Karl Gilbertson

Karl Thomas Gilbertson, 64, of Cedar Falls, died Tuesday, December 25, 2012, at Methodist Hospital, Rochester, Minnesota. He was born August 9, 1948 in Decorah, Iowa, the son of Orin and Vera (Knox) Gilbertson. Karl married Barbara McCannon March 20, 1971 in Ames, Iowa. He graduated from De Sales High School, Ossian, Iowa in 1966 and Iowa State University in 1975 with a BS in Industrial Administration and Accounting. Karl worked for Tyler Technologies as a software specialist. He was active in Boy Scouts, Republican State Central Committee, Black Hawk County Republican Committee, and Orchard Hill Church. Karl is survived by his wife, Barbara, of Cedar Falls; two sons, Matthew Gilbertson, of Gurnee, Illinois and David Gilbertson, of Kansas City, Missouri; one brother, John (Sissy Young) Gilbertson, of Tucumcari, New Mexico, and one sister, Anne Gilbertson, of Decorah, Iowa. Karl was preceded in death by his parents. Services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 29, 2012, at Orchard Hill Church in Cedar Falls, with inurnment in Fairview Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, December 28, 2012, at Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home. Memorials may be directed to Gift of Life Transplant House, Rochester, Minnesota. Condolences may be left at www.DahlFuneralHome.com. Biography by Family Those that knew Karl were well-acquainted with his big smile, hearty laugh, ever-giving spirit, one or two short stories, and hardworking attitude that never took shortcuts. He possessed a sharp mind that could recite everything from the mile marker for Sheldon, IA and the Cyclones' starting lineup for the 1972 Liberty Bowl to intimate stories about friends and loved ones. He loved the Lord, his friends and family, serving those around him, and life's simple pleasures. After an interesting nine-year journey through Iowa State University, he ventured out to Montana with his wife Barbara, where he helped establish and manage a restaurant by the name of Karl Mark's Pizza (he had a sense of humor). They lived and made a life together in several midwestern states and eventually settled in Cedar Falls, IA. It is here that they raised their two boys, Matthew and David. Karl was actively involved in church, Boy Scouts, political committees, various hobbies, and volunteering. In December of 2008, Karl was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He faced his battle with cancer with the same attitude that, in his days of political volunteering, earned him the nickname "Killer Karl." This fierce determination was complemented by his gentle heart which sought to touch the lives of those around him every step of the way. During the four years of his fight, he was sustained by the faithfulness of his Lord Jesus Christ, his unrelenting spirit, "Team Gilbertson," and the prayers of hundreds of friends he made throughout his life.