Roger Gilbertson "Gimo" passed away in Eau Claire, Wisconsin on July 9, 2013, shortly before his 90th birthday. He entered this world as the twelfth child of George and Johanna Gilbertson on September 15, 1923. He was born at the family home at 515 Forest Street and lived there with his wonderful close knit family until he married. Roger was a graduate of Eau Claire High School's class of 1941. He was a champion Drum Major and a jokester extraordinaire! One of his most famous high school pranks was to mimic the sound of police sirens in order to watch his High School teachers run to the windows to assess the commotion! "Proud to be a Marine"! Roger served in the South Pacific during World War II. He married the love of his life and High School Sweetheart, Ellen Michaelson on August 26, 1944. From the time he met Ellen he became a devoted partner. Their daughter, Cheryl, was born on January 31, 1946. The family grew to four when son, Terry, was born on November 2, 1949. Jody joined the Gilbertson family in 1958. Roger and Ellen raised their family in Menomonie, Wisconsin where Rog worked for Wisconsin Bell and Ellen was a "stay at home Mom." He was a Dad Extraordinaire who put his wife, children, and family before himself. He volunteered as a Boy Scout Leader, Oversaw Backpacking and Canoe Trips with his Troop to Canada each summer. He never missed an activity his children or nieces and nephews participated in. Every kid in "Hoot and Holler" spent endless hours on the ski run and toboggan slide he built for them to enjoy. He had a zillion friends who included high school pals, neighbors, golf buddies and Telephone Company Pioneers. His brothers and brothers-in law were his buddies, allies, and occasionally "Partners-In-Crime." They shared hundreds of hours of laughter and fun! Weekends at "the lake", hunting and fishing expeditions and simple picnics in the backyard always became an "EVENT." Roger was fun-loving, energetic and a "Marine to the Bone." We, his loving family and survivors, Cheryl Gilbertson-Merrill, Terry Gilbertson and Mary, Lisa Merrill-Pelnar and Jason, Chad Merrill and Michelle, David Gilbertson, Brian Gilbertson, Everett Baker, Edith Gilbertson, Grandchildren and Great-grandchildren, loving nieces and nephews and many friends will miss him every day. We celebrate his reunion with Ellen, his Mom and Dad, Renie and Vern, Howie, Elmer and Marge, Les & Lorraine, Gerry & Gale, Otelia, Harold, Helen, Gladys, George, Roy, Harvey, Yvonne & Art, Norma & Stan, Peggy and Steve and Budge and Marge and many other friends and family who welcome him with open arms. See you in Heaven, Dad! Funeral Service will be at 3PM on Friday, July 12, 2013, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1314 East Lexington Blvd. Eau Claire, with a visitation beginning at 2PM. Pastor Jim Page will be officiating. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Eau Claire.

Service Information

Visitation

Friday, July 12 2013 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Trinity Lutheran Church 1314 E. Lexington Blvd. Eau Claire WI 54701

Funeral Service

Friday, July 12 2013 3:00 PM

Trinity Lutheran Church 1314 E. Lexington Blvd. Eau Claire WI 54701