Obit: Gilbertson, John Kristian (1941 – 2010)

Contact: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Gilbertson, Paulson, Federman, Shirley, Baker, Kittel, Lindberg, Helstad, Westerfield, Hart, Faux, Yahnke, Dulian, Clark,

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI.) February 24, 2010

Gilbertson, John Kristian (2 March 1941 – 14 February 2010) With Flag

John K. Gilbertson, 68, Oceanside, CA, and formerly of Black River Falls, passed away Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010, in his residence.

John Kristian Gilbertson was born March 2, 1941, in Black River Falls to Paul Gilbertson and Annetta (Paulson) Gilbertson Hart.  He was raised in the Black River Falls area and attended schools in Oak Ridge and Black River Falls.

He served his country for six years in the U. S. Marine Corps stationed in Camp Pendleton and Okinawa.  His brothers, Glen and Paul, also served in the Marines.

He married Mary Federman June 24, 1961.  They were later divorced.

He married Judy Shirley April 27, 1985.

John enjoyed managing movie theaters for many years in Oceanside prior to being a business owner with two bars.  “J. J.’s Pub” was fashioned after Wisconsin and was full of Packer décor.  It was said to be more of a Wisconsin establishment than many of the ones in Wisconsin.

John was an avid hunter and had countless stories to tell of his hunting trips to Colorado and Montana.  John was a huge NASCAR fan.  He had a special talent for spinning a yarn and writing short stories.  He loved to play pool and cards and spent hours playing pinochle or Pogo on his computer, which was his lifeline after retirement four years ago.  His e-mail jokes and stories will be missed by a multitude.

Survivors include his wife, Judy Gilbertson of Oceanside, CA; daughter, Kathy (Barry) Baker of Bellingham, WA; son, Glen Gilbertson (fiancé T. J.) of Oceanside, CA; stepdaughter, Linda (Stacy) Kittel of Vista, CA; grandchildren, Kristi of Bellingham, WA, Sophia and Connor of Vista, CA., and Chance and Haille of Oceanside, CA; brother, Glen Gilbertson, Hixton; two sisters, Priscilla Lindberg of Black River Falls and Gloria (Mike) Helstad of Hixton; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and a very special aunt Lela Westerfield of Black River Falls.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Gilbertson and Annetta Gilbertson Hart; stepfather, Walter Hart; four sisters, Anita Gilbertson, Paula Faux, Gayle Yahnke Dulian, and Cheryl Clark; and his brother, Paul A. Gilbertson.

The burial will be at a later date in the Sechlerville Cemetery.

The Jensen Modjeski Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.