Gilbert passed away Tuesday evening, Nov. 30, 2021, at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minn. Lakeview Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Fairmont is assisting the family with arrangements.

Gilbert Gene Picken was born April 23, 1931, in Peru, Iowa, to Clyde Picken and Ethel Porter Picken. He graduated from high school in Truro, Iowa. From 1949 to 1956, he was employed in the accounting department of the Union Pacific Railroad in Omaha, Neb.. 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, and then obtained a B.S. in Education from the University of Minnesota in 1962. He taught high school English in Adams, Minn. until June of 1964, when he was hired at the Genesee County Library in Flint, Mich., 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, Minn., serving in this position until his retirement over thirty years 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, Neb. Gilbert was predeceased by his first wife, Betty Picken; 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. www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net

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