Gilbert J. Truax, age 99, of Faribault, MN, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on October 10, 2026.
Gilbert was born on January 7, 1927, to Hazel and Larry Truax. He and his brothers, Donald and Clayton, moved from their Northfield home with their mother after she married Adolf Smith of the Dennison area. Gilbert attended Dennison Rural School and Northfield High School. At the beginning of World War II, he worked on the family farm and when he came of age, Gilbert enlisted into the Merchant Marines from 1945-1947. After leaving the service, he earned his GED and attended the University of Minnesota – Agricultural School.
Soon afterward, he met Helen Mapes at a local dance hall, and they went on to dance their way into a courtship, an engagement, and then marriage on June 25, 1949, at the Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour in Faribault, MN. The young couple settled in Northfield, MN, and went on to have 5 children. In 1957, the family moved to Faribault, and Gilbert operated multiple service stations in the area over a period of 4 decades, retiring in 1996. He had many loyal customers who became friends over the years.
Gilbert and Helen spent their retirement traveling and camping across the United States and Canada and were active members of the Minnesota Airstream Club. They were also very involved in the church at the Cathedral, where Gilbert served as a Verger and was made an Honorary Canon. Throughout his life, Gilbert had many hobbies and interests; he was an avid fastpitch softball player and coach, a Golden Gloves boxer during his Merchant Marines days, a proficient bowler, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and appreciated the athleticism of all sports. Gilbert also loved playing cards (3 & Up being a favorite) and horseshoes (especially at the campground). He was a devoted family man and rarely missed an opportunity to attend a recital or sporting event of one of his grandchildren or great-grandchildren. Gil was famous for his warm laugh, the popcorn balls he made at Christmastime, his bone-crushing handshake, and his welcoming nature and generosity.
The family is extremely grateful for the compassionate care that Gil received from the staff at Ivy Hill Senior Care and Brighton Hospice. His presence will be missed by the staff and the friends he made there.
Gilbert is survived by his children: Janet Freeman, Thomas (Mary) Truax, Gregory (Rhonda) Truax, and Gary Truax (Russell Faltersack); 8 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 28 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Joe (Judy) Smith; and sister, Barb Groth.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 73 years, Helen; father, Larry Truax; mother, Hazel Smith; stepfather, Adolf Smith; brothers, Donald and Clayton Truax; son, Charles Truax; granddaughter, Jenny Truax Erickson; brothers-in-law, Donald Mapes and Robert Groth; and son-in-law, Eugene Freeman.
Gilbert truly was a giant of a man, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Memorial services were held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour, 515 2nd Ave. NW, Faribault. Interment was at the Maple Lawn Cemetery in Faribault, with military honors provided by the Rice County Central Veterans Association.
Visitation was held on Saturday from 10:30 – 12:00 p.m. at the church.
