John Melvin Gilbertson, D.D.S.

John M. Gilbertson, 77, of Willmar passed away Saturday, November 4, at Brookdale Assisted Living in Willmar. 

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 8, from 5-7 pm followed by a Masonic service at 7 pm at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar.  Visitation will continue on Thursday, November 9, at 1 pm followed by the funeral service at 2 pm at Calvary Lutheran Church.  A private interment will be held at Calvary Lutheran Cemetery.  Memorials to honor John may be given to Calvary Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.  Arrangements are entrusted to Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.  www.petersonbrothers.com

John Melvin Gilbertson was born on February 12, 1946, in Willmar, Minnesota, the son of George and Irene (Berg) Gilbertson.  John graduated from Willmar High School in 1964; Concordia College, Moorhead in 1968 and the University of Minnesota Dental School in 1972.  John was united in marriage to Karin Bakken on June 14, 1969, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar.

During his summers in college and Dental School, John worked at Burlington Northern Railroad in Willmar and St. Paul.  After graduation from Dental School, John enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a general dentist in Fort Riley, KS.  Upon discharge from the Army, John and Karin relocated to Willmar where he started his dental career as a partner with Gilman, Quale and Gilbertson Dental Office. 

John practiced dentistry for a total of 36 years before retiring in 2010.  He was active as a member of the Willmar School Board, 30 years of teaching confirmation at Calvary Lutheran Church, Mason’s and Shriners, Family Promise, United Way and many another community organizations.  John enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing and growing orchids and roses.

John is survived by his wife: Karin Gilbertson of Willmar; daughter: Kirstin (James) Howell and their children, Emily and Anna, of Bridgman, MI and son: Joseph Gilbertson of Sioux Falls, SD.  He is also survived by his sister: Ellin (David) Wentzell of Willmar, and a sister-in-law: Carol Gilbertson of Willmar; along with numerous nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents: George and Irene Gilbertson and brother: Stephen Gilbertson.