Arthur J. Gilbertson, age 92, of rural Blair, died on Wednesday, April 17, 2013 in the Pigeon Falls Health Care Center in Pigeon Falls.

Arthur was born in Whitehall, WI on June 17, 1920 to Ardnt and Minnie (Nerby) Gilbertson. He lived on the home farm and worked for neighbors until being drafted into the United States Army on May 12, 1942. He trained in Mississippi and California prior to going to North Africa on January 8, 1944. He fought in Italy from Casino to Milan with Company H 338th. Infantry Battalion 85th. Infantry Division. He was injured north of Rome by a mortar shell and finally after 60 years was awarded the Bronze Star and other medals. He also took German prisoners back to Munich, Germany. He received his honorable discharge at Camp Polk, LA on August 15, 1945. He returned home and helped on the family farm.

Arthur married Muriel Lindbo on February 4, 1950 in Pigeon Falls. They lived in Taylor for a year and then rented a farm for a few years before buying their home in 1956.

Art and Muriel enjoyed going to polka fests, weekend dancing at the Green Meadows, bus trips with friends, driving his tractors, deer hunting and woodworking.

Arthur was able to go on the Freedom Honor Flight to Washington. D.C. in May of 2008.

Arthur is survived by his loving wife, wife, Muriel of 63 years; two children, Kathleen (Keith) Ekern of Blair and Jeffrey (Janet) Gilbertson of LaCrosse; six grandchildren, Lisa (Fred) Sosalla , Stacy (Ron) Paulson, Lara (Chris) Seubert, Ian Ekern, Melissa (friend, Brad) Gilbertson and Travis Gilbertson; 8 great-grandchildren, Bethany, Ethan, Amanda and Katarina Ringlien, Samantha Severson, Colette Paulson, Aeriana Gage and Dayne Seubert; three step-great-grandchildren, Shannon Thompson, Laramy Paulson and Nick Sosalla; a great-great-granddaughter, Adelynn Grace Gran who Grampa adored; two brothers, Hensel (Jeanette) Gilbertson of Whitehall and Lloyd (Betty) Gilbertson of Wisconsin Dells, WI; many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Arthur was preceded in death by two sisters, Agnes Goplin and
Amanda Gilbertson; a brother, William Gilbertson; a brother-in-law, Paul Goplin and a sister-in-law, Bernadine Gilbertson.

Memorial services will be held on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. in Peace Lutheran of Pigeon Falls with burial in the Pigeon Creek Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in Pigeon Falls. Pastor Roger Benrud will officiate. Military graveside services will be conducted by the Hanson-Lien American Legion Post #368 of Hixton-Taylor.

Visitation will be Saturday, April 20, 2013 from 4-7 p.m. in the Jack Funeral Home in Whitehall and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Sunday.