Howard Bernard Gilbertson, 86, of Crookston, Minnesota, died Sunday morning, March 14, 2010, in the RiverView Care Center in Crookston. Howard was born near Trent, South Dakota on March 30, 1923, the son of Hjalmer and Bertha (Ellingson) Gilbertson. He grew up on the family farm and later attended country school near Ihlen, South Dakota. At the age of sixteen Howard moved to Brimson, Minnesota, where he ran a saw mill for the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) for six months. He then worked on area farms until entering the U.S. Army on June 11, 1941. Howard served with the 6th Infantry Division in the Pacific Theater of Operations and took part in several allied offensives in the Philippines, New Guinea, and other Pacific areas. During a battle on Luzon in the Philippines, Howard dragged his machine gun from one point of advantage to another despite being exposed to murderous cross fire from the enemy, and effectively took out an entire opposition position while at the same time routing the rest of the enemy soldiers. For this selfless act of heroism that saved the lives of many of his brothers in arms, Howard was awarded the Bronze Star with "V" by executive order of the President of the United States. Following his honorable discharge on November 9, 1945 he came to Crookston and began working on the Delmont Lariviere farm, while also driving for Hess Motor Express. He was united in marriage to Florence Debates on March 18, 1947. After moving to California, Howard was employed by the Arcadia Metal Company and later worked in fruit orchards in California and Washington. In 1977 he moved to Climax, Minnesota and became the primary caregiver for his brother, Gordon. In 1988 he came to Crookston and lived at Oak Court until becoming a resident of the RiverView Care Center in 2006. He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, a life member of Crookston VFW Post #1902, and a former member of Eagles Aerie #873. Memories of Howard will be forever treasured by his family and friends.
Family members include a grandson, Jeffery Bruce Gilbertson, of Shreveport, LA; a sister-in-law, Myrtie Gilbertson, of St. Cloud, MN; and many loving nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Howard was preceded in death by a son, Jeffery Howard Gilbertson, who died in April, 1978; his parents, Hjalmer and Bertha; a sister, Alice; brothers, Herman, Gordon, Milton (Dorothy), and Ernest (Ruth); a niece, Marie Johnson; and a great-great niece, Karla Jean Bjorgo.
The funeral service for Howard Gilbertson will be held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, March 18, 2010, in the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston with the Rev. Jo Gast, officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the funeral. Military Honors will be provided by the Crookston Veterans Council. Interment will be in the Oakdale Cemetery, Crookston.
Crookston, Minn. —
