Richard Lee “Dick” Gilbertson, age 75, of Dodgeville, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Richard was born on April 25, 1951, in Monroe, Wisconsin, to Lyle and Inez Gilbertson. He graduated from Mount Horeb High School in 1969 and began a life defined by hard work, dedication, and service to his community.
Upon graduation, Richard worked for Keith Simmons Automotive for two years and for Kayser for one year before beginning a career spanning more than 30 years with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. In 1980, he moved to Dodgeville, where he made his home for the remainder of his life.
In addition to his state career, Richard proudly served part-time with the Iowa County Sheriff’s Department for 20 years and was a member of the Iowa County Sheriff’s Association for 22 years. He also worked as a dairy consultant for Wal-Mart for 20 years.
On August 1, 2009, Richard married Michelle {Reed} Meudt in Dodgeville, Wisconsin. Together they shared many happy years filled with love, laughter, family, and friendship.
Richard was an avid Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, and Milwaukee Brewers fan. He enjoyed many years of bowling and countless hands of euchre. His greatest joy was making others laugh and spending time with his family, especially his wife, his girls, and their families.
Richard’s two daughters, Jodi and Jana, were his world. He loved “his girls” more than anything and took great pride in their accomplishments and the families they built.
He could talk to anyone, anywhere, about anything, and it seemed he knew someone just about everywhere he went. His presence was felt by everyone he met, and his gift for conversation and humor made lasting impressions on countless people throughout his life.
Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Michelle; his daughters, Jodi (Jason) Rowley of Rosendale, Wisconsin, and Jana (Stacey) Hurda of Edgerton, Wisconsin; and his four grandchildren, Cassidy Hurda of Jacksonville, Florida, Camryn Hurda of Madison, Wisconsin, Cashton Hurda of Edgerton, Wisconsin, and Elliot Rowley of Rosendale, Wisconsin. He is also survived by his great-grandson, Tristan Hurda of Jacksonville, Florida, and was eagerly awaiting the arrival of another great-grandson. He deeply cherished each of them and treasured every moment spent together. Also survived by Michelle’s daughters, LeAnn (Brian) Jenkins of Dodgeville, Wisconsin, Megan (Chris) Clerkin of Richland Center, Wisconsin and Brooke (Eric) Faull of Linvngston, Wisconsin and their families.
Further survivors include his siblings, Dennis (Rita) Gilbertson, Vickie (Bruce) Stamn, Kent Gilbertson, and Julie (Dale) Thompson; as well as many nieces, nephews, and Godchildren.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Inez Gilbertson; his brother, Gary Gilbertson; his sister, Jeanne Gilbertson; and his nephew, Brian Gilbertson.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at the GORGEN-McGINLEY & AYERS FUNERAL HOME in Dodgeville. Burial will be held in East Side Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday and from 10:00 a.m. until 10:50 a.m. on Tuesday at the GORGEN-McGINLEY & AYERS FUNERAL HOME in Dodgeville.
Following the burial, Richard’s family invites everyone to join them for a luncheon at Dodger Bowl in Dodgeville to share memories, stories, and laughter—just as he would have wanted.
Richard’s loss leaves an emptiness in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. His legacy of kindness, humor, friendship, and devotion to family will live on through his girls, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many lives he touched throughout his 75 years. Though he will be deeply missed, the memories he created and the love he shared will remain forever.
Gorgen-McGinley & Ayers Funeral Home
www.gorgenfh.com