In Loving Memory of

Arvin Elmer Gilbertson

Arvin Gilbertson was born on January 20, 1925 on the family farm near Chandler, Minnesota to Gilbert and Myrtle Schmidt Gilbertson.  He grew up on the family farm and attended Chandler Public School.  On December 14, 1944 Arvin was drafted into the United States Navy and served on the USS Salerno Bay. Following his honorable discharge on June 17, 1946 he returned to the family farm.  On April 20, 1955 he and Mary Ellen Anderson were married at St. Mary’s Church in Dell Rapids, SD.  Following their marriage they farmed north of Lake Wilson, MN and raised their four children.  In 1996 they moved to Lake Wilson.  Arvin remained active on the farm helping in the spring and fall.  Arvin passed away on Wednesday, September 25, 2013 surrounded by his family at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 88.  He was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Lake Wilson.  He also was a member of the Chandler American Legion Post and a past member of the F.F.A Board.  Arvin enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, riding his jet-ski, reading, watching the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Vikings and visiting with friends and talking about farming.  Arvin was proud to be a WWII Veteran and a farmer.

Survivors include his wife Mary Ellen Gilbertson of Lake Wilson, MN, four children and their spouses, Ed and Teresa Gilbertson of Slayton, MN, Jeffrey and Denise Gilbertson of Windom, MN, Darla and Keith Selken of Brandon, SD and Brian and Robin Gilbertson of Lake Wilson, MN, 10 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, three siblings, Darwin and Arlys of Shakopee, MN, his twin brother, Arlo and Janice Gilbertson of Dell Rapids, SD, and Betty VanLant of Bellflower, CA and three sisters-in-law, Clara Gilbertson of Lake Wilson, MN, Charlotte  Gilbertson of Burnsville, MN and Naomi Gilbertson of Lake Havasu, AZ.  He is preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Vernon (Mike), Waldo (fat), Dale and his wife, Verna, and Gordon Gilbertson and one brother in-law, John VanLant. 

Funeral Services

St. Mary’s Church in Lake Wilson, MN on Saturday, September 28, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. James Seitz officiating with special music by Group Therapy.  The pallbearers are Nicholas Gilbertson, Ryan Gilbertson, Mitchell Selken, Hilary Barry, Fred Carlson and Steve Ford.  Interment is at Hillside Cemetery in Lake Wilson, MN.  Military honors accorded by the Chandler American Legion Post. 

Visitation will be on Friday, September 27, 2013 at the Totzke Funeral Home in Slayton from 4-7 p.m. and also one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday.