Gilbert “Gib” Fjelstad, a longtime Stewartville, Minnesota, area farmer, passed away following a lengthy illness, on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Rochester – Methodist Campus.
Gilbert Vernon Fjelstad was born on November 15, 1944 in Wykoff, Minnestoa, to Henry and Veronna (Milbroth) Fjelstad. Gib grew up on a dairy farm and carried on a proud family tradition of farming, a tradition shared by his brother Herbert and his nephew Mark. He attended Wykoff schools, graduating from Wykoff High Sschool in 1962. Gilbert was married on June 12, 1965, at Cherry Grove United Methodist Church to Anita C. Copeman. Together, Gib and Anita took pride in raising their family on the farm, instilling in their children an appreciation for hard work, family, and their farming roots. It was a way of life that connected generations and became an important part of the legacy they built together. Anita was a homemaker and owner/operator of the Flower Barn in Stewartville for a number of years. After retiring from farming, the Fjelstads moved into Stewartville and Gib was employed as a truck driver. He began by hauling cattle, then moved to hauling freight across the country, and finished his trucking career hauling grain. He loved being a truck driver, especially when Anita rode alongside him. They cherished their time on the road together.
Gib was a long-time active member of the Stewartville United Methodist Church. After retiring from trucking, he loved spending time in his woodshop, building things and restoring old furniture for friends and family. He and Anita also enjoyed working together in their yard and gardens and relaxing beside one another on the deck. His love of fishing was passed down to him by his mother Veronna. Gib treasured the time he spent fishing with family and friends, sharing the passion his mother had given him and making memories together.
Gib is survived by his wife of 61 years, Anita; two daughters and one son – Susan (Steve) Hartleip of La Crosse, Wisconsin, Anne (Jim) Schatz of High Forest, Minnesota, and Hans (Kelly) Fjelstad of Rosemount, Minnesota; two grandchildren, Derek Hartleip and Nicole Hartleip (Derek and his wife Caitlin are expecting twin girls in the spring – Gib’s great-granddaughters); his sister Winnie (Ronald) Gathje of Stewartville and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Veronna, his older brother Herbert Fjelstad, and his nephew Mark Fjelstad.
Gib will be dearly missed, and his memory will live on in the stories and moments shared by those who knew and loved him.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. at the Stewartville United Methodist Church on Sunday November 15, 2026, with Rev. Jeff Goeldi officiating. A time of visitation for family and friends will be from 12 p.m. until time of service at the church. Gib will be laid to rest in a private family burial at High Forest Cemetery in High Forest, Minnesota.
Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Gib are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com.
Leave a Reply