Arland Gilbertson

Arland "Arlie" E. Gilbertson, 88, of Willmar, passed away peacefully in his sleep Saturday, February 19 at Scandia House.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, Feb. 23, at Calvary Lutheran Church. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Military honors are provided by the Willmar American Legion and V.F.W. Posts. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM on Tuesday, Feb. 22, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church.
Arland Edson Gilbertson was born on May 10, 1922, in Morris, Minnesota to Gina and Albert Gilbertson. He had three brothers and four sisters, including his twin sister Ardell who was his best friend growing up. He graduated from Morris High School in 1940. As a World War II veteran, he proudly served his country in the Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1946. On April 24, 1948, he married Charlotte Marion Howell. They lived in Willmar where they raised five children whom he affectionately referred to as his "full house" (three kings and two queens). He was employed for 20 years by Prudential Insurance Company as District Sales Manager. Arlie was awarded Sales Leader of the Year in 1969 while employed by All American Life Insurance Company. Arlie and Charlotte enjoyed traveling the world attending numerous international insurance company conventions.
As a member of Calvary Lutheran Church, Arland served as a Sunday school teacher and usher. He was also a member of the American Legion and VFW Posts.
Arlie's favorite hobby was landscaping and yard work. He enjoyed all sports, especially those involving his children and grandchildren. Not even snow storms kept Arlie from attending every one of his children's games. Arlie loved playing cribbage and he "skunked" niece Nancy in their game last week. Arlie enjoyed Norwegian specialties, particularly krumkake and lefse. He also loved chocolate and a sweet roll with "just a half-cup" of coffee every Sunday. He loved church hymns and country music, and his favorite song was "Tell Me Why" because it reminded him of Charlotte.
Arland was a gentle man, a loving husband, a devoted father, and adoring grandfather; his face lit up when he heard his favorite name, "Grandpa." Arlie happily greeted each day with the faith of a child; a man of unwavering character prepared to embrace the life with which God blessed him. He led a long and full life loved by so many, and he will be dearly remembered for his kindness, warm smile, sense of humor, engaging personality and gentle spirit.
The family would like to sincerely thank the entire Scandia staff for providing such wonderful care to Arland over the past 5 1/2 years. We would also like to thank the Hospice caregivers who provided him with such special attention over these past few months.
He is survived by his twin sister, Ardell George of Mesa, AZ; brother-in-law, Robert (Elaine) Howell of Willmar; sister-in-law, Margorie Howell of Olivia; special niece, Nancy Gilbertson of Minneapolis; three sons, Douglas (Amy) Gilbertson of Willmar; Ronald (Candy) Gilbertson of Willmar; Bruce (Ruth) Gilbertson of Coon Rapids; two daughters, Charlene (Richard) Borotz of Chanhassen; and Robyn (Joseph III) Lyon of Virginia Beach, VA., and his adoring 13 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren, besides other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Charlotte in 1986; three brothers, Edner, Arnold and Orphield and three sisters, Grace, Hazel and Rosella.