Norman Gilstad
Norman H. Gilstad, 81, passed away from cancer on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011, at home with his loving wife by his side.
Norm was born in Watford City, N.D., to Edgar and Effie Gilstad. He was one of 13 children. He graduated from Watford City High School before serving in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955. He married the love of his life, his Lu, his wife for over 20 years.
He worked for the Great Northern Railroad out of Great Falls and built grain elevators. He came to Missoula in 1963, and was a member of the Carpenter’s Union for 37 years before retiring.
He was a member of the Elks and helped move them to their new building. Norm also was a member of the Eagles Lodge and managed the Eagles’ bowling alley (in Billings) for two years. He loved to bowl and fish, and especially loved his little dog, Catalina.
Norm is preceded in death by his mother and father, four brothers and one sister.
He is survived by his wife, Lucille; his son, Duane (Wendy), and six granddaughters; siblings, Ida (Richard), Eleanor, Illa (Jon), Lillian, and Raymond (Linda), all of North Dakota; Geneva, of Columbia Falls, Mont.; and Dorothy, of California; niece Marie Gilstad; numerous nieces and nephews, and all of his friends.
At Norm’s request, there will be no service, but he wanted everyone to “go have one for him.”
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com or sent c/o Brothers Mortuary and Crematory at Post Office Box 557, Hamilton, MT 59840.