Michael “Gilby” Charles Gilbertson, age 66, of Whitehall, died on Thursday,
November 20, 2025 at his home.
Mike was born on June 29, 1959 in Eau Claire, WI to Theodore and Ruth
(Schumacher) Gilbertson. He married Brenda Faldet on July 21, 1990 in Strum.
Mike graduated from the Eleva-Strum High School and was always proud to be
“Fightin’ Card”. Following graduation he spent one year at the UW-Eau Claire.
Mike started his radio career with WISM in Eau Claire doing play-by-play. His
love for radio continued with on air positions with stations in Eau Claire,
Oshkosh and Whitehall. He also was part of a sports program with Hayes
Callaghan for WQOW TV in Eau Claire in the early ‘90’s. Mike was employed by
WHTL radio – TWICE! In between those times, he owned Gilby’s Sports Bar &
Grill. The most recent stint with WHTL lasted eight years as host of the Morning
Ride. He also participated in sales, writing and social media for the station.
Mike was an avid sports guy. He enjoyed reminiscing about “back in the day”
with the Strum Brewers fast pitch softball team and his years with the
Trempealeau Manufacturing slow pitch team. But his most precious memories
were of his days playing baseball for his friend Jan Krueger with the Augusta
Athletics. He was also instrumental in starting a CRBL team in Whitehall with
the Whitehall Wolves and more recently started the American Legion Post #191
baseball team. His love of baseball lead him to being assistant coach for the
Whitehall Norse high school baseball team. Mike loved sharing ball stories and
making his boys laugh with his “old school” baseball speak. Mike’s greatest
love was for his sons whom he could share his love and knowledge of sports
with, especially baseball. Mike also coached many little league teams, Northwest
basketball teams and assistant coach for Norse football and basketball.
It wasn’t until the last few years that Mike found enjoyment in fishing (mainly ice
fishing) and deer hunting with his crossbow. He was fond of the gang that
helped him out with the ins and outs of hunting while having what he called
“safety meetings” at the Shed.
Mike shared his gift of talking with his community by being the Master of
Ceremonies for the Miss Whitehall pageant, narrating for Stouthearted Men
concerts and reading at his church.
When Mike wasn’t doing radio or sports, he was spending time with his wife.
Both recently retired and were enjoying life by gardening, going for drives on the
backroads, going to Brewer games, Badger volleyball games and traveling to
Door County, Nashville, northern Wisconsin and Minnesota. He also enjoyed
going to the Crystal Grand Theater in Wisconsin Dells for concerts.
Michael is survived his wife, Brenda; three sons, James (Samie), Matthew
(Rachel) and Isaiah (Kelcie Phinney); three grandsons, Emmit, Easton and Liam;
two brothers, Paul (Jane) and Tom (Janet); four nieces, Lynsi, Lacey, Alison and
Maddie; his mother-in-law, Cleo Scharlau; a brother-in-law, Scott (Carla) Faldet
and two sisters-in-law, Karen (Pat) Petkau and Ann Moen.
In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his best friends, Jan
Krueger and John “Moose” Anderson.
Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in
Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Whitehall with Scott W. Brown – SAM
officiating.
Visitation will be Monday, December 1, 2025 from 4-7 p.m. at Our Saviour’s
Lutheran Church in Whitehall and also one hour prior to the service at the
church on Tuesday.
Remember to hug your kids!!
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