Brian Gilbertson

Brian Wayne Gilbertson, 75, passed away on April 1, 2025 at Allen Hospital in Waterloo, IA following a brief illness.

Born in Duluth, MN to Connie and Warren Gilbertson, Brian spent his youth enjoying the beloved Minnesota activities of hockey and time at the lake. He was the little brother to Randy and big brother to Roger and had many memories and stories of adventures and antics together as they grew up on the North Shore.

Brian graduated from Duluth East High School in 1968 and went on serve in the Minnesota Air National Guard before earning his Bachelor's degree from University Minnesota Duluth in 1974. He moved to Minneapolis and began his career in food sales at General Mills followed by several years at American Chicle, before he became a proud entrepreneur representing various candy brands until he retired in 2012.

Brian married Margaret (Peggy) Wilhite on September 23, 1978 and welcomed two children - Scott and Betsy. Brian was a loving, lighthearted, and supportive father and husband to his family. He was a shining example of a compassionate and committed care giver to Peggy prior to her passing from cancer in 2009.

Brian was a wonderfully kind, patient, joyful, and simple man of strong faith. He cherished his family above all else and in recent years enjoyed living in Iowa to be close to his grandchildren, Case and Laikyn. Brian was a loyal and caring friend and was quick to share a smile or a joke to bring a laugh or lighten the mood. Ever the salesman, he could strike up conversation with most anyone and enjoyed showing off his impressive pop culture knowledge and ‘Cliff Clavin’ facts to others. He was a fan of the Minnesota Twins, enjoyed reading a good book, and was often found sipping on a cup of coffee in his lazy boy while searching to see “what else was on TV”.

Brian was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy, parents Warren and Connie, and brother Randy. He is survived by his children Scott Gilbertson of Livingston, MT and Betsy (Jesse) Meehan of Cedar Falls, IA; grandchildren Case and Laikyn Meehan; brother Roger (Nancy) Gilbertson of Minnetonka, MN; sister-in-law Jan Gilbertson of Lakeville, MN; nieces, nephews, godchildren, and many dear lifelong friends.

Funeral services will be held to honor Brian on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at Gearty-Delmore Funeral Home in Plymouth, MN (15800 37th Ave. N.).   A visitation will be held at 10am with a funeral service at 11am with reception following.  Interment Gethsemane Cemetery, New Hope.

Brian will be missed dearly but we are comforted knowing he is at peace with the Lord and reunited with those who have gone before him.