Robert Norris Gilbertson

Robert Norris Gilbertson passed away peacefully at St. Anne’s Benedictine on December 31, 2025, in Winona, MN. He was 95 years old.

Robert was born to LeRoy and Pearl Gilbertson in Ryder, North Dakota. He was the eldest of three siblings. Robert’s family moved to Grand Forks, North Dakota where he attended grade school. He was a devoted honor student who loved to read and play the piano. His studies continued in high school and he also played basketball. After graduating from high school, he promptly enlisted in the United States Air Force serving in the Korean War.

During his military service from 1950-1955, he was stationed in Berlin where he met his “true love” and soon-to-be bride, Erika. They were married in 1955, in an intimate wedding, then put in a request to transfer home to the United States.

Booming with newlywed hopes and dreams, they were welcomed by Robert’s family in North Dakota, where they would call home for the time being. Robert used his GI Bill to attend the University of North Dakota and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1959. In 1961, he would become a father; they had adopted a baby boy. One year later, he was blessed to have adopted another baby; this time a girl.

Robert’s career took off with multiple opportunities; he chose to work for Pillsbury for a couple years and Control Data for a while in the Minneapolis area. He took a position in Yankton, South Dakota, for a short period of a year and a half. In 1976, he accepted a position in a small town in Minnesota named Winona.

Robert began working for Hal Leanard Music Publishing moving his family to this quaint little river valley, which would end up becoming his chosen “roots,” Winona, MN. It was an automatic fit for him. His years at Hal Leonard Music were joyous and memorable. Anyone who knew Robert well would call him “Bob.” Bob was a down-to-earth soul and a true gentleman.

Bob’s love for reading and piano playing continued throughout his lifetime. He loved to play bridge and played in several bridge clubs and with friends. After Bob retired, he became an avid golfer and enjoyed the outdoors. Bob was a good sport and had a wonderful sense of humor.

Bob was a generous man, giving to several charities and serving on various boards and committees. He always kept his mind and his wit sharp. He lived a full life, taking care of and serving others. He will be dearly missed by many friends and especially his family.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Erika, and his son, Peter. He leaves behind his brother, Lynn (Joan) Gilbertson of Minneapolis, MN; his sister, Jean (Roger) Johansen of Virginia, MN; his daughter, Julie (Rick) Lyons of Winona; two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

A private interment service will he held at a later date at Woodlawn Cemetery in Winona, MN.

Hoff Celebration of Life Center is assisting the family.