Jan C Gilbertson

In Loving Memory of Jan C. Gilbertson

Jan C. Gilbertson passed away on August 23, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tacoma. He was 82 years old.

Jan was born on April 19, 1943, in Fargo, North Dakota, to Gordon and Mae Gilbertson. He grew up in the town of Midwest, Wyoming, where early adventures with his sisters Rosemary and Sally, like climbing fences and making snow angels, sparked a lifelong love of the outdoors. In 1954, the family moved to Parkland, Washington, where Jan attended Parkland School and became active in Boy Scouts and church life at Trinity Lutheran, serving as an altar boy.

Jan graduated from Franklin Pierce High School in 1961. He was a talented musician—he played clarinet in the band and taught himself to play the drums. He also had a strong interest in electronics, building a ham radio and teaching himself Morse code. His interest in ham radio led him to join the Tacoma Radio Club in June 1959 where he was a member for the rest of his life. He earned a degree in Business Administration from Pacific Lutheran University in 1965, where his father was a music professor.

Jan joined the U.S. Navy and served as a communications officer on the USS Sylvania in the Mediterranean. He later volunteered for small boat patrol duty in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, where he served with courage and resourcefulness (RIV SEC/ RIV DIV 532). He retired as a naval officer after 20 years of combined active and reserve service. He remained an active member in the Northwest Chapter of Game Warden’s Association, Vietnam to Present until his passing.

After his military service, Jan returned to the Pacific Northwest, worked for the City of Tacoma in human resources, and later transitioned into real estate. He enjoyed building and creating—most notably constructing an octagon-shaped cabin in Holly on the Hood Canal, which became a cherished family retreat.

Jan was a very loving and dedicated father to his children and to his beloved dog, Mr. Buggs. He really enjoyed camping trips with his children and annual trips to Hawaii. His most memorable trip was to the Fiji Islands with all his children.

Jan was always thrilled to see his family grow. Adam and wife Suzanne and sons Anders and Rhys reside in Seabeck; Andrea and daughter Aryana reside in University Place; and Brita Jaingue and husband Jason and children Jason Jr. (JJ), Noelle, and Micah reside in Kent. He is also survived by his sisters: Rosemary Campbell of Granite Bay, CA and Sally Cowan of Auburn, WA; and many beloved nephews.

Jan was known for his wit, curiosity, work ethic, and generosity. He enjoyed sailing, crabbing, shrimping, and fishing with his father and son, building things with his hands, sharing quiet moments in nature, and watching the Seahawks. A man of resilience and faith, Jan often drew comfort from Psalm 23:4, a verse he quoted throughout his life: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Service and Celebration of Life

A memorial service will be held at 12.30pm on Monday, October 27th at the Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St, Kent, WA 98042. Please arrive by 12.15pm. 

After the memorial service, a celebration of life will be held at Vince's Italian Restaurant 32411 Pacific Hwy S, Federal Way, WA 98003, beginning at 1.45pm. 

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