Howard J. Gilbertson, 96, of Shelly and Halstad, Minnesota, died October 31, 2019, at the Halstad Living Center.

Howard was born September 1, 1923 to Hans and Ida (Redland) Gilbertson of Shelly, Minnesota. He graduated from Climax High School in 1941, and then ventured out to Minneapolis to attend welding school. In 1943 he joined the United States Army Air Force pilot school, but was eventually deferred due to a heart murmur. Wanting to serve, he worked building troop gliders and components of the B29 bomber. After the war, he returned to farm near Shelly from 1947 until he retired in 1985, earning the "Century Farm" recognition in 1976. As most farmers never totally retire, Howard was often seen watching and guiding his sons in their farming efforts. He was joined in marriage to Myrtle Viola Haug, June 12, 1948, in Fisher, MN. During his life, Howard was very active in church activities, and served in many community, township, and county organizations. He and Myrtle spent many winters in their Arizona retreat from Minnesota snow and cold. He also had a great affinity for visiting with his grandchildren, cheering on local youth in their sporting events, and drinking coffee and playing cards with the guys at the local Cenex.

Howard is preceded in death by his wife, Myrtle, after 58 years of marriage, son Scott, and infant daughter. He is survived by his daughter Lori (Ed) Strand, of Fergus Falls, MN, and his sons Todd (Beth) Gilbertson and Lance (Carla) Gilbertson of Shelly, MN, six grandchildren, Joshua (Theresa) Gilbertson of Shelly, Diana (Lee) Carlsrud, of Fargo, ND, Stephanie (Rob) Thompson, of Inver Grove Heights, MN, Erin (Julien) Strand Penn, of Maplewood, MN, Jarrod Gilbertson, of Halstad, and Mara (Kyle) Gilbertson, of Fargo, ND, many great-grandchildren, a sister Gloria Hunt of Arizona, and many nieces and nephews.

Blessed be the memory of Howard Jerome Gilbertson.

Memorials preferred to Halstad Living Center's Activity Fund, SMR Lutheran Church Cemetery, and Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Funeral: 2:00PM Saturday, November 9, 2019, at Halstad Lutheran Church, Halstad, MN.

Visitation : One hour before the service on Saturday at the church.

Burial: Shelly Cemetery, rural Shelly, MN.