Funeral services for Daniel (Dan) Gilster, of Albert Lea, will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. The Rev. Curtis Zieske will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday evening at the Bonnerup Funeral Service, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery.

Mr. Gilster died Tuesday evening, Jan. 31, 2012, at his home in Albert Lea. He was 71 years of age.

Daniel was born Nov. 8, 1940, in Waldorf, the son of Arno and Alvina (Detjen) Gilster. He graduated high school in Waldorf. Daniel served for seven years in the United States Army National Guard.

On Nov. 8, 1960, he was united in marriage to Florence Walters in Waldorf.

Dan was raised in Waldorf, lived for a time in New Richland, and for the past 36 years has lived in Albert Lea. He had been employed for 38 years with Wilson & Co., and for 12 years with Lou Rich.

Dan was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church serving as an usher, church council, chime choir and volunteering wherever needed. He was involved in the Fountain Lake Sportsmen’s Club, past president of the Thrivent Association, volunteer with the Salvation Army and the Loaves and Fishes.

Dan enjoyed fishing, gardening and woodworking and his pet dog Lucy. He loved to spend time with the grandkids and family, taking walks and was a nature lover. The trips up north to fish were always a special time.

Daniel is survived by his wife of 51 years, Florence, of Albert Lea; children: Linda (Brent) Bergland and their daughter, Amanda, of Albert Lea, Cheryl (Jay) Enderson and their children: Josh, Alex and Logan, of Albert Lea, and Don (Darcie) Gilster and their children: Cassie and Seth, of Hartland; siblings include: Wanita (Frank) Groskreutz, of Waseca, Alvin (Violet) Gilster of LeCenter, John Gilster of Waseca, Judy (LeRay) Webber of Waseca, Janice Samaraka of Waseca and Larry (Sue) Gilster of Mankato; two aunts survive: Eva Grunzke of Wells and Margaret Detjen of Lake City; many nieces and nephews.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Nick Samaraka, of Waseca.