Charles F. "Charlie" Gilbertson, Iii

Charles Fredrick Gilbertson, lovingly known by all as “Charlie”, passed at home beside his beloved bride of 33 years on Sunday, February 23, 2014.

He was born on July 14, 1952 in Detroit, Michigan but spent the majority of his childhood in south Florida. He graduated from Plantation High School in 1971, where he developed and maintained many long-term and loyal friendships. He attended Florida State University from 1972 until 1976, where he played football and was president of Phi Delta Theta. Charlie remained a passionate FSU fan throughout his life. He married a PHS classmate, Linda Kunkel, in 1971. Due to Charlie’s vision, they purchased land in Lake Wales in 1983 where they built their dream home and became permanent residents in 1990. He considered their life together here as his own ‘little slice of heaven’. He was the founder and president of Superior Products, based in Lake Wales. He was a passionate lover of animals, especially his dogs TJ, Katie, Jetta, Charlie, Lucky, Midnight, Grogan and especially Patches. Charlie was an extremely joyful, sensitive and loyal husband, son, friend, family member and co-worker. He worked hard and played hard.

He was preceded in death by his father, Turner Knight and fathers-in-law, F. Edward Kunkel and John Cason. He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Kunkel Gilbertson; mother, Lorraine Courville Knight; mother-in-law, Nancy Cason; sisters and brothers-in-law, Terry and Dick Pildner, Ellen Yount, Kathy and Scott Kwierant; niece, Michelle Yount; aunts, Elaine Boruszewski and Ruthie Makish; uncle, Art Courville; and many long-time friends.

Visitation will be held from 2:30 pm until the funeral service at 3:30 pm Friday, February 28, 2014 at the Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales with Dr. Scott Markley officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Humane Society of Polk County (555 Sage Road, Winter Haven, FL 33881).

To view the webcast of the service, click the link below:
http://webcasts.lifetributes.com/470874