Obituary for James "Jim" Gilbertson

He was born September 22, 1950, in La Crosse, to Gerald “Jerry” and Helena (Jansen) Gilbertson. On October 22, 1954, Jim was baptized by Rev. E.G. Hertler, in La Crescent, Minn.; his sponsors were Vernon “Bud” and Joyce Gilbertson. He was confirmed by Rev. Walter Paustian on March 22, 1964, at Christ Ev. Lutheran Church in West Salem.

Jim was a graduate of West Salem High School and a lifetime member of Christ Ev. Lutheran Church and the West Salem Rod and Gun Club. He proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1969 until being honorably discharged in 1973. Jim then attended UW-L where he majored in Geography and graduated in 1978. He worked in insurance for Sprain-Morzinski and later for Re-Con; and also was employed at Maple Grove Country Club in West Salem.

He played with the Jerry Gilbertson band from 1965 until 2000 and was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge 1254.

Jim served 21 years on the West Salem Fire Department and was a proud member of the Berg-Hemker-Olson American Legion Post 51 of West Salem for 27 years.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, trapping, golfing, playing cards, music, and Legion Baseball.

Survivors include two brothers, Paul E. (Barbara) Gilbertson and Keith G. Gilbertson; three sisters, Debra (Larry) Stelloh, Leatta (Willie) Danielson, and Jan (Thomas) Stancil; nephews, Ted (Lynn) and Travis Gilbertson, Craig (Anne) Murphy, and Kyle (Liz) Stancil; nieces, Tricia (Adam) Jeffords, Jenna Basset, Molly (Bryce) Appleman, and Tiffaney Danielson; and many great-nephews, great-nieces, and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; nephew, Wyatt Danielson; and sister-in-law, Sue Gilbertson.

A Christian Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Friday, May 19, 2023, at Christ Ev. Lutheran Church in West Salem. Rev. Don Frelitz will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Military honors will be rendered by the American Legion Post 51 of West Salem and the United States Air Force Funeral Honor Guard. A visitation will be held from 12:15 p.m., until the time of service, Friday, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials directed to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Jostad Chapel, West Salem, is in charge of arrangements.