Funeral services for Cliff Gilbertson, age 92 of Ellsworth, MN were held Friday, October 27, at Zion Presbyterian Church, in Ellsworth. Cliff passed away October 21, in the Minnesota Veteran’s Home in Luverne.
Cliff was born December 3, 1925 in Ruthton, MN to Orlo and Hazel (Peterson) Gilbertson. After Cliff finished the 8th grade, his father left home to work on the Alcan Highway in Alaska. Cliff left school to tend to his family’s farm.
In April of 1945, he enlisted in the US Army. After training at Fort Snelling, he was deployed to the Asiatic Pacific
Theater in Japan, arriving shortly after WWII ended. He served in the 3819th Quartermaster Gas Supply Unit, driving heavy duty trucks hauling gasoline and oil. The average daily trip was about 100 miles over city and country roads. He received an Honorable Discharge in October of 1946.
On August 14th, 1954, he married the love of his life Esther Berdine Bierma. They met on a blind date set up by a good friend. Cliff and Esther were blessed with two children, LaVon and DeAnn. In January of 1965, Cliff completed the GTA Elevator Managers Training in St. Paul, MN. Raising their new family, they lived in Ruthton until 1968, when they moved to Ellsworth. There he worked at the Ellsworth Farmers Elevator for 20 years before retiring in 1987. When asked if he was looking forward to retirement, Cliff had two words to say, “You bet!” After retirement, Cliff and Esther wintered in Arizona for 16 years and very much enjoyed missing the Minnesota cold, but were always anxious to come back in the spring. In 2007, Esther was diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease. As it progressed, Cliff lovingly cared for her at home and later at Parkview Manor where she passed away in February of 2012.
In April of 2011, Cliff was given the opportunity to participate in the Honor Flight program for World War II veterans. The trip to Washington, D.C. was the experience of a lifetime! Cliff moved into the Minnesota Veterans Home in September of 2011, quickly becoming a beloved resident. He greatly enjoyed spending time with other residents and staff and taking part in all the activities, making many new friends along the way.
Adrian Funeral Home assisted the family. adrianfuneralhome.com
