Douglas E. Gilbertson

Douglas Earl Gilbertson, 81, of Clayton, WI walked into the arms of Jesus on March 5, 2018, after a courageous 4 ½ year battle with brain lymphoma. Doug lived with a twinkle in his bright blue eyes and drew strength and happiness from serving others. He was a devoted family man and took immense pride in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Doug was born December 18, 1936 in Joel, WI and attended Clayton Schools, graduating from Clayton High School in 1954. A lifelong patriot, Doug proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1956-1958. Doug married the love of his life, Gerry (Ogg), on December 19, 1959. He spent his career at the Clayton Feed Mill, first working for his father (Abner), then owning and operating the business until his retirement in 1995.

Doug was an avid outdoorsman, skilled carpenter, talented athlete, and was dedicated to serving his community. He was a charter member of the Clayton Lions Club and served on the Clayton School Board, the Clayton volunteer fire department, Amery Hospital Board and as the Clayton Village Clerk.  He also operated the mill at the Moon Lake threshing bee  and volunteered as a broadcaster of Clayton High School sports. Doug was a life-long member of Faith Lutheran Church in Clayton, WI, where he served on the Church Council, the Call Committee, and the Remodeling Team. Doug was a devoted fan of the Clayton Bears and the Green Bay Packers.

Doug and Gerry were blessed to spend the past 25 winters at their home in Bradenton, FL. They loved spending time with their Florida neighbors and hosting vacationing family members as they all enjoyed long days at the beach, pancake breakfasts, visits to the flea market, playing bean bag toss, and laughter filled happy hours. Doug especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, working in the yard, flipping blue cheeseburgers at Clayton Cheese Days, and creating woodworking projects for loved ones. His work ethic, integrity, sense of humor, generosity and unconditional love will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Gerry; Children: Tracey (Walt) Weaver, Cherie (Randy) Norberg, Scott (Julie) Gilbertson, Jodie (Randy) Denzer, Chris (Joe) Lawson; Grandchildren: Christopher (Tara) Mumm, Lindsey and Cassie Weaver, Brandon (Erica), Benji (Donielle), and Carissa Norberg, Ryan (Jackie) Gilbertson, Nick LaBlanc, Jake Williamson, Mollie and Bob Gilbertson, and Samantha and Zak Morgen; Great-Grandchildren: Evelyn Mumm, Hannah, Riley, Kacie, and Theo Norberg, Brynn, Cashton, and Kennedi Gilbertson, Keaton Marlett, and Kinlee Skillings; Siblings: brother Bruce (Linda), sisters Shirley (Bruce) Plomski, Kathie Lien, Joyce (Dan) Helmueller, and several nieces and nephews. Doug was preceded in death by his parents Abner and Iris Gilbertson, mother and father-in-law Clare and Elnora Ogg, brother Duane and brothers-in-law Don Jerrick and Ron Lien.

The Celebration of Life service was held at Faith Lutheran Church in Clayton, WI on Thursday, March 8, 2018 at 3:00 p.m.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center – Research, or to the American Cancer Society.

Clergy -   Pastor Margaret Grant           Music - Carol VanHeuklom

Honorary CasketBearers  -   Bob Carlson,  Pete Cogbill,    Mike Jensen,  Marlin Klatt, Ed Langham,  DukeThurs,  Sam Port,   Cecil Meredith

CasketBearers  -  Bob Gilbertson, Christopher Mumm,  Ryan Gilbertson,  Benji Norberg,  Nick LaBlanc,  Brandon Norberg,  Zak Morgen,  Jake Williamson  

Interment  -  Clayton Cemetery  -  Clayton,  Wisconsin

Military Honors  -  Clear Lake Area Veterans Honor Guard

The family sincerely thanks Dr. Nowakowski, Dr. Uhm, and Dr. Meyer at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, and the staff at The Deerfield and St. Croix Hospice for their incredibly compassionate care for Doug.

Scheuermann-Hammer Funeral Home and Cremation Services handled the arrangements.

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