Robert E. Van Gilder

Robert E. Van Gilder passed away peacefully on May 4, 2023 in Frederick, MD. He was the husband of the late Thelma Demory Van Gilder who predeceased him in 2009. They had been married for 62 years.

Bob was born in Uniontown, PA on July 31, 1927. He was the son of Wesley and Ella (Yauger) Van Gilder. Bob enlisted in the US Navy in 1945, serving until 1946, as World War II was ending. He then worked for Amberger & Wohlfarth Plumbing in Washington D.C as a plumber for 44 years, until he retired.  Bob was an excellent carpenter. He assisted his father building homes in Rockville, MD, and designed and built his own home in Gaithersburg, MD. Bob and Thelma loved traveling and camping throughout the USA. After his retirement, they spent their winters in Florida where he discovered his hidden art ability after taking watercolor classes. Bob also enjoyed woodworking and created many beautiful pieces of furniture. He loved to learn new things. Bob loved God and his church. He attended and served the Rockville Free Methodist Church and Gaithersburg Church of the Nazarene.

Bob is survived by his children: David L. Van Gilder and his wife Ruthella, of Frederick; Daniel W. Van Gilder and his wife Debra, of Glenville, PA; Janice R.  Dolensky and her husband Bob, of Smithfield, VA; grandchildren: Karen Van Gilder, Julie Reagan, Amy Garrett, Brian Van Gilder, Jennifer Van Gilder, Emily McConaughey, Joshua Dolensky, Adam Dolensky; greatgrandchildren: Bailey, Kyle, Sarah, Emma, Lily, Ristynn, Brantley, Renee, Liam, Corbin; and several nieces and nephews.

Bob is predeceased by his granddaughter Angelica Van Gilder and siblings: Melford, Alma Ritenour, Naomi Overholtz and William.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 11 from 6 to 8 PM at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, and again from 10 to 11 AM on Friday, May 12.  A funeral service will be at the funeral home chapel on Friday, May 12 at 11 am. Interment will follow at Union Cemetery in Lovettsville, VA.