Stuart Kenneth Gilbertson, 87, formerly of Hudson, WI, died Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at Clare Bridge of Eagan. Stuart was born on September 18, 1924, in Stillwater, MN, the son of Sigwald and Alice (Seim) Gilbertson.  He attended Hudson schools and graduated from Hudson High School in 1943.  On June 24, 1945, he was married to Jane Pederson at Bethel Lutheran Church in Hudson.  The couple lived in Hudson for many years and Stuart worked for the United States Post Office.  He was transferred to Chicago, IL in 1969 and they lived in Wheaton, IL for nine years.  They then returned to Hudson where Stuart worked as manager of the Bulk Mail Distribution Center in Eagan, MN until his retirement in 1988.

Stuart served as a Navigator in the 8th Air Force on a B-17 Bomber during World War II.  He completed 24 combat missions.  Stuart was recalled to active duty for the Korean conflict and flew 50 missions as a combat radar navigator.  He received the Air Medal with several oak leaf clusters.  He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the Air Force Reserve after 28 years of service.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM on Monday, October 24, 2011 at the Bethel Lutheran Church, 920 3rd Street in Hudson.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will follow in Willow River Cemetery, Hudson.

Surviving are a daughter, Lynda (Jim) Bickett of Prior Lake, MN; three grandchildren, Dan (Jill) Bickett, Ryan (Angela) Bickett, and Kara Bickett; two great-grandchildren, Norah and Joshua Bickett.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Jane; his parents, Sigwald and Alice Gilbertson; and his stepmother, Elizabeth Gilbertson. Memorials preferred to Bethel Lutheran Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson, WI.   715-386-3725