Larry James Gilbertson, a beloved community member from Webster, South Dakota, peacefully departed this world on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at the Centerville Care and Rehab Center in Centerville, South Dakota, on the meaningful occasion of Father's Day. He was 83 years old.

Born on July 19, 1941, to Rueben and Angeline (Horst) Gilbertson at Peabody Hospital in Webster, South Dakota, Larry brought warmth and joy to those around him from an early age. As the oldest of four children, he grew up on the family farm northwest of Roslyn, South Dakota. He attended Pleasant View Country School #124 in Liberty Township through eighth grade and graduated from Roslyn High School in 1959. While in high school, Larry was an active member of the FFA and participated in basketball.

From 1959 to 1974, Larry worked as a printer at the Reporter & Farmer newspaper in Webster, SD. In 1974, Larry devoted himself to his role as an owner/operator of Larry Gilbertson Construction for 40 years until his well-deserved retirement. Additionally, Larry farmed for many years.

Larry served in the Army National Guard from 1964 to 1969. He was the head of survey and honorably discharged as a staff sergeant of HHB, 2nd Battalion, 147th Artillery in Webster, SD. Larry participated in winter survival training in Alaska and was a lifetime American Legion Post #40 member in Webster, SD.

On December 19, 1970, Larry found love and companionship when he married Elaine Vander Martin from Lily, South Dakota, in Webster, South Dakota. Together, they built a beautiful family, welcoming four children into their lives: Cathy, Gary, Troy, and Nancy.

Larry and Elaine attended many threshing shows in eastern South Dakota and western Minnesota. He enjoyed driving his JD gator around the threshing grounds, reminiscing about the "good old days." Larry loved researching the history of northeastern South Dakota and his family's heritage. He conducted extensive studies on York Township in Day County, South Dakota, and co-published a history book.

Larry leaves behind a legacy of love, cherished by his devoted wife of 54 years, Elaine Gilbertson of Marion, SD, and their four children: Cathy (Brian) Roesler of Marion, SD; Gary Gilbertson of Webster, SD; Troy (Abby) Gilbertson of Milbank, SD; and Nancy Gilbertson of Watertown, SD. He will be remembered fondly by his four grandsons: Riley, Cody, and Jonnathon Gilbertson of Watertown, SD, and Titus Roesler of Cambridge, MA. Larry is also survived by his brothers, David Gilbertson of Omaha, NE, and Oliver Gilbertson of Sioux Falls, SD; his sister, Marilyn Ewoldt of Sioux Falls, SD; as well as several cousins and four nephews.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Rueben and Angeline Gilbertson, and his in-laws, Elmer and Lydia (Vander Martin) Fisk. Larry's generous spirit, warm heart, and unwavering love will always be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 to 5:00 PM on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the American Legion in Webster, South Dakota.