Donald A. Gilbertson

Donald A. Gilbertson

Palo

Don Gilbertson of Palo, Iowa, departed this earthly life in the early hours of the morning on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, at the age of 67. His death followed various health issues primarily related to his heart, which began during the fall of 2022.

In addition to a family gathering in Austin, Texas

, in the spring of 2024, there will be an open celebration on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 1 to 4 p.m. on the patio at Don’s favorite lunch spot: Whisky River located at 2882 Palo Marsh Rd. Palo, IA 52324.

Born Donald Allan Gilbertson on Aug. 19, 1956, to parents Dorothy and Allan Gilbertson in Chicago, Ill., he was the eldest of five siblings. As a young person, Don enjoyed “all things outdoors,” especially participating in Boy Scouts, hockey, camping and spending time with his family in Hayward, Wis. After graduating from Maine West High School, Don moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa with the rest of his family in 1976 and eventually found his calling as a truck driver, which he became an expert in many modalities. His skill as a driver and heavy equipment operator led to a 35-year career which afforded him a lifestyle in which he could spend time doing what he really loved: fishing, motocross biking, boating, camping, snowmobiling, attending rock concerts and, most importantly, spending time with his loved ones. He was particularly fond of being with his beloved grandchildren, Brystol and Sawyer. Don also deeply enjoyed communicating with his grandson Timmy in Germany.

Another important aspect of Don’s life was the time he spent in the role of a Gold Star parent after his son Kevin was killed in action serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007. With the support of his remaining son Bradley and the Gilbertson family, Don made sure Kevin’s memory stayed alive by participating in tributes, dedications, and volunteering for Gold Star gatherings as often as possible.

Don was not subtle with his opinions. He stood for the hard-working blue-collar American, and cared very much about protecting the vulnerable. He loved a good metal show and as far as we know, may have been the oldest person to join a mosh pit at age 65 during a concert in Minneapolis. (Albeit, it wasn’t on purpose, but he did not shirk his responsibility once he realized what was happening.) At the end of the day, he would come home to his dog Winchester and his cat Kitty/Mittens, and catch a few episodes of Andy Griffith before heading to sleep.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Allan and Dorothy Gilbertson; and his eldest son, Kevin Allan Gilbertson.

He is survived by his son, Bradley (Stormy) Gilbertson; daughter-in-law, Nina Gilbertson; brothers, Tim Gilbertson and Larry (Luanne) Gilbertson; sisters, Lynda Gilbertson and Ami Grace S. Gilbertson; and grandchildren, Brystol, Sawyer and Timmy.

If you would like to make a donation to your favorite military charity in Don’s memory, please do so. A few charities Don supported are Remembering Our Fallen, America’s Gold Star Families and Wounded Warrior Project.

“It has to start somewhere. It has to start sometime. What better place than here? What better time than now?” Rage Against the Machine