Goodbye to Gilbertson’s: store closing after 130 years in business

KEYESER, Wis. (WMTV) – There’s a store at the intersection of Highways DM and C in Columbia County that has been in business for 130 years. But now, the owner has decided to close up shop.

Gilbertson’s Store opened in 1894 in the small community of Keyeser – just northeast of Deforest. Owner Ken Gilbertson has worked at the store pretty much his entire life.

“It was originated by my dad’s uncle in 1894. They came over from Norway with family,” said Gilbertson. “My dad eventually took it over.”

Gilbertson said he began working at his father’s store stocking shelves when he was about 9 or 10 years old.

“One stop shopping, they called it back then. They had all your groceries, chicken feet, oyster shells, fence posts.”

But Gilbertson’s is most than just a store. It’s a community staple where locals come to socialize.

“The last Wednesday of the month is stinky cheese day,” said Arlene Ziegler from Deforest. “It’s been great, we have been coming here forever. For me about 55 years. It is going to be sad when it’s gone.”

Locals eat Wisconsin cheese and enjoy a beer with friends. The past few stinky cheese days have been pretty popular as word has spread that Gilbertson’s is closing for good on Halloween.

“The people! You can’t believe the people who have come back I haven’t seen for years, in the last two or three months,” said Gilbertson.

Gilbertson is now 85 years old and he’s starting to slow down. Running the store full-time is starting to be too much.

“Well one of the things is I’m getting too old,” he said. “If my feet were good, I’d have no problem.”

Gilbertson said his store has been able to stay in business for so long because of the loyal customers. Many are farmers who stop by quick to pick something up and say hello.

“We were very fortunate to have had the customers we had,” said Gilbertson.

“There is no other place so at the end of the day its where we grew up,” said Ziegler.

Ken’s connection to his store is pretty strong. Gilbertson was born and raised on the floor about the store. “Ya know, Kenny was born upstairs,” said Steven Smith, of Rio.

“A lot of neighborhoods don’t have this,” added Smith. “I’ve known him (Ken) all my life and he’s a great guy. He’s got a good memory for his age and he doesn’t forget anyone I don think and he loves to talk to people.”

Ken is also quick to credit his wife June for plenty of support and love over the years.

“I’ve got a sweetheart for a wife. And we’ve been married – the day we close here it will be 65 years. We got married on Halloween. She’s a silent partner but she’s my sweetheart. That much I gotta tell ya!” he said.

As for what’s next for Ken, the door at Gilbertson’s may never be fully closed.

“I have no idea. Maybe I’ll have to reopen,” he said with a laugh.

Gilbertson’s last day in business will be October 31, 2024.

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