David Charles Gilbertson

David Charles Gilbertson, age 71, died suddenly on Feb. 27, 2015 of a heart attack while wintering in Tucson, AZ. He was born on May 10, 1943 in Dodgeville, WI. the son of Leon and Vivian Gilbertson, who preceded him in death. David was raised on a farm south of Mt. Horeb near Daleyville.

David was a life long sports enthusiast and remembered fondly his days as the Barneveld High School quarterback, especially the year when his team won the conference championship. After high school, David went on to graduate from the Madison Business College in 1966 with a degree in accounting. He was in a reserve unit that was activated and served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969 as a member of the Army 826 Ordnance. Then, he began his successful 47 year career in the life insurance and long term care business. He achieved the designation of Chartered Life Underwriter. Because he enjoyed his profession so much, he was still working at the time of his death. He was well respected for his ethical work standards and his expertise. His customers always came first.

Baseball was David's favorite sport and, over the years, he visited many of the Major League parks with his wife, Elaine. They also enjoyed playing golf together, traveling and the last few years they were avid hikers in the canyons surrounding Tucson. He cherished the time he spent with his two children and two granddaughters. He was so proud of his granddaughters accomplishments and was there to cheer for them when they were involved in sports.

David is survived by his loving wife of 15 years, Elaine Olson; his two children, Christopher (Rose) and Kelly (Kevin) Grant, born during his former marriage to Julie Lucey; Chris and Rose's daughters, Viviane and Freya; his brother Donald Gilbertson (Sonja); two sisters, Mary (Craig) Cottini and Linda (Eugene) Budd; and also by many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. David will be remembered by his family and many friends for his kind and gentle nature, integrity and ready sense of humor.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. at the First Unitarian Society in the Atrium Auditorium, located at 900 University Bay Dr., Madison, WI. There will be an opportunity for friends and relatives to share memories of David at the service. A lunch at the church will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of David may be sent to his favorite charity, The Second Harvest Food Bank of Southern Wisconsin, 2802 Dairy Dr., Madison, WI 53718.