Stephen J. Gilbertson

Stephen J. Gilbertson, age 65, of Willmar, died Saturday afternoon, November 1, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester following an extended illness of thirteen months. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, November 6, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar with Rev. Timothy Larson and Rev. Dean Elton Johnson officiating. Interment will be at Eagle Lake Lutheran Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by Austin F. Hanscom American Legion Post #167 and Finstad-Week V.F.W. Post #1639 of Willmar. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Wednesday at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar and one hour prior to the service at the church. A public memorial service under the auspices of the Sharon Masonic Lodge will be held 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials are preferred to Calvary Lutheran Church, Shriner's Hospital for Children or Boy Scout Troop 224. Stephen Joseph Gilbertson was born April 11, 1943, in Willmar, the son of George and Irene (Berg) Gilbertson. He grew up in Willmar, was baptized and confirmed at Calvary Lutheran Church and graduated from Willmar High School in 1961. He attended St. Cloud State University, graduating in 1966 with a degree in comprehensive business administration with an emphasis in management. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served from 1966-1970, working in the flight surgeon's office, flying helicopter rescues and performing in-flight evaluations of flying personnel as a medic. In 1968, he received the Bronze Star with Letter "V" Device for valor in Vietnam. On June 7, 1975, he married Carol J. Buetow at Eagle Lake Lutheran Church in Willmar. Steve owned and operated Gilbertston Oil petroleum distribution in Willmar. He was a lifelong member of Calvary Lutheran Church and was active with several church committees and served as an adult leader for Boy Scout Troop 224. He was Past Master of the Sharon Masonic Lodge in Willmar, a member of the Zuhrah Shrine Temple, Past President of the Willmar Area Shrine Club and Past Worthy Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star. Steve also served as Past President of the Minnesota Petroleum Association, Past Vice President of the Willmar Area Chamber of Commerce, Past President of Eagle Creek Golf Club, Past President of the Owls Club, member of the Elks Lodge, the Sons of Norway, and the Bethesda Homes Board of Directors. He was a member of the American Legion and V.F.W. in Willmar. He is survived by his wife, Carol; his children, Stephanie (and Trent) Cowan of Gilbert, Arizona, and Thomas G. Gilbertson of Willmar; a granddaughter, Sophia Cowan; a brother, Dr. John (and Karin) Gilbertson of Willmar; a sister, Ellin (and David) Wentzell of Willmar; several nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.