Allen Edward Gilbertson, of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Majestic Pines Senior Living Community. He was 86 years old.

Allen was born on August 17, 1939, in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, to Gilbert and Marlis (Blaha) Gilbertson. He graduated from Thief River Falls High School and married his high school sweetheart, Karen Austin, in 1957. Allen went on to attend Moorhead State University, graduating in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. He later earned his Masters in Education from Bemidji State University.

Allen devoted his professional life to education and to the many students whose lives he touched throughout his career. He began teaching sixth grade in the Centennial and Northfield school districts before moving to Grand Rapids in 1966. Over the next 30 years, Allen taught fourth and sixth grades at Cohasset Elementary, Old Central School, Riverview Elementary, and Grand Rapids Middle School. Allen retired from teaching in 1996 after a long and dedicated career in education.

Allen was an active member of the Grand Rapids community and generously gave his time to numerous organizations. He was a devoted Rotarian with the Grand Rapids Rotary Club for 56 years. Allen was also active with Zion Lutheran Church, Camp Hiawatha, the Blandin Male Chorus, the Second Harvest Food Bank, GR Amateur Hockey Association and instrumental in the expansion of the IRA Civic Center. Due to his commitment to the community, Allen was named Grand Rapids Citizen of the Year in 2001.

Outside of his work and community involvement, Allen enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, and being outdoors. He especially enjoyed cross-country skiing and hunting waterfowl, activities that allowed him to appreciate the changing seasons of northern Minnesota.

Allen is survived by Karen, his wife of 69 years; his two sons, Craig (Cyndi) Gilbertson of Fargo, ND, and Steve (Cindy) Gilbertson of Cohasset, MN; four grandchildren, Jenifer Sherritt and Scott Gilbertson, both of Fargo, ND, Kirk (Zuzana) Gilbertson of Cohasset, MN, and Jace Gilbertson of Minneapolis, MN; and three great-grandchildren, Brady, Jayden, and Lakyn Sherritt of Fargo, ND.

He is also survived by his brothers, Bruce (Judy) Gilbertson of Keizer, OR, and Dale Gilbertson (Lee Anne Lundgren) Gilbert, MN; and sisters-in-law, Vivian Gilbertson of Moorhead, MN, Jeanne Hartje (Norm Dixon) of Afton, MN, Geri Stout (Ray Van Gilder) of Rice Lake, WI, and Kathy (Gary) Patten of Schofield, WI.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Marlis Gilbertson; his brother, Larry Gilbertson; sister-in-law, Judy Gilbertson; and brother-in-law, David Stout.

Allen's life was marked by a lifelong commitment to education, family, faith, and service to his community. His many years as a teacher and his involvement in the Grand Rapids community allowed him to impact many. He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him.

Visitation will be held Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church, Grand Rapids, MN with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 AM. Reverend George Gilbertson will officiate. Inurnment will immediately follow at the Zion Lutheran Church Columbarium.

Memorials in Allen's memory may be directed to Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry/Camp Hiawatha, or Zion Lutheran Church, or a charity of the donor's choice.