More detail on this person: Ronald Bernard Gilsdorf , 89, passed away on December 5, 2017 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was born on January 30, 1928 in Winona, Minnesota to Ervin and Mythle Gilsdorf. Ronald joined the Merchant Marines in 1944 at 16 years of age being the youngest member on the "Booker T. Washington" ship as a "Stearnsman". He served under the first African American Captain in which a book was written because of the Captain and diverse crew called "All Brave Sailors". Ronald joined the Army, 2nd Division Infantry, receiving the Purple Heart after a serious weapons injury, September 18, 1952 at Pork Chop Hill, NO, Korea. Ronald married Vivian M. Kulsrud from Preston, MN in May of 1953; Vivian passed away in 2003. They had 2 children; Sandra in 1953 and Michael in 1956. In 1958, he was part of the first helicopter crew formed in Ft. Riley, KS which was the first to fly to Alaska before it became a state. Other Military service and Honors include: Ranger Command, Ft. Bennings, GA, Green Beret, 82nd Airborne, 80th Transportation, taught ROTC. Serving 20 plus years, he retired in 1968 and moved to Alamogordo. Ronald flew contract for Southwest Aviation and started Holiday Cycles in 1971. Family always came first to Ronald. He had a strong Catholic faith and always attended Mass. He treated his friends like family, with respect and consideration. He enjoyed motorcycles, sponsored racing, country dancing, and especially square dancing. Survivors include his brother, Francis Gilsdorf; daughter, Sandra Gilsdorf; son, Michael Gilsdorf and wife Sharon; 5 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and his current wife of 7 years, Barbara Mathews Gilsdorf of Mountainair, NM. He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, William "Bill" and Gerald Gilsdorf; sister, Alice Gilsdorf; and his parents, Mythle and Ervin Gilsdorf. Visitation will be held from 9:30 am to 10:00 am on December 12, 2017 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. The Vigil with Rosary for Ronald Gilsdorf will be recited at 10:00 am, Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am, Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Father Martin Cornejo, Celebrant. Burial will follow at Monte Vista Cemetery. The Gilsdorf family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo Funeral Home to direct the funeral services.
Burial information: Monte Vista Cemetery
This information was last updated 12/27/2017
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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