Terry Kermit Gilbertson

TERRY KERMIT GILBERTSON, age 77 of Waseca, died at his home on the morning of Wednesday, November 5, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Terry was born in Albert Lea on March 29, 1948, to parents Kermit and Marie (Bowman) Gilbertson. He went to school in Albert Lea and graduated with the Tiger Class of 1966 after participating in basketball, football, and track. He continued his education at Luther College in Decorah, IA where he studied education and played football. In the years that followed he also attended further training in education at Mankato State University. On June 7, 1969, Terry was married to Carolyn Johnson at Grace Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. In 1970, Terry and Carolyn moved to Waseca and made it their family’s permanent home. A true educator to his very core, Terry was passionate about his role as a teacher in the lives of young people. He would often say that the kids he taught, the parents he met, and the other staff-people at school were not only wonderful people but became his true friends. Terry was instrumental in establishing the Isabella Program which later became the Wolf Ridge Program. He was an assistant coach for track and field for over twenty years, but he is probably most widely known for the over twenty-five years that he was Waseca’s Head Football Coach. He led his teams to four south-central conference championships and following his retirement from the position in 1996 he remained the Bluejay’s #1 Fan. Terry retired from teaching in 2004. He volunteered his time with countless organizations in the community including the Red Cross and the Waseca Area Foundation. He was also the voice of Waseca’s “Christmas Times A-Coming” for many years. Terry was a fixture at Grace Lutheran Church in Waseca where he served in many roles including usher and liturgist. He was proud to be involved in Minnesota Coach’s Association and the Minnesota Football Coach’s Association. Terry will be missed by the countless lives he touched with his positive energy, his genuine warmth and kindness, and his willingness to help those in need. He lived his prayer for love and acceptance, which was always felt in his presence.

Being a Grandpa was Terry’s biggest joy. To his Grandchildren, he was a safe place, a warm hug, and their biggest fan. He was present for every milestone, every game, every victory, and every scraped knee. He showed them what unconditional love looks like through everyday moments and left fingerprints on their childhood memories that will carry into adulthood.

Terry is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Carolyn Jean Gilbertson of Waseca; his greatest source of pride – three children, Chad James Gilbertson of Waseca, Anne Marie Gilbertson of Waseca, and Jane Lynn (Phillip) Schleicher of Waseca; seven grandchildren that he adored, Ellie, Cora and Lucy Schleicher, and Madison (Grant Huinker) Melcher, Arik Castro, Charley Castro, and Lincoln Castro; three siblings, Steve Gilbertson of Alexandria, Sue (Bill) Barber of Albert Lea, and Lanae (Larry) Thorstad of Albert Lea; two siblings-in-law, Tom Nelsen of St. Peter and Judy Christenson of Albert Lea; and several nieces and nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Linda Nelsen and Sandra Gilbertson; a brother-in-law Jim Johnson; a sister-in-law, Nancy Gilbertson; and his parents-in-law, Edith and Oscar Olson.

The Gilbertson family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff of Ecumen Hospice for the compassionate and expert care they provided to Terry in his final days. Your care and expertise will not be forgotten.

We are also deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love, support, and prayers from our friends, family, and community. Your presence and comfort during this time have meant more than words can express

Visitation will be held from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Grace Lutheran Church in Waseca, and will continue for one hour before the service at the church on Monday.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 10, 2025, at Grace Lutheran Church in Waseca, with Rev. Jillene Gallatin officiating. Interment will follow at Woodville Cemetery in Waseca.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are preferred and may be directed to Terry’s family. These gifts will support Waseca Athletics, a cause close to his heart.