Rev. Richard Victor Gilbertson

Photo/FlagGilbertson, Rev. Richard V. EAU CLAIRE/MADISON - Rev. Richard Victor Gilbertson, age 77 of Madison, Wis., left his earthly life on July 21, 2009 at home after a five year illness. He was born on February 14, 1932, in Eau Claire, Wis. to Victor and Martha (Mohn) Gilbertson. He graduated from High School in Eau Claire in 1950 and received a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1955. After a brief time working for the Wisconsin Highway Department he served in the military in Alaska from 1955-1957. At age 25 he entered Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN and was ordained into the ministry of the American Lutheran Church on September 17, 1961. In 1987 he earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. He married Barbara Kloppenburg in Manchester, Connecticut in 1957. Rev. Gilbertson served parishes in Long Island, New York, Edison, New Jersey, Soldotna, Alaska, Brooklyn, New York and Wautoma, Wisconsin. From 1985 to 1987 he was Assistant to the Bishop in the former American Lutheran Church, Northern Wisconsin District in Wausau and then in the Northwest Synod of its successor: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in Rice Lake from 1987 to 1994, at which time he retired to his home town, Eau Claire. In 2002 he and Barbara moved to Madison to be close to children. Dick was a kind, quiet man who was always involved with those in need, whether it be fair housing concerns in New Jersey, Hispanic ministry in Brooklyn, New York, health issues in Alaska or native American issues in Wisconsin. In 1963 he felt privileged to participate in the March on Washington and heard Martin Luther King give his "I have a Dream" speech. In retirement his passion was Habitat for Humanity participating in house building in Eau Claire, Tucson, Arizona and Chiapas, Mexico as well as Madison, until his illness. Dick loved to camp, hike, ski, canoe and bike with his family . Out of his love for the outdoors grew his concern for the environment which he passed on. He and Barbara traveled in retirement to Mexico, Central America and Europe and camped throughout the U.S. and Alaska. Dick is survived by his wife of 52 years, Barbara, his son Peter Gilbertson and spouse Ellen of North Creek, New York, daughter Sarah and spouse Jim Lampman of Rock Springs, Wisconsin , daughter Susan and spouse Joerg Seume of Hohne, Germany ; son Karl Gilbertson of Madison; his grandsons: Peter and Jonathan Lampman , Karl Seume and spouse Liz and Erik Seume; his sisters: Dorothy and spouse Neal Olson of Lake Carlos, MN; Annette and spouse Virgil Jain of Salem, OR and Elean or and spouse Bill Buller of Crystal Lake, Ill., as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.On Wednesday, July 29, the family will greet friends and guests at Lake Edge Lutheran Church, 4032 Monona Drive, Madison WI from 10:00 to 11:00 and a Worship Celebration of his life will follow at the church at 11:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the American Parkinsons Association, the Lewy Body Dementia Association, Habitat for Humanity or Hospice Care Inc., Fitchburg.The family would like to thank Dr. David Watts, Nurse Practitioner Nancy Ninmon and the Hospice Care angels for their loving care. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the American Parkinsons Association, the Lewy Body Dementia Association, Habitat for Humanity or HospiceCare Inc., Fitchburg. Visitation: On Wednesday, July 29, the family will greet friends and guests at Lake Edge Lutheran Church, 4032 Monona Drive, Madison WI from 10:00 to 11:00 and a Worship Celebration of his life will follow at the church at 11:00 A.M. Service: A Memorial Service will be held on Wed. July 29, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Lake Edge Lutheran Church, 4032 Monona Dr.