Mervin D. Gilbertson

Marshall: Mervin D. Gilbertson, age 81, of Marshall, passed away at Avera Morningside Heights Care Center in Marshall on Thursday, June 10, 2010. Funeral services will be Monday, June 14, 2010 at 2:00 P.M. at First Lutheran Church in Marshall. Visitation will be Sunday from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer Service at Hamilton Funeral Home. Visitation will continue at the church on Monday, one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Mervin Duane Gilbertson was born to Emil and Thea (Gautefall) Gilbertson on May 25, 1929 in Cottonwood. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith. He attended and graduated from Marshall High School in 1947. Mervin married Helen Worden on July 24, 1949. From this marriage four children were born; Doug, Donnie, Deb and Denise. He worked as a scraper operator with GA Olson Road Construction and then went on to work at Schwans for over 25 years as a production manager at the Sun Vi beverage plant until his retirement in 1991. Mervin passed away at the Avera Morningside Heights Care Center in Marshall on Thursday, June 10, 2010 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He had reached the age of 81 years and 15 days. He is survived by Marilyn Groff, loving companion of 40 years, two sons, Doug (Celia) of Taunton and Donnie, of Marshall; two daughters, Debra Gilbertson and Denise Myhrberg, both of Marshall; four stepchildren, Robin (Stanley) Stelter, of Lynd, Randy (Patty) Groff, of Cottonwood, Roxie (Randy) Serreyn, and Rolly (Chuck) Muller, all of Marshall; and Grandchildren Michael Gilbertson, John Gilbertson, Kari Meyer, Chris Briggs, Cory Briggs, Angie Gilbertson, Amanda Gilbertson, Aaric Gilbertson, Amberly Gilbertson, Ryne Myhrberg, Richard Stelter, Geoffrey Stelter, Kristi Steen, Colin Stelter, Curtis Rykhus, Trisha Rykhus, Cody Ryhkus, Tristen Groff, Melissa Younger, Ryan Serreyn, Rachel Serreyn, Benjamin Muller, Natasha Muller, and 18 great-grandchildren; niece Margaret Bump and nephews Tom and Roger Wilson and his long time pet “Kitty Cat”. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Myrna Wilson; grandson, Duane; stepson, Rick Groff; niece, Kathy Wilson-White and nephews, David and Bob Wilson, and “Buck” faithful dog and road companion. Mervin’s enjoyments in life included his family and friends, Red Baron airplanes, talking about the roads he built, hunting for arrowheads, Rolle Bolle, bowling, fishing, playing cards, and making homemade gag gifts. Mervin was Past President and was active in the Marshall Eagle’s Club, holding various offices throughout the years and “clowned around” with the Eagles Clown Club. He was a member of First Lutheran Church of Marshall. Blessed Be The Memory of Mervin Gilbertson.