Alvin Arno Gilster

Alvin Arno Gilster, age 90, of Le Center, MN passed away peacefully on October 13, 2026.

Born on October 11, 1936, in Waseca, MN he was the son of Arno and Alvina (Detjen) Gilster. He was raised in the Waldorf area, where he attended and graduated from Waldorf School. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy, spending most of his service stationed in the Mediterranean region.

After returning home, he met Violet Schwarz through mutual friends, and the two were married on August 10, 1958, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Janesville, Minnesota. They spent a short time living in Waseca before settling in Le Center, where they made their home and raised their family. Al began his career at Jim Fox Motors in Waseca. After moving to Le Center, he joined Kroll Chevrolet, eventually purchasing the business and renaming it Gilster Chevrolet. During his years as a business owner in Le Center, Al earned the nickname “Honest Al,” a name that reflected the motto he carried throughout his career and his life: honesty in everything he did. He later sold the dealership and went on to establish Gilster Specialties. Throughout the years, Al continued working in various roles, maintaining his strong work ethic well into his 80th year.

Al enjoyed playing golf and cheering on his favorite teams, especially the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. He took great pride in the community he called home and believed in giving back to the people and organizations that made it special. His service in the United States Navy remained one of the greatest sources of pride in his life, and he continued to honor that service through his involvement with the VFW, where he served as past commander. In 2026, he was honored to receive a Quilt of Valor in recognition of his military service. Al was also a member of the American Legion, the Le Center Community Club, where he once served as president, and St. Paul Lutheran Church, where he was a longtime member.

Above all, Al loved his family deeply. He cherished the memories of growing up alongside his siblings and the family bonds that shaped his life. As the years passed, that same love carried into gatherings with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, where the joy of being together remained one of life’s greatest gifts. Al lived his life with integrity, stood firmly by his values, and moved through the years with no regrets. He leaves behind a legacy of honesty, hard work, service, and, most importantly, a family who will carry his love and the lessons he lived by for generations to come.

Al will be lovingly remembered by his children, Deb (Pat) Bauleke, Donna Gilster, and Jeff Gilster; grandchildren, Abby (Pat) Miller, Dezi Bauleke, Brian (Callie) Bauleke, Cody (Tina) Bauleke, Kyle (Stacy) Robbins, Angella Robbins, Paige (Jake) Sumpter, and Chelsea (Kaya) Lindell; great grandchildren, Haydin, Zaelyiah, Kryxus, Alizybeth, Xeona, Evie, Claire, Azena, Parker, C.J., Tyler, Tristian, Kalli, Colten, and one on the way in February; family friend Nick Eilrich; siblings, John Gilster and Judy Webber; sisters-in-law, Sue Gilster, LaJune Schmidt, and Luanne Schwarz; brothers-in-law, Frank Groskreutz and Pat Muldoon; along with many nieces, nephews and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Violet in 2016; siblings, Wanita Groskreutz, Dan (Florence) Gilster, Larry Gilster, and Janice (Nick) Samaraka; sisters-in-law, Beverly Muldoon, Alice (Kenny Spotts), LuVerne (Yvonne) Schwarz, and Florence (Bill) Braun; brothers-in-law, LeRay Webber, Cliff Schwarz, and John Schmidt; and nephew, Kent Spotts.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026 at 11:00 AM at St Paul Lutheran Church in Le Center, MN; Pastor Heath Queen will be officiating. Al’s family will greet guests at a visitation held two hours prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Ft Snelling.