Obituary
Ronald “Gillie” O. Gilbertson
Ronald “Gillie” Obert Gilbertson, 71, of La Crosse, passed away peacefully with family at his side after struggling for years with Parkinson’s and later dementia on November 11, 2012 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse. He was born on June 25, 1941 to Obert and Thordis (Reitan) Gilbertson. He married Karen Becker on February 18, 1961 in Bangor.
Ron enjoyed bowling, boating, fishing, golfing, hunting, and watching the Green Bay Packers and Badgers. He was a salesman for American Tobacco, Flavor Kist, Sunshine Biscuit, McNulty Brokerage, co-owner of the Boardwalk in Mindoro, and owner of Gillie’s on George St. in La Crosse.
Ron is survived by his wife; daughters, Rhonda (Bill) Mosher, Sandra (Michael) Thorson; grandchildren, Ryan Mosher, Lindsay Mosher, Jeremy (and friend, Hannah) Thorson, Brandon (and friend, Angel) Thorson; brothers-in-law, Carl (Pam) Becker, Robert Becker; sisters-in-law, Janice Gilbertson, Judi Gilbertson; special friend, Dan (Sandy) Kelly; many relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Robert and Pastor Richard.
The family would like to thank the La Crosse Police Department and friends for helping find Ron when they needed help one day, Bluffview Memory Care in Holmen, and Palliative Care at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 11:00 am at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1201 Avon St., La Crosse. The Rev. David Leistekow will officiate with interment at Mormon Coulee Memorial Park. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.couleecremation.com.
Our hearts go out to the Gilbertson family for such a great loss. Ron was a man who had a special way of leaving a mark on peoples lives, and he left one on ours. He will live in our memories as a good, honest, humorous, and caring individual.
“The pursuit of happiness is the chase of a lifetime”, Ron chased it with determination and vigor.
With all our Sympathy and Love,
Roger & Lisa Overson
Hello Karen, Rhonda and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. I will be praying for you and your family in the days and weeks ahead.
With Sincere sympathy,
Ellen
Karen, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time Ron will surly be missed
Karen, Rhonda and Sandy – please know our hearts and prayers are with you.
My deepest sympathy goes out to Karen and all the family, and friends, God is great and he will be watching over all of you in this time of need and after….ta hoot ta hoot ta hoot my friend….
Karen and Family,
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Ron. I actually thought about Ron and Karen just two days ago.
My heart is filled with sadness and sympathy for Gillie’s family and friends, as he will be surely missed and never forgotten, always remembered for the wonderful man he was. I was a “regular” back when he owned his tavern on George Street in LaCrosse, on his pool league, and a close friend of Ron and his wife Karen. Such a considerate man and always ready with a joke or help if needed. He was a very good business man and a great “people person”. The last time I saw him and Karen was at a private house party many years ago. Many fond memories I will always cherish. I believe Heaven called upon a great man! May God bless his family in this time. Best wishes, Lisa Brueske
My sincere condolences to Rons family and all his friends..Ron always had a smile and made everyone feel special , He was a gift to all that knew him, so im not saying goodbye, its like old times Ron, Ill see you later…Your friend , Mick Hentges
KAREN & FAMILY. I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. I HOPE BROWNIE & RON ARE KICKING UP THEIR HEELS TOGETHER AGAIN. YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS.
Karen and family:
So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Although it has been some time since we had a good visit, we thought of you quite often and want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. God Bless.
Jerry and Carol Laxton
Karen, Rhonda and Sandy,
I will always have fond memories of spending time with you and Ronnie. All the sleep overs and pizza and ice cream at Happy Joes. Oh the good ole days!!! Ronnie was always good to us kids. Hold onto the memories and keep him close in your heart.
With all my sympathy,
Kristine (Laxton )Larkin and family
Karen and family,
I’m sorry for your loss. I don’t get the paper and a friend told me about Ron passing away. I still will remember the good times that Don and I had with your family. He is now up in heaven having a beer with my mom, The Amazon. My thoughts are with you. June (Johnson) Strand
Karen,
Sorry to read about Ron”s death. Our prayers and thoughts are with you now and always.
God Bless!
Love–Dennis & Sandra Janusheske
Sparta, Wi