Davis “Dave” Carlyle Gilbertson, 79, of Albert Lea passed away Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. The Rev. John Holt will officiate. Final disposition will occur on a later date. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Bonnerup Funeral Service and one hour prior to the services at the church Monday.

Dave, son of Elmer and Esther (Erickson) Gilbertson, was born March 27, 1940, on the family farm in Winneshiek County, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at Burr Oak Lutheran Church. He attended school in Canton and graduated from Central High School in Madison, South Dakota, in 1958. He enrolled in Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and graduated from Winona State College in 1962.

On June 10, 1967, Dave married Julie Risdal at Bergen Lutheran Church in Roland, Iowa. Dave had a long career of teaching and coaching. He taught in Chatfield and Albert Lea for 35 years, retiring in 1997. He was a basketball, football and track coach, and retired as director of basketball operations in 2010. In 2019 Dave was inducted into the Minnesota Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Honor.

Dave played fastpitch softball throughout southern Minnesota for over 35 years and was elected to the Freeborn County Fastpitch Softball Hall of Fame in 1994, as well as the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame in 2016. For many years Dave umpired baseball and softball games. He was a fan of all Iowa athletic teams including the Hawkeyes, Cyclones and Panthers, and attended the Drake Relays for many years.

He was a color commentator for local football and basketball games on KATE Radio and a PA announcer for local baseball teams.

Dave was an active member of First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, serving as an usher, on the pastoral call committees, on the Social Ministry Commission and on the church council. He also served on the Albert Lea Parks and Recreation Board and the Freeborn County Historical Society.

Dave loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and musical activities. He was especially proud of taking his family on a trip to Norway and Iceland in 2017.

Dave is survived by his wife, Julie, of Albert Lea; daughter, Amy, of St. Paul; and son, Chris (Rachelle) and their children Mason and Carlee of Lakeville. He is also survived by his brothers Wayne (Barbara) Gilbertson and Les (Beverly) Gilbertson; brother-in-law, Ron (Sandy) Risdal; sister-in-law, Barb (Howie) Larson; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother.