public Library or the Carl Nettifee Memorial Animal Shelter.

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