John Luther Gilderman

John "Jack" Luther Gilderman

Jack was born in Proctor, Minnesota in April 1930.  He grew up in Proctor, until 8th grade.  He moved to Iron Junction and lived there until he went into the service after graduating from Eveleth High School and Eveleth Junior College with an AA degree.  He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1950. He proudly served in the military from 1950 to 1954 as an Radio Mechanic and Career Guidance Specialist until he was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant.  After the service, Jack moved to Duluth Minnesota to finish college.  He graduated from the University of Minnesota, Duluth with a Bachelor's Degree in Natural Sciences in 1958.  

Jack moved to Southern California and got a job as a clerk in an engineering group at North American Aviation.  He went on to work in Data Management for North American/Rockwell as a Project Manager working on the B-1 Bomber, the Apollo missions, GPS satellite system along with other projects.  Jack retired from Rockwell International (later Boeing) in March 1988 after 29 years of service in the Space Division, having risen to the level of Supervisor/Manager. 

 Jack met the love of his life at a picnic in Los Angeles California on Labor Day weekend in 1959 and married Claire a year later.  He went on to raise four beautiful daughters.  Jack and Claire lived in Orange County California, moved to Lompoc California in 1990 then to Boise Idaho in 2000.  His beloved wife Claire passed away in 2006.  Jack and Claire enjoyed camping, traveling, volunteering and spending time with family and grandchildren.  Jack remained in Boise Idaho living his final 9 years at Valley View Senior Living Community until his passing.

Jack enjoyed serving others by working in soup kitchens, delivering clothing and supplies to those in need, teaching other volunteers, and holding leadership positions with his community Catholic Churches and the Saint Vincent de Paul Society for over 20 years.  He was also a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus.  

He is preceded in death by his wife, and one daughter. He is survived by his sister, his three daughters, eight grandchildren, and one great grandson. His family will miss his kind spirit and his “dad” jokes.  Donations in lieu of flowers may be directed to the Saint Vincent de Paul Society SW Idaho.