Tree of Life Church

Gilbert Barrientez Jr., age 81, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, December 11, 2022. 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, 2022 at 12:00 PM at Apostolic Faith Church, 3045 Airline Rd, Mt Pleasant, WI 53406. The service will be led by Gilbert’s grandson, Terry Lough. Relatives and friends may meet with Josie and family at church beginning at 10:00 AM until the time of service. Gilbert will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery, 5600 Holy Cross Rd, Racine, WI 53402. Those who wish to attend Gilbert’s committal service will meet at the front entrance to the cemetery by 1:15 PM.

Thelma Annette Sebastian (nee Hodge), age 63, of Cincinnati, Ohio passed away on Saturday, November 26, 2022. She was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on March 20, 1959 to Marvin and Thelma Hodge.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, her brothers, Marvin Hodge, Jr. and Steven Hodge, and her sister, Kathy Hodge.

Thelma is survived by her children, Alexander David Hodge, Thelma Hodge, Jerimiah Sebastian and Alshem Sebastian. She is the grandmother of Patrece, Paige, Bo, Assyria, Elijah, Jerimiah, Briella, Noah, Izzabella, Shalee, John, Alshem, Ailyah and Kylie. Thelma is the sister of Vickie Pugh, Kim Holston, Mary Savage, Kevin Hodge, Tamara McLean, David Hodge, Jennifer Hodge, William Hodge, Allyson Stewart, Barbara Betty and David Hodge.

Visitation will be Thursday, December 8, 2022 at Newcomer Funeral Home, West Side Chapel, 3300 Parkcrest Lane (45211) from 10 AM until the funeral service at 11 AM. Burial will follow in Vine Street Hill Cemetery.