Larry Gilbertson, 83 of Webster, SD, passed away June 15th.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, July 19, 2025 at the American Legion in Webster. For additional information and the online guestbook, please visit www. MillerFH.com.
Larry was born July 19, 1941 at Peabody Hospital in Webster, to Rueben and Angeline (Horst) Gilbertson. The oldest of four children, Larry grew up on the family farm northwest of Roslyn, SD. He attended Pleasant View country school #124 in Liberty township through eighth grade, and graduated from Roslyn High School in 1959. Larry was an active FFA member and also participated in basketball in high school.
Larry was employed as a printer at the Reporter & Farmer newspaper in Webster from 1959 to 1974 when he became the owner/ operator of Larry Gilbertson Construction for 40 years. Larry also farmed for many years. He was a member of the Army National Guard from 1964 to 1969. He was head of survey and honorably discharged as a staff sergeant of HHB, 2nd Battalion, 147th Artillery at Webster. Larry participated in winter survival training in Alaska and was a lifetime American Legion member of Post #40 in Webster.
He married Elaine Vander Martin from Lily in 1970. They had four children. Larry and Elaine attended many threshing shows throughout the years in eastern South Dakota and western Minnesota. He loved to drive his John Deere Gator around the threshing grounds and reminisce about the “good old days.” Larry loved researching history about Northeastern South Dakota as well as family history. He conducted extensive research about York Township in Day County, SD, and co-published a history book.
Larry is survived by his wife Elaine of Marion, children Gary Gilbertson of Webster, Cathy (Brian) Roesler of Marion, Nancy Gilbertson of Watertown, and Troy (Abby) Gilbertson of Milbank; grandsons Riley, Cody and Jonnathon Gilbertson of Watertown; and Titus Roesler of Cambridge, MA; siblings David Gilbertson of Omaha, NE; Oliver Gilbertson and Marilyn Ewoldt of Sioux Falls, SD, several cousins and four nephews.