Russell O. Gilbertson

Russell O Gilbertson, age 83, passed away on October 30, 2014, under the care of the staff at Sanford Mayville Hospital. Russell O Gilbertson was born September 20, 1931, in Finley, North Dakota. He grew up in Finley where he attended elementary and high school. Russ entered the United States Air Force and served in Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1955 and returned to Finley to become manager of the Johnson Store. He married Barbara Langdahl on July 27, 1957, in Colgate, North Dakota. They spent the next 57 years residing in Finley and moving together in April 2014 to Mayville, North Dakota. Russ was a lifetime member and served as past commander of the Peterson-Olson Post #13; he was also a lifetime member of the VFW Post #762, Fargo, North Dakota. Russ served as past Fire Chief of the Finley Fire Department and was a lifetime member of the North Dakota Fireman's Association. Russ was also a lifetime member of the Finley United Methodist Church and recently became a member of the UCC Church in Mayville. Russ enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He also enjoyed many years traveling and cherished all the new friends he made. One of his favorite past times was spent refinishing furniture. Russ appreciated the simple things in life and was kind, generous, and trusting to all. He will be greatly missed by all. Survivors include his wife Barb of Mayville; son: Brad (Traci) of Watertown, SD; daughter: Joni (Doug) Nygord, of Mayville, ND; grandchildren: Kylee, Ryan, Kaitlyn, Julie, Tyler, Nicole, Anna and Conner; great-grandchildren: Jayson and Emma. He is also survived by his sisters: Gail (Larry) Ritchey, State College, PA, and Andrea (David) VanBerkom, Minot, ND; brother-in-law: Jim (Sherry) Langdahl of Valley City, ND and several nieces and nephews. Russ is preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Mildred (Oxton) and one sister Helen Rosendahl. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given to a charity of choice. Celebration of Life: 1:30 pm Saturday, November 8th, 2014 at the Mayville Lutheran Church, Mayville, ND. Military Honors: ND Military Funeral Honors & Peterson~Olson Post #13, Finley, ND Burial: Will be at 4:30 pm Saturday in the Finley Cemetery, Finley, ND.