Stephen Gilbert

Stephen Keith Gilbert

Beloved son to Sharon Gilbert and John M. Esquibel, father to Isaac Gilbert, went to be with our Lord and Savior on January 21, 2024. He was born on December 24, 1969, to Sharon Gilbert and John M. Esquibel in San Diego, California. As a child, it wasn't surprising when a stray puppy or kitty followed him home. He always had a soft spot and a big heart for all animals. He was a talented and competitive quarterback, winning the golden helmet MVP award and Scholar-Athlete award at Crawford High School in San Diego. His talent and love for baseball earned him a spot on a semi-pro team in Mexico for a short time. His devotion to the San Diego Chargers and Padres lived on with loyalty, even after moving to Minnesota in the late '90s. After moving, he finished his radio communications degree at Brown College in MN and began a career as Ty James and worked for several radio stations, including Hot 96.7 in Mankato. He would take his son Isaac to every event he possibly could, including parades, concerts and even snowboarding. He devoted himself to being a good father, sacrificing many dates and workdays to care for his son. Once Keith was your friend, you were family. His loyalty and friendship transcended the miles between California and Minnesota, remaining close to the many friends he made in his life. Keith could lighten even the most serious of moods with his lighthearted nature and witty sense of humor. His compassion and charm will be missed by many. There aren't many on the planet who could love and endure like he could. You will be forever and greatly missed, Dad. We all love you.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Pete and Margaret Esquibel, Jean and Gil Gilbert, and his mother, Sharon Gilbert. He is survived by his father John M. Esquibel; his aunts, Sandra Gilbert and Elizabeth Esquibel; his brother, Neil Esquibel; his sisters, Lisa Esquibel and Melanie Seibert-Esquibel; his best friend, Jamal Howard; and his son, Isaac Gilbert, along with many more friends and family.