Victor “Vic” Ray Gilbertson, 79, passed away Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019, at Hawthorne Glen Senior Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Middletown, Ohio, after a battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Victor was one of four children of Everett R. Gilbertson and Marie C. Gilbertson.

Victor was born April 6, 1940, in Albert Lea. He was a 1958 graduate of Albert Lea High School, where he played for the high school football team. Victor married Shirley Jenson in 1960 and became father to Shelley, Jeff and Sheldon “Mitch.” He graduated with a master’s degree in education from Mankato State University. Victor went on to be a teacher, a junior high school principal and eventually took over his father’s business, Commercial Wood Products.

He married Kaydelle Johnson in 1979, becoming a stepfather to Julie and Holly. Later in life he opened Gilbertson Furniture and Spud Burgers. He had a gift and passion for entertaining. Many will remember his piano playing for events and celebrations. The Freeborn County Historical Museum has honored Victor with an exhibit for his contribution to entertainment in the area.

Victor leaves behind his daughter, Shelley Goldman, of Liberty Township, Ohio, and her children Allison, Michael and Benjamin Goldman; son, Sheldon “Mitch” (Teresa) Gilbertson, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and their children Audrey Black and Brett, Elizabeth, Ann and Matthew Gilbertson; stepdaughters Julie (Stephen) Murphy of Las Vegas and Holly (Douglas) Crocker of Inver Groves Heights and her children Brandon and Jillian; sister, Sonja (Dan) Johnson, of Hayward and their children Peter and Lisa; and brother, Paul (Lynn) Gilbertson, and his children Matt (Christine) Gilbertson and Kelsey (Kelly) Massey.

Victor was preceded in death by his parents Everett and Marie Gilbertson; sister, Karen Gilbertson; son, Jeffrey Gilbertson; and wife, Kaydelle Gilbertson.

Victor will find his final resting place at Hillcrest Cemetery.

Donations are preferred to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation at  www.parkinson.org or to Alzheimer’s and dementia research at alzheimersprevention.org/.