Robert Lee Gilbertson

Robert Lee Gilbertson, 61, of La Crosse, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 2, 2021 after having fun at the Oktoberfest parade with family and friends. He was born on August 20, 1960 in La Crosse to Chauncey and Edna Gilbertson. He was a graduate of West Salem High School. Robert was a great friend to many and loved his family. He was the oldest of five children and worked at Aptiv and Catholic Charities. Even with his disabilities he enjoyed the simpler things in life every day. He loved playing bingo, Yahtzee, bowling and going to parades with his family. He had participated in Special Olympics.

Most of the time you could find Robert watching game shows, westerns, and polka shows such as Big Joe, Jimmy Sturr, and especially Molly B. every week. He also enjoyed watching Lawrence Welk and loved to play director. Robert had a favorite sayings of “Oh Boy”, “Nice Lady”, and “that guy”. He always enjoyed a good cold Pepsi, pizza and subway. When asking what he wanted for supper was always the answer of something delicious, which usually would mean spaghetti, goulash, or pizza.

Many things that were important to him were quarters and one-dollar bills. They always made him happy and meant a lot to him. Some other things that were important to Robert were tootsie pop suckers which he would pick colors for lunch every day. Among other things, Robert loved going for rides and to subway with Jeff. He would watch game shows and westerns, baseball, football, and wrestling with Jim. Nancy would bring treats home for Robert and Sue would visit along with other friends and family.

Robert is survived by two brothers, Jim (Nancy) and Jeff, a sister Susan (Steve) Dolan, nieces and nephews, Kimmy (Nick), Travis, Matt (Tina), Chris (Nicole) Tim (Amanda), Joseph, Tyler, and Michael. He is also survived by many friends and family. He was preceded in death by his parents Chauncey and Edna Gilbertson and a brother Joseph.

Jeff, Jim, and Nancy enjoyed him living with them for the last eleven years. He will be greatly missed.

A memorial gathering will be held at the Oak Grove Cemetery Chapel on Saturday, October 9, 2021 from 10:30 – 11:30 AM followed by graveside services in the cemetery. A complete obituary and guestbook is available at www.schumacher-kish.com . Robert’s family would like everyone to dress casually, preferably in Packers, Badgers or Brewers gear.