Donald Gilbertson
Donald LeRoy Gilbertson, 82, Brainerd, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd. He was born April 26, 1926, in Chandler, Minn., to Albin and Clara (Schmidt) Gilbertson.
He answered the call of his country and served in the occupation Army of Japan in 1947. He married Ruth Timm in Holland, Minn., in 1949. He farmed in Chandler, Minn., until he moved to the Brainerd area, Daggett Brook Township, in 1952. He served nine years as township supervisor. He owned and operated Nokasippi Arabians for many years, raising the horses he loved so much. He owned and operated Gilbertson Construction. He became a licensed pilot in 1972 and truly enjoyed flying his own plane until 1992.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth; his children, James (Vicki), Sonja Erickson, Jeanine Kyllingstad and Carol (Martin) Wineinger; his grandchildren, Stacey, Andrew, Kelly, Michelle, Crystal, Cory, Nathan, Kyle and Brittany; and five great-grandchildren, Samantha, Madiline, Skylar, Riley and Jace. Also survived by his sister, Vera (Lester) Chmela.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Albin and Clara; and his sister, Lorraine.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 16, 2009, at the Kingdom Hall of the Jehovah's Witnesses in Brainerd with William Carr officiating. Friends may call on Thursday from 7-9 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Brainerd and one hour prior to the service on Friday. A light luncheon will be held at the arboretum from 1-3 p.m. on Friday.
Arrangements are with the Halvorson-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Brainerd.