Donald Dean Gilbertson

MADISON-Donald Dean Gilbertson, age 86, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016. He was born on Aug. 13, 1930, the son of Chris and Carrie Gilbertson. His family lived in the Gallagher Platt area of Madison. He entered the U.S. Navy at age 16 and served our country with great pride from 1946-1966. Early in his career, he was on several submarine missions and was then part of the fighting Sea-Bees where he remained until retirement. Don met the love of his life, Josephine Centonze while stationed in Charleston, S.C., and together were blessed with 46 years of marriage. As a civilian, he worked for the National Guard until retiring in 1985. Don was a life-time member of both the Madison Moose Lodge No. 1451 and the VFW Truax-Longmire Post No. 8483. Don devoted many years to serving others within the Madison community. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and friends. Don is survived by his daughter, Sharon (Yancy) Kunz; siblings, Elaine, Ruth "Bunny" and Neil; granddaughters, Michelle Kunz and Thea Tamayo; four great-grandchildren, Elyse, Gustavo, Angel and Thea; two special nieces, Roberta and Rebecca, a very large extended family, and many good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Josephine; brothers, Al and Art; and sisters, Muriel, Janette and Clarice. A Celebration of Life will be held at VFW Post 8483, 5737 County Road CV, Madison, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., with military honors being conducted at 1 p.m., on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016. Memorials may be made to the VFW Truax-Longmire Post No. 8483, in Don's memory.