Career
Born in the town of Irving, Jackson County, Wisconsin, Gilbertson went to the Black River Falls High School in Black River Falls, Wisconsin. Gilbertson was a farmer in the town of Irving. He also served on the Jackson County Board of Supervisors and was the chairman of the county board.
In 1927 and 1929, Gilbertson served in the Wisconsin State Assembly and was a Republican.
Gilbertson died in a hospital in Black River Falls, Wisconsin.