Orrie Everett Gilbertson

Orrie Gilbertson, 92, died on Friday, December 16, 2016 at his home on Riverfront on Main Assisted Living in Pelican Rapids, MN.       Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at Calvary Evangelical Free Church in Pelican Rapids, MN with Rev. Bob Satterlie officiating.  Burial will follow in Aspelund Cemetery, rural Rollag, MN.  Visitation will be held from 5-8 PM, Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at Dobmeier Funeral Home with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM.  Visitation will also be held for one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Wednesday.  Orrie Everett Gilbertson was born on May 8, 1924, near Downer, Minnesota of Clay County, the son of Gustav R. and Olga (Enger) Gilbertson.  The family was of Norwegian heritage.  He attended grade school in Tansem Township and later in Humbolt Township near Barnesville.  He also worked on area farms.  In January of 1945, he entered the US Marine Corp. and was honorably discharged in October of 1946.  On November 15, 1947, he married Arlene C. Bekkerus at the Barnesville Assembly of God Church.  The couple resided and farmed near Rollag until August of 1999.  Orrie worked at the Pelican Turkey Plant for over 22 years.  The couple currently resides in Pelican Rapids.  He was a member of the Barnesville Assembly of God where he served as treasurer for 40 years and Sunday school teacher for 35 years.  He also was clerk of Tansem Township for 9 years.  His hobbies include woodworking and trapping.  In June and July of 1990, Orrie and Arlene enjoyed a 3 week self-guided tour of Norway.  For Orrie’s 80th birthday, they went to Washington DC for the dedication of the World War II Memorial.  His family includes his wife Arlene, of Pelican Rapids, MN; one daughter Faith (Pastor Richard) Davis of Lorton, Virginia; three sons: Daniel (Christine) of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; Joel of Fargo, ND; and Mark of Fargo; four grandchildren: Jonathon (Elisabeth); Christa (Brian) Staples; Melissa and Jesse; one sister Etta Bekkerus, of Glyndon, MN; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.  Preceding him in death were his parents, Gustav and Olga; his granddaughter Ruthann; one sister Martha (Vern) Shaner; one brother Gordon (Claudia) Gilbertson; and a nephew Elwood Shaner.  PALLBEARERS:  Ronald Bekkerus, Bob Gilbertson, Ricky Skogen, Art Gilbertson, Phil Kemper, Jay Leitch DUET:  Arden & Ruth Dorn  Accompanied by:  Sharon Seibel SELECTIONS:  Suppertime, What A Day That Will Be  CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS:  Because He Lives, Thou Does Leave Thy Throne, The Old Rugged Cross MILITARY HONORS: Pelican Rapids American Legion & VFW Honor Guard with Taps played by Nephew Ricky Skogen Orrie Gilbertson's Funeral Bulletin