Verdie Gilbertson

Verdie Gilbertson, of Montevideo, died on Friday, December 14, 2018 at Luther Haven Nursing Home in Montevideo at the age of 95.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, December 21, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Montevideo at 11:00 AM.  Father Paul Timmerman will officiate.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

Verdie Gilbertson was born in Mandt Township on September 7, 1923 to Gerhard and Selma (Falla) Gilbertson.  He was baptized and confirmed at Mandt Lutheran Church.  Verdie graduated from Milan High School in 1942.  Following high school he joined the U.S. Army in 1943 until 1946 serving in the 100th Division Infantry in France and Germany in World War II. After returning home Verdie went to work for Northwestern Bell Phone Company in 1946 and worked there for over 39 years.  Verdie was united in marriage to Agnes Stromenger at St. Joseph Catholic Church in 1948.  They made their home in Montevideo, and together had four children.

Verdie counts his family as the greatest accomplishment that he and his wife Agnes had together.  Verdie was a Boy Scout leader for over 40 years and received the Silver Beaver and St. George Award.  He was a scout master, trail adviser and lead a crew to the Philmont Scout Ranch and Charles Sommers Canoe Base.  His two sons joined their fathers troop 260 and became Eagle Scouts, which Verdie was very proud of.

Verdie was active in St. Joseph Catholic Church serving as a trustee, Deacon, and on many  councils.  He was an active Son’s of Norway member, and received a Wood Carver International Award in Norway for Nisse Carving of Jens and Sara.  Verdie was a pilot for over 60 years and enjoyed giving rides in his Piper Cub airplane. He was a man with many interests and accomplishments. Verdie taught his children  and grandchildren how to fly fish.  He lovingly restored his family’s 1938 John Deere tractor to mint condition, and wrote 3 autobiographies, two about his family and one about his military experience. Overall, family will remember Verdie as a loving and humble man.

He is survived by his Sons, Greg (Diana), Ramsey, MN, Keith (MaryKay), Berea, KY; Daughters, Kathy (Allen)Toov, Austin, MN, Kay (Robert) Dammer, Maple Grove, MN; 10 grandchildren, Emily (Andy) Maas, Dan Gilbertson, Eric Gilbertson, Matthew (Amanda Morris) Gilbertson,  Jacob Gilbertson, Bryan (Sarah) Toov, Mark (Alysa) Toov, Neil (Becca) Toov, Sarah (Mark) Kangas, Laura (Brandon) Hess; 8 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Ruby Gilbertson; and many nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Agnes; three sisters, Clarice, Mildred, Vernice; and four brothers: Roy, Erle, Curtis, and Lyle.

If you would like to know more about Verdie’s life, type in Verdi Gilbertson on Youtube, or Google, where you can find many videos, and links to his books (Verdi Means Value in Norwegian, Gilbertson Family Adventures, and 0500 Letters From a WWII Combat Infantryman ).

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.