Obituary
Randy D. Gilbertson
Randy D. Gilbertson, 65, of Arcadia, Passed away peacefully on October 16, 2020, at his home in Arcadia, surrounded by his family.
He was born to Russell and Lorna (Hovell) Gilbertson, on March 16th, 1955 in Arcadia.
Randy retired in June of 2020 from the Trempealeau County Highway Department after 32+ years of dedicated service. Previous to that, he was employed by Swanson’s Heavy Moving of LaCrosse, WI. Some of his fondest memories would come from the people and the experiences he had while working there. Over the course of 30 or more years, he fulfilled his passion of catering with his own business, Parties R Us. Whether it be a small family reunion or a large corporate picnic with thousands of guests, Randy was never afraid of the challenge.
Randy will forever be remembered by his family and friends for his love of the outdoors and whitetail hunting, hunting trips to Colorado, Wyoming and Montana, his love of driving and working on his collection of cars and always being such a great host to so many people. He was never afraid to drop everything at a moment’s notice to help anyone that needed it.
He is survived by his brother, Larry (Leah) Gilbertson; his son, Hans (Jamie) Gilbertson; daughters, Jenna (Craig) Sonsalla, Kassie (Jeff) Patchak and Kelly (Sheldon) True; his grandchildren Henry and Anna Sonsalla, Taylor (Zach Ties) Rebhahn; many many very close family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents Russell and Lorna Gilbertson, sister Leanne Gilbertson.
The family would like to thank Gundersen Health System’s wonderful staff of Oncology and Infectious Disease doctors for their un-wavering dedication to Randy’s health. They became more than just a team of doctors to him but more importantly, great friends throughout his time working with them.
A special thanks to his cousin and Pastor, Scott Skogen for his special friendship through the years.
A walk-through visitation will be held from 10:30am – 12:30pm on Saturday, October 24th 2020 at Tamarack Lutheran Church, Arcadia, WI. A private family service will follow at 1pm. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Tamarack Lutheran Church in Randy’s name will be accepted.
Donations may be made to the family of Randy or to Tamarack Lutheran Church. Please use this web-link to donate to Tamarack Lutheran Church: https://www.tamaracklutheran.com/make-a-donation
Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.
I’ve only known Randy four a short time I first met him in Iola he treated us very good I also stayed at his place a couple times a great guy and he will be missed
Our sympathy to all! Randy & my husband, John, were like brothers & friends for many yrs. worked, hunted, catered, restored old vehicles, did shop projects etc. He will be missed! RIP our friend!
I first met Randy at Jeff an KC s wedding. He was cookin hotdogs for the reception. He was a great cook host and a very good friend. He was always into life full steam ahead. You can bet he will be sorely missed by all his many friends an family. I hope they like to eat in heaven cause the new Viking Cook is in town.
I worked with Randy for the past 8 years and have had a lot of fun times. Randy will be sorely missed by me and many others that have worked with him. RIP Randy!!
Our sincere sympathies to all of Randy’s family he was a special soul and always there with a story to tell!! We worked with him on two of our children’s wedding food and Nobody did it like Randy!!! Gone too soon he will be missed❤️
My condolences to you all. Randy was never to busy to stop and chat when I would see him. He was such a nice person.
My sympathy to all the family! Randy worked hard all his life and will be missed by many!
Our sympathy to family and friends.
You are missed Randy . My sympathy to family and friends.
You are missed Randy . My condolences to family and friends.
Our sympathies to the family of Randy. Living out East we were not back as often as we preferred but we attended a few his outstanding catering events and had good conversation with him. He was a wonderful gracious person and fabulous chef. RIP Randy
Our Thoughts and Prayers to Randy’s family.
RIP Randy
Our deepest sympathy to all the family. Randy was an amazing guy who gave a lot of love and happiness to those around him. He catered for our daughter’s wedding (Kim Weltzien) and we were so thankful for him. Prayers of support to all of you.
Our condolences to Randy’s family. Randy and my husband, Ed, worked together at the Arcadia shop. We will send a check to Tamarack Lutheran Church in Randy’s memory. RIP Randy
Our deepest sympathy to the family.
May memories make you smile and bring comfort.
My sincerest condolences to Randy’s family and friends. Though I only knew him briefly, he truly impacted my heart. I had hoped to catch one last visit with him but once he had gone home, I was unable. I’m so glad he was surrounded by those he loved so fiercely. I will never forget his smile, unwavering positivity, and great suggestions on how to make red potatoes in a way that people will talk about them for years. Thank you, Randy, for impacting me in the incredible way that you did. You will never be forgotten.