Richard Gilstad

Richard Lee Gilstad, 74, of Fort Myers, Florida (formerly of Midland, Michigan), passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, after a brief illness.
Born on May 29, 1951, in Ashland, Wisconsin, Richard was the son of Burton and Ida (Christenson) Gilstad. His family relocated to Midland in 1952, where he grew up and graduated from Midland High School in 1969.
Richard had a lifelong love for the golf game, not only for the sport itself, but for the values it represents honesty, integrity, and respect. A true golf historian at heart, he was fortunate to play on many of the world's most storied courses. Among his proudest achievements were multiple City of Midland championships, reaching the semifinals of the Michigan Amateur Tournament in 1970, and competing in the 1982 U.S. Open Championship at Pebble Beach, California. He was close friends with PGA tour member Calvin Pete, with whom he shared many memorable rounds across Fort Myers' courses.
Richard began his professional golf career in 1977 as an assistant pro at the Jackson Country Club in Michigan, where he forged lifelong friendships and gained invaluable experience. Later, he served as head professional at The Forest Country Club in Fort Myers - widely regarded as one of the finest in the region. In 2009, Richard returned to his roots in Midland to lead Currie Golf Course, where he played countless rounds as a youngster. In 2012, he moved back to Fort Myers and became affiliated with the Fort Myers Country Club, a course rich in history that he cherished deeply. There, he worked as a starter, always accompanied by his loyal and beloved basset hound, Honest Abe - the course's unofficial mascot.
He is survived by his son, Benjamin Gilstad of Chicago, IL (mother Kathy); his brother, Terry (Franny) Gilstad of Kawkawlin, MI; his sister-in-law, Peggy Gilstad (wife of the late Thomas Gilstad) of Midland, MI; and his nieces and nephews: Chad (Amy) Gilstad, Chris Gilstad, Kyle (Katie) Gilstad, Ty (Ashley) Gilstad, Tony (Tiffany) Hamann, Heather Gilstad, and Marcy (Casey) Corbat. His energetic spirit, wisdom, and warm presence will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
A graveside service will be held on August 2nd at Grand View Cemetery in Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), honoring Richard's deep love for animals.