Donald Lee Gilbertson, 82, Gillett, entered into rest on Monday, Sept. 24, 2018, at Evergreen Nursing Home in Shawano.
He was born at home in the Town of Green Valley on June 20, 1936, a son of the late William and Pauline (Hansen) Gilbertson. Donald attended local schools. He married Laurice F. (Madison) on June 21, 1958, and together they raised three children. For Donald, farming was his life, and he and Laurice farmed for many years in the Town of Gillett.
Donald was an active member of Bethel Lutheran Church and served in many capacities over the years, including the church council. In earlier years, he played church dart ball and had been involved with 4-H. Donald never had a harsh word for anyone and had many friends. He always wore a smile and had a great sense of humor. He will be sadly missed.
Donald is survived by his children, Colleen (Ronnie) Thompson, Janalee (Jesse) Jenerou and Kyle (Robin) Gilbertson; his grandchildren, John (special friend Nicki) Zeitler, Justin (special friend Haley) Coppens, Jason (Ashley) Zeitler, Megan Coppens, Nicholas Thompson, Jordan Thompson, Madison Thompson, Amanda Jenerou and Parker Jenerou. He also leaves his great-grandchildren: Emma, Joanna and Abigael; a sister, Carol (Keith) Hansen; a sister-in-law, Christine Gilbertson; a brother-in-law, Jacob Prahl; and many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of over 54 years, Laurice; his sisters, Margaret (Leonard) Hicks and Charlotte Prahl; and his brother, Charles Gilbertson.
The family sends special thanks to the staff of Serenity Gardens for making Donald feel like part of the “family.” The family also thanks Evergreen of Shawano as well as the ThedaCare Hospice team.
Friends and relatives may call on the family on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018, from 5-8 p.m. at Legacy Funeral Chapels, 108 E. Main St., Gillett. Visitation will continue Friday, Sept. 28, 2018, from 9-10:45 a.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church, N6955 County Road BB, Oconto Falls. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Bill Gruenstern officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
For those wishing, memorials are appreciated to the church at the aforementioned address.
For more information, please visit LegacyFuneralChapels.com or call 920-855-2144.