Durwin Alden Gilson, 87, entered his eternal rest on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at Good Samaritan Nursing Home in West Union, Fayette County, Iowa. Durwin was born to Donald Franklin and Agnes Beatrice (Olson) Gilson at West Union, Iowa, Fayette County on September 15 1933. He was baptized at St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Elgin, Iowa and confirmed in the eighth grade. Durwin attended grade school in Elgin grade and graduated from Elgin High School in 1952. He had a paper route in Elgin and loved to ride his bicycle that had a two-cylinder motor all over Elgin and neighboring towns. His nick name was” trouble” and the name stuck with him with his families. “Trouble” was given an honorary award for National Assisted Living Week on September 17,2017 for Best Trouble Maker and Being Outgoing and social, from Traditions.
Durwin joined the United States Air Force and served from 1952-1956. He was stationed at California, in Hawaii for two and a half years and Tacoma, Washington. He enjoyed running and ran with Captain J.D. Shaffer. After returning home, Durwin worked at Quaker Oats in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and later for the city of Marion, for thirty years, where he retired in 1996. When Durwin lived in Marion he enjoyed attending football and basketball games, at Regis, Marion, and at Elgin where his nephews, and his friends played. He was also active in the First Assembly of God Church, where he sang in the quartet, choir, and was in a musical program.
Durwin enjoyed eating out at restaurants and getting to know the waitresses. He loved to go fishing at Lake Delhi, the Turkey River, and the Upper Iowa River, especially for bass and catfish. He enjoyed watching Andy Griffith, The Lone Ranger and sports on TV. The last twenty Years, Durwin and his friend, Calvin Harris would trout fish, go cruising and fish at the fish pond at Skip-A-Way. He had a fish that sang” go down to the river.” Durwin loved to be with his relatives and get an up-date on “What’s Happening.” He always had a smile and a positive attitude. He enjoyed visiting, and getting to know everyone. After retiring, Durwin enjoyed living in Elgin and was involved in The Faith and Family Fellowship Church with Pastor Roland Waterman as the clergy.
Durwin is survived by his brother, Curtis Gilson (Dorothy); four nephews, Craig Schultz (Dawn) of Elk Grove, California, Brad Schultz (Sheri) of Bettendorf, Iowa, Rodney Gilson of Elgin, Iowa and John Gilson (Melissa) of Melbourne, Florida; one Niece, Julie Cleveland (David) Carbondale, Colorado; great nieces and great nephews, Kira and Karissa Schultz, Keresha (Josh) Kellog, Spencer and Marshall Cleveland, Katelyn and Bricelyn Schultz, Sierra and Shawn Gilson, Bobby and Becky Wright, and Jadyn Gilson.
He was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Agnes (Olson) Gilson; his sister and brother-in-law, Lauretta (Willis) Schultz; niece, Dawn (Robert) Wright; and his friend, Calvin Harris.
Funeral will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Elgin, Iowa with Rev. Roland Waterman as the officiant. There will a one hour visitation before services at the funeral home on Saturday.
Burial will take place in Elgin Cemetery in Elgin, Iowa.
Memorials may be given to Faith and Family Fellowship- Roland Waterman of Elgin Pastor.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elgin, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.