Gilbert Hotchkiss

ALPENA — Gilbert Glenwood Hotchkiss, 89, beloved father, spouse, and grandfather, passed away on Thursday, April 3, 2025 after a long battle with lung cancer.

Gilbert was born August 6, 1935 at Alpena to Wallace and Lena (Daleske) Hotchkiss.

He married Joyce Jenssen, Dec. 11, 1955. They lived in Alpena for most of their lives until they became Snowbirds in Sun Lakes, Ariz. Gilbert worked most of his adult life at Alpena Propane Co-op where he was manager and then hauled propane to local customers, besides answering many service calls. He always felt he was the Jack of all Trades — Master of none. However, we feel — Jack of all Trades — Master of All Trades, he could fix anything!

Gilbert is survived by his wife, Joyce, daughters, Norma (Bill) Salter of Alpena, and Julie (Kirk) Ortbahn of Phoenix, Ariz.; four grandchildren, Kelli Salter of Huron, Craig (Jill) Salter of Brandon, Andrew Ortbahn of Everett, Wash., and Brian(Laura) Ortbahn of Phoenix, Ariz.; seven great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren; two siblings, sister, Joyce Mees of Wessington Springs, and brother-in-law, Roger “Bud” Jenssen of Sun Lakes, Ariz., and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Gerry, sisters Evonne Johnson and Lorraine Doran.

A Celebration of Life will be arranged in Alpena, South Dakota at a later date.