Wilbur Gulbrandson

Wilbur Gerald Gulbrandson, son of Warner and Maud (Hunt) Gulbrandson, was born December 11, 1927 in Morris, Minnesota. Wilbur was baptized on August 5, 1928 and confirmed on November 15, 1942 at Kongsvinger Lutheran Church, rural Donnelly. He attended District #23 Country School. Following his schooling, Wilbur worked on the family farm. On October 28, 1950, he was united in marriage to Arlene Haack in Morris. Following their marriage, the couple lived and farmed near Herman, Minnesota, where they also raised their three children. Wilbur has continued to farm his entire life, raising livestock and harvesting grains.

Wilbur was a member of Kongsvinger Lutheran Church, rural Donnelly. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, riding ATV and watching the wildlife around the lake. He especially enjoyed the time he spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, watching them in the activities that they participated in. Wilbur was a wonderful friend to everyone he met and always liked to joke around.

Wilbur died on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at the Stevens Community Medical Center in Morris, Minnesota, having lived to reach the age of 81 years.

He is survived by his wife: Arlene Gulbrandson of Herman; three children: Gary (Bonnie) Gulbrandson of Donnelly, Jeff (Cindy) Gulbrandson of Hoffman and Jeanne (Steve) Halbe of Morris; eight grandchildren: Brent (Kim) Gulbrandson of Elbow Lake, Amy Day of St. Louis Park, Chris Gulbrandson of Herman, Beth Van Horn (special friend: Joshua Keiffer) of Morris, Sarah (Gavin ) Larson of Norcross, Jessica (Chris) Davis of Sartell, Angela Halbe (special friend: Cody Rutherford) of Fargo and Brad Halbe (special friend: Machon Galligan) of Morris; two great-grandchildren: Tabitha Van Horn and Mia Gulbrandson; one brother: Rudy Gulbrandson of Alaska; two sisters: Grace Derby of Elbow Lake and Cleo Gandrud of Benson and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his daughter: Peggy Jo; two grandsons-in-law: David Day and Curtis Van Horn; his parents; three brothers: Lloyd, Orrin and Delner Gulbrandson and four sisters: Lila Frarck, Mildred Miller, Orella McCalip and Audrey Sax.

Pallbearers for the service are all of Wilbur’s grandchildren: Brent Gulbrandson, Amy Day, Chris Gulbrandson, Beth Van Horn, Sarah Larson, Jessica Davis, Angela Halbe and Brad Halbe. Honorary pallbearers are grandchildren’s spouses and friends: Kim Gulbrandson, Joshua Kieffer, Gavin Larson, Chris Davis, Cody Rutherford and Machon Galligan. Sue Erdahl-Nelson will serve as organist for the service with Gregg Sperr serving as soloist. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.