Leland Gilbertson

Sept. 21, 1923-July 12, 2008

Leland Gilbertson entered into his heavenly home on Saturday, July 12, 2008. Leland was hospitalized at the McKenzie County Hospital in Watford City at the time of his death. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, July 18, 2008, at the Keene First Lutheran Church. Rev. Chris Montgomery and Pastoral Assistant Rob Favorite will officiate and interment will follow at Good Hope Cemetery. Luncheon will be served at the church following the interment. A family service will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

Leland Gilbertson was born at Charlson, ND, on September 21, 1923, to Edward Henry and Pauline (Thorlackson) Gilbertson. He was the youngest of six children. Leland attended elementary school in the Charlson area through eighth grade, and spent some time at the Sanish High School.

During World War II the family moved to Edgecomb, WA, where Leland worked in the shipyards. In 1944 the family returned to the Charlson community where Leland and his brother Donald went into active farming, which continued until 1984 when Leland took over until the death of Donald in 1985, after Donald's cancer diagnosis. Leland continued to farm until 1992 when a cancer diagnosis put farming on hold. He retired from farming upon his recovery from cancer.

Leland married Elsie Keller on April 5, 1964 at Zion Lutheran Church of Beulah, ND. They lived at Charlson for all 44 years of their marriage. During their marriage they had the opportunity to travel to many foreign countries including many areas of Europe, China, Turkey, Singapore, Israel, The British Isles, Scandinavian countries and several others.

Leland's health started to decline in 2005 with heart problems, including open-heart surgery, compression fractured vertebra and his pulmonary fibrosis, which began to give him serious breathing problems.

Leland served on the county ASC committee, was a member of Keene First Lutheran Church where he faithfully served in various capacities such as janitor, head usher, Sunday school teacher and on the Church Council, as well as participating in music.

Leland is survived by his wife of 44 years, Elsie Gilbertson of Charlson, ND; brother Larry Gilbertson of Spokane, WA: several nieces and nephews, Allen Butterfield of Lake Stevens, WA, Donald Butterfield of Snohomish, WA, David Gilbertson of Everett, WA, Marlene Golay of Sheridan, WY, Marlys Weiss of Canby, OR, Betty Rod of Sydney, MT, Linda Nygard of St Paul, MN, Virginia Whitford of Monroe, WA, Cathy Warnock of Lakewood, CA, Laurie Radheshwar of Seattle, WA, Paula Jones of Union, KY, Mark Bitner of Inver Grove Heights, MN, Robyn Wonnenberg of Bismarck, ND, Brian Bitner of Bismarck, ND, Craig Bitner of Mandan, ND, Keith Bitner of Devils Lake, ND, and Sarah Ames of Farmington, MN; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Leland was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Donald; three sisters, Edna Dinwoodie, Mildred Fossum, and Beatrice Butterfield; as well as one nephew Peter Gilbertson.

Friends may call at the Fulkerson Funeral Home in Watford City on Thursday, July 17, from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and on Friday from 10 to 11:30 a.m., and for the hour prior to services at the church on Friday.