Francis Gulbertson, 81, Albert Lea

Published 11:25 am Thursday, October 24, 2013

Memorial services for Francis Earl Gulbertson of Albert Lea will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Bonnerup Funeral Service in Albert Lea. The Rev. Richard Spande will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday and one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery.

Francis died on Wednesday morning, Oct. 23, 2013, at the Three Fingers Campground in Forest City, Iowa. He was 81 years of age.

Francis Gulbertson

Francis was born May 23, 1932, in Wilson, Wis., the son of Earl and Angie (Shamberger) Gulbertson. He attended country school in Wisconsin. On May 23, 1954, he was united in marriage to Opal Wagner in Albert Lea.

Francis lived in Alden and was a member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church. In 1980 he moved to Albert Lea and was employed by the Weyerhaeuser Co. for more than 34 years.

Francis was a member of the Eagles Club, enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing, taking trips up north and watching Western movies. He loved to spend his time with the grandkids and extended family.

Francis is survived by his children Arnold Gulbertson of Albert Lea, Alzada Gulbertson (Kent Flatness) of Albert Lea, Cherri (Steve) Nelson of Albert Lea, Francis Gulbertson of Albert Lea and Marlene Boerner of Albert Lea; one son-in-law, Joe Avelar of Albert Lea; grandchildren Josephine Avelar (Tim Standig), Darcy (Nick) Pete, Tony (Josephine) Boerner, Dan Gulbertson, Brad (Lori) Nelson, Andy (Angie) Nelson, Adam Avelar (Carmen Rivera), Angie Sanchez, Joe Avelar Jr. (Amy Rye) Samantha (Josh) Reyerson, Brenda Lee Avelar, Tabitha Avelar (Shane Bolinger) and Jessica Gulbertson; 22 great-grandchildren; sister, Deloris Grove; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Opal; daughter, Brenda Avelar; son-in-law, Eddie Boerner; grandchildren Vicky Boerner, Little Joe Avelar and Rudy Sanchez; sister-in-law, Clara Mack; and brothers-in-law Chuckie Biddle and Robert Grove.