1928
LeRoy
2016
LeRoy Gilbertson
November 10, 1928 — August 6, 2016
LeRoy Junior Gilbertson (Pete), age 87, a resident of Park Gardens Senior Living in Fergus Falls, MN, passed away on Saturday, August 6, 2016 in Fargo N.D. Born (11/10/28) and raised in Black River Falls, WI, the son of George and Veda (Chrysinger) Gilbertson, he was the youngest of seven children. He married Dolores Merle Mallory (Dee) on November 26, 1948 in the Methodist Church of Sparta, WI. At that time, he was employed as the assistant manager of an A&P grocery store. After leaving A&P in 1953, he pursued a career as a housing contractor. In 1956, he began working as a transport driver for the W.R. Arthur Co., which later became known as Janesville Auto Transport and Ryder Inc. He held the position of union steward for the Teamsters from 1961 until he retired in 1991.
Over the years, he and his family lived in Black River Falls, WI, Janesville, WI, Anoka, MN, and Moorhead, MN. In 1963, Pete owned and operated Pete's A& W Drive-In/gas station in Hixton, WI. In 1978, a move was made to Lake Ida in Cormorant, MN. While there, Pete and Dee started and operated Lake Ida Boat Storage. In 1994, they sold the business and moved to Fergus Falls, MN. Retirement winters were enjoyed in Harlingen, Texas with a variety of activities and friends. They were active members of the Fergus Falls Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
Having an avid appreciation for country music, he was known for his green thumb, his mechanical abilities, his love of lefse and western movies. He had an unwavering dedication to his family.
He is lovingly remembered by his children, Debra Jean Zolin, of Alexandria, MN, Dean Louis (Ann Smith) Gilbertson of Mankato, MN, and David LeRoy (Joni) Gilbertson of Fergus Falls, MN. He has been blessed with four grandchildren, Hayley (Matt) Hansen of Duluth, MN, Chelsy Greek of Duluth, MN, Trevor Zolin of Minneapolis, MN, Wyatt Gilbertson of Fergus Falls, and a step grandson, Josh (Lauren) Smith of Ashland, Missouri. Great grandchildren include Rylee Zolin-Greek, Soren Hansen, step grandson, Coy Smith, and step granddaughter, Brooklyn Smith. He is preceded in death by his wife, Dee, his parents, siblings, and sisters-in-law. He leaves behind one sister-in-law, Betty Gilbertson, of Clear Lake, Texas, one brother-in-law, Dwight Olver, of The Villages, Florida, and many well- loved nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at the Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, 301 Washington Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held at 6:30 with the family there to greet friends and relatives.
A funeral service will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 102 West Junius Ave., Fergus Falls, MN on Saturday, August 13, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.
Interment: Bethlehem Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN
Arrangements: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home Fergus Falls
LeRoy's Memorial Folder
Leroy Gilbertson Video Tribute
Over the years, he and his family lived in Black River Falls, WI, Janesville, WI, Anoka, MN, and Moorhead, MN. In 1963, Pete owned and operated Pete's A& W Drive-In/gas station in Hixton, WI. In 1978, a move was made to Lake Ida in Cormorant, MN. While there, Pete and Dee started and operated Lake Ida Boat Storage. In 1994, they sold the business and moved to Fergus Falls, MN. Retirement winters were enjoyed in Harlingen, Texas with a variety of activities and friends. They were active members of the Fergus Falls Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
Having an avid appreciation for country music, he was known for his green thumb, his mechanical abilities, his love of lefse and western movies. He had an unwavering dedication to his family.
He is lovingly remembered by his children, Debra Jean Zolin, of Alexandria, MN, Dean Louis (Ann Smith) Gilbertson of Mankato, MN, and David LeRoy (Joni) Gilbertson of Fergus Falls, MN. He has been blessed with four grandchildren, Hayley (Matt) Hansen of Duluth, MN, Chelsy Greek of Duluth, MN, Trevor Zolin of Minneapolis, MN, Wyatt Gilbertson of Fergus Falls, and a step grandson, Josh (Lauren) Smith of Ashland, Missouri. Great grandchildren include Rylee Zolin-Greek, Soren Hansen, step grandson, Coy Smith, and step granddaughter, Brooklyn Smith. He is preceded in death by his wife, Dee, his parents, siblings, and sisters-in-law. He leaves behind one sister-in-law, Betty Gilbertson, of Clear Lake, Texas, one brother-in-law, Dwight Olver, of The Villages, Florida, and many well- loved nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at the Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, 301 Washington Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held at 6:30 with the family there to greet friends and relatives.
A funeral service will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 102 West Junius Ave., Fergus Falls, MN on Saturday, August 13, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.
Interment: Bethlehem Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN
Arrangements: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home Fergus Falls
LeRoy's Memorial Folder
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of LeRoy Gilbertson, please visit our flower store.