Richard "Dick" Gilbertson

lRichard "Dick" Gilbertson, a true American success story, was born on October 22, 1931 in Cortland, NY.

He was raised on the Gilbertson family farm, and attended a two-room schoolhouse for his elementary education.

In high school he was double promoted and graduated from Cortland High School at the age of 16.

After graduation he became the first person in his family to attend college. He attended Cortland State Teachers College (SUNY Cortland).

Rather than continuing as a student teacher, he proudly stepped forward to serve his nation, joining the United States Air Force during the Korean War.

Through dedication and discipline, he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant. His first post was at Selfridge Air Force Base in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, where he met and married the love of his life, Yola.

After he was discharged, he applied to a blind newspaper ad, which turned out to be from the Coy Eklund Agency of the Equitable Life Assurance Society in their Cashier's Department.

In his more than 35 years with Equitable he rose to the office of Agency Manager in a new location in Dearborn, Michigan.

He then enjoyed over 35 years of retirement thanks to his hard work and the support from the Equitable Family.

He passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 7, with family by his side.

He was predeceased in death by his parents, Grace and Merle Gilbertson, his sister Muriel and his beloved Wife Yola.

He is survived by his sons Brian (Suzanne) and Rich (Annemarie), four beautiful grandchildren, Richie (Tracy) Gilbertson, Lisa (Chadd) Neale, Nancy and Emily Gilbertson, and two exceptional great grandchildren, Reece and Blakely Gilbertson, as well as his many Nieces and Nephews.

He leaves behind an amazing legacy to his family as well as the many successful careers he helped start during his years at Equitable.

Visitation at the R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Home, 15451 Farmington Rd., Livonia, MI, Sunday, February 15, from 1-8 p.m. with a Rosary Service at 7 p.m. Instate, at R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Home, Monday, February 16, from 10 a.m. until funeral prayer service at 10:30 a.m., followed by procession to Glen Eden Memorial West Cemetery 35667 Eight Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48152

Memorial donations may be directed to C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.https://www.uofmhealth.org/our-care/specialty-centers-hospitals/cs-mott-childrens-hospital