Obituary for Gary L. Gilbertson

Gary was born on July 18, 1944, to Adolph and Marie (Sacia) Gilbertson in Galesville, WI. The youngest of three children, the first 13 years of his life were lived on the family farm in Stevenstown, Wisconsin, where he spent much of his time with his beloved horse, “Queen”. It was during his time in elementary school where he met his lifelong best friend, Gordie Knudson. At the age of 14, Gary and his family moved into Holmen, where he met and fell in love with Sandra, the true love of his life. The high school sweethearts married on July 3, 1962, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Waukon, Iowa. They welcomed two sons, Kerry and Scott.

Gib loved all things baseball and fast pitch softball, whether it was playing or watching. As a young adult he played with the Onalaska semi-pro baseball team, with a fast pitch softball Trempealeau team, and with various Holmen softball leagues. He was a fixture at his sons ball games and traveled around the state watching his grandson, Owen. Countless hours had been spent on the Gilbertson Party Deck in the back yard overlooking Viking Field watching whatever game happened to be scheduled. He took great pride in his yard and was adamant that he would mow the grass around the baseball schedule to make sure not to disturb a game.

Gary worked in the food service industry his entire life. He started out hauling milk with his father. After high school he became a meat cutter working for Sacia’s IGA, Skogen’s, Festival Foods, and Piggly Wiggly. He was famous for his meatball mix and held his secret recipe close to his vest, never truly divulging the ingredient list to anyone but Sandy. Gary was also a proud member of the Volunteer Firefighters and Holmen First Responders for 25 years.

Gary and Sandy took several opportunities to travel, whether by car, plane, or cruise ship. Most often they traveled with Gordie and Carol Knudson. The stories they would share always ended in fits of laughter. Gary was an avid outdoorsman, taking many trips out west for mule deer, antelope, elk, and pheasants with family and friends. He also enjoyed canoeing and fishing trips to the boundary waters of Canada. His favorite time of year was the nine day Wisconsin deer season in November. It was a time for family, food, stories, and cards. His love of the outdoors is shared by his sons and grandchildren.

Nothing brought Gary more pride or joy than his children and grandchildren, who affectionately referred to him as ‘Papa Gary’. Gary and Sandy rarely missed the opportunity to support their grandchildren whether it was for baseball games, cross country meets, show choir competitions, dance recitals, gymnastics meets or powerlifting meets.

Gary is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sandra; two sons, Kerry (Virginia) Gilbertson of Monona, IA, and Scott (Turena) Gilbertson of Holmen, WI; four grandchildren, Cathy Troendle of Lansing, IA, Owen Gilbertson (fiancé Alyssa Yeiter) of LaCrosse, WI, Sacia Gilbertson of Holland, MI, and Berit Gilbertson of Holmen, WI; three great-grandchildren, Austin, Allen, and Kelsey, all of Iowa; sister-in-law Berdene Schroeder and husband Jim of St. Cloud, FL, brother- in-law Rich Anderson and wife Julie of Holmen, WI; and many nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws Vernon and Winifred Anderson; siblings Charlotte Becker and Wendell Gilbertson; brother’s-in-law Gordon Becker and Robert Anderson.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Mayo Clinic for their excellent care of Gary. We are forever grateful to the Mayo Hospice team. We would also like to thank Carol and Gordie Knudson for their life long friendship and years of laughter.

A Memorial Service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Holmen Lutheran Church, 228 Morris St., Holmen WI. Pastor Matt Toso will preside. Following a time of fellowship, burial will be in Halfway Creek Lutheran Cemetery. A visitation will be from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Saturday, both at Holmen Lutheran Church.

Memorials may be given to Holmen Lutheran Church or Mayo Clinic Hospice Program.

Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be offered at this website.