Racine – Gilbert Barrientez Jr., age 81, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, December 11. His beloved wife, Josie, was his caregiver for him as he battled cancer. Gilbert was born on February 18, 1941 in Karns City, Texas. He is the son of the late Gilbert, Sr. and Teofila (nee: Saenz) Barrientez.

Gilbert married the love of his life, Josie Medel, on July 27, 1959 in San Antonio, Texas. In 1966, he moved his family to Racine in hopes of a better life for his young family. Gilbert was employed by JI Case for 33 years before retiring in 1999 with his brothers. Gilbert loved his family dearly and family was important to him. After retirement, Gilbert spent his first years babysitting his great grandsons and later would volunteer at his grandchildren's schools for field trips, lunchroom duties, and design bulletin boards. He soon became known as Grandpa Gilbert in the building. Gilbert was a man that believed in the power of prayer, family traditions, and hard work. He was an avid gardener, he enjoyed Sunday brunch with family, Tejano music, barbecuing, decorating for Holidays, going to casinos and a good rummage sale.

Gilbert is survived by his wife Josie; his children, Stella (Ruben) Rodriguez, Christina (Robert) Rodriguez, Norma (Paolo) Cortese, and Gilbert III; his son-in-law, Reynaldo Carbajal; his grandchildren; Nicole, Alejandro, Jared, Ruben (Julissa), Jesus (Lisa), Erica (Jeremiah), Amanda (Terry), Amelia (Rodney), Benjamin (Mickey), Paola, and Caterina. Gilbert has 27 great-grandchildren and 4 great- great-children. He is preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Mary Barrientez Carbajal, and she will be laid to rest with him. A very special "Thank you" to Holistic Hospice Staff, especially his nurse, Sonia, and Dart Bus services.

Service for Gilbert will be held on Friday, December 16 @ 12:00PM at Apostolic Faith Church, 3045 Airline Road in Mount Pleasant. The service will be led by Gilbert's grandson, Terry Lough. Relatives and friends may meet with Josie and family at church beginning @ 10:00AM until the time of service. Gilbert will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery, 5600 Holy Cross Road in Caledonia. Those who wish to attend Gilbert's committal service will meet at the front entrance to the cemetery by 1:15PM.

#Barrientezstrong ❤️

Memorial Suggestions

The family has suggested memorials in Gilbert's name to the American Cancer Society through their website: www.cancer.org