Early Friday morning, August 17, 2012 Wesley Ray Gilbertson began the largest journey of his life. His destination was everlasting life, and freedom from the pain of his pancreatic and liver cancers.
Wes was born August 26, 1946, in Miles City, Montana, the son of Elmer and Christine (Kohones) Gilbertson. He graduated from Custer County High School and attended college for a year before enlisting in the US Navy with two lifelong friends, Howard Cummings and Larry Seaman. Wes served on the USS Yorktown and the USS Hornet, taking part in the recovery of Apollo 8, the Vietnam War and the USS Pueblo Incident in the waters off North Korea. After his discharge he was employed by Philco-Ford working in Australia, Afghanistan, Bolivia, India, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan and the good old USofA.
Tired of traveling, he went to work for the Milwaukee Railroad and later for the Burlington-Northern Railroad as an electrical engineer. A workforce reduction found him back in Miles City, where he and Nancy Kay Pering were married on October 16, 1982. Wes became a licensed water, waste-water operator for the City of Miles City, a job almost as good as railroading. He retired June 30, 2008 after 25 years of service. After he retired he made time to volunteer at the St. Vincent DePaul Store until his health prevented it.
Wes enjoyed hunting, target shooting and was an avid fisherman, holding the State record for the shovelnose sturgeon in 1977. For Wes, a bad day fishing was definitely better than a good day at work.
Wes was a member of the Eagles, Custer Rod & Gun Club, American Legion and was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Christine Gilbertson as well as his cousin and best friend Kenneth Kohones.
Wes is survived by his wife, Nancy; his sister Pamella (Ted) Schreiber of Miles City, MT and his nephew Paul Schreiber of Bozeman, MT. He is also survived by brothers-in-law James (Jorja) Schreiber of Bigfork, MT and Scott (Kathy) Pering of Miles City and sister-in-law Donna (Lyle) Schmidt of Cody, WY.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at 11:00am at First Presbyterian Church in Miles City with burial following in the Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery with full Military Honors. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 21, 2012
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday August 22, 2012
First Presbyterian Church
1401 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Wednesday August 22, 2012
Eastern Montana State Veteran Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 21, 2012
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday August 22, 2012
First Presbyterian Church
1401 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Wednesday August 22, 2012
Eastern Montana State Veteran Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Bob Gilbert says
Wes lived at 18 n.Jordan and I at 20 N. Custer. As we were growing up we spent much time together including hunting in the Carbon Hills. I watched a lot of TV at the Gilbettson house as they got TV before my family did. I counted Wes as a darn good friend. If I had a million dollars in cash you could have given it to Wes and every dime would be there when you came back to get it. In our later years we didn’t see each other often–the Bucking Horse sale parade the exception. Wes—rest in peace. My sympathies to you, Nancy.
Bob Gilbert, Helena
Peggy says
So sorry to hear of Wes’ passing. I will miss seeing him at the Short Stop. Prayers go out to the family.
arlene and dennis corbin says
Nancy I am thinking of you duing this difficult time. I pray your stength in GOD will sustain you. Wes was an awesome fellow and fought a vigilant battle. We ae at ou lake home, and I will see you when we get. I pray GOD will give you couage and strength. alene
Aaron & Brenda Kneeland says
Nancy & Family – we are very sorry to hear about Wes’ passing. I will miss seeing his wave and smile on our morning walks and runs in and out of Southgate. We are praying for your peace, strength and comfort during this difficult time. Brenda
Linda Hodgson & Matt Smith says
Nancy & family – both Matt & I send our condolences to all of you and thank god Wes is in a much better place and out of his pain now. He certainlly did fight a long hard battle and never heard him complain once. He will be greatly missed.
Linda & Gene Life says
Nancy & Family,
So sorry to hear about Wes’ passing. You both have been very special people to us. I’m glad he is now free from pain and his journey here on earth is over. He struggled very hard and he is now free. Our love and prayers to you and may God bless you always!
Mike Schmitz says
Sorry to hear of Wes’s passing. I got to know Wes,when we worked for Bob Meidinger in the late 70’s. He showed me what a work ethic meant. A quiet hard worker, he helped me in many ways. i too will miss him at the Shortstop,always on his way fishing. Everlasting life and unlimited fishing,what a combo.
Bob & Charlotte says
Nancy, we were sorry to learn of Wes’s passing. I knew Wes as a little boy on No. Jordan.
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We know he is in a better place
without any pain.
Bonnie Scott says
Nancy, we are so sorry to hear of wes’s passing. our thoughts are with you.
Wanda & Glenn Roberts says
Nancy, From out of the past we come with thoughts and prayers in your loss. Sorry we didn’t know Wes, sounds like he was a special one. Just know we are thinking about you, you are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless, your ole roommate. Wanda & Glenn
Bruce Wilson says
Wes,
I will always remember you as this quiet gentle giant, that everyone loved.
You were just one of the “good guys” in every sense of the word.
Rest in peace brother.
To all your family, cherish the memories that you had with Wes.
Bruce Wilson
PS: Wes, you was the best box boy Butterys ever had!
Illabelle Steffen-Orvalla says
I am so sorry to hear the passing of my cousin Wesley. I remember as kids we had great times and many laughs. We grew up in at a great time. Our folks were the best. You will be missed and remembered with all my heart. Your family are in heart and preyers. Rest in peace.
Mark Browning, CC Art Center says
Nancy and Family,
Being raised in the same neighborhood, I remember those years of public school with Wes. At recess, he was sure good with a bat and ball!
We appreciate and look back at his time and many contacts while at our neighboring water plant, as well as your time, Nancy, given to our Center.
Fond memories.
Barbara Plummer says
Nancy and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of Wes passing. I know he was fighting a long and painful battle. He is now in the best place ever with his Lord and Savior. It was shocking when I looked at the obits this morning in the newspaper on line. I had not looked for over three weeks but his was so recent it hit me in the face. Nancy my prayers and thoughts are with you and family as they have been ever since I visited with you and Wes and knew of his cancer.
Phil & Jane Dailey says
Nancy & Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Maybe the good Lord had some Walleye fishing in heaven that needed to get done. We are sure Wes is in good hands now, we know these are tough times. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help.