Randy W. Gilbertson

Randall “Randy” W. Gilbertson, age 74, of Alexandria, formerly of Plymouth, died on Friday, December 31, 2021, at St. Cloud Hospital following a brief illness.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria with Rev. Greg Billberg officiating. Music is provided by pianist, Virginia Hegre and soloist, Paula Odland. Interment will take place at Esther Lutheran Church, rural Parkers Prairie.

Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church.

Randall Warren was born on January 14, 1947, to Warren and Connie (Rimert) Gilbertson in Duluth. He graduated from Duluth East High School in 1965. Following his education, he began working on an ore boat on the Great Lakes. Randy moved to Minneapolis and started his career as a facilities manager. Randy was united in marriage to Janet Arvidson on June 12, 1971. Following their marriage, he worked several places before landing at the University of Minnesota, where he was the dormitory facilities manager for over 20 years. Randy coached many levels of hockey including Junior B, and later PeeWees, and Bantams, in the Robbinsdale Armstrong and Wayzata Hockey Youth Programs. Following retiring in 2004, he and his wife moved to Alexandria where he drove bus for the Alexandria School District #206, for many years. Randy was a member of First Lutheran Church. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved Gopher Hockey and was a proud season ticket holder for over 20 years. Nearest to Randy’s heart were his canine companions and especially time spent with his grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Randy is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jan; daughter, Sara (Patrick) O’Neal of Burnsville; son, Erik (Amy) Gilbertson of Burnsville; four grandchildren, Miles and Sophia O’Neal, and Anders and Tuomi Gilbertson; two brothers, Brian Gilbertson, and Roger (Nancy) Gilbertson; and many nieces, nephews, and relatives.

Urnbearers are David Arvidson, Grant Pexsa, Derek Denny, and Gavin Pexsa. Honorary urnbearer is his godson, Scott Gilbertson.