"Jane and family, I'm sorry for your loss. I remember your mom always having a smile on her face and always being such a good friend to your friends. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Paula"
In loving memory of
Lorraine C. Gilbertson
June 11, 1923 - February 6, 2010
Lorraine Christina Gilbertson, 86, died Saturday, February 6, 2010, at St. Anne's Extended Healthcare in Winona, MN . Lorraine was born June 11, 1923, in Sioux Falls, SD , to Custer and Myrtle (Midthovne) Munson. She married Conrad O. Gilbertson on August 14, 1945, in Winona , MN . He preceded her in death on May 5, 1999. Lorraine was a lifelong homemaker who enjoyed gardening, Bible study, cooking, walking, and being outdoors. Lorraine was a genuine mother and grandmother. She looked after others with a nurturing and compassionate spirit, even if they were not family. She was also an active member of Central Lutheran Church in Winona .
Survivors include her three daughters, Karen (Steve) Kletzke of Cochrane, WI, Susan (Ronald) Wolfram of Prior Lake, MN, and Jane (Gene) Gilbertson-Barum of Winona, MN; two sons, William (Patricia) Gilbertson of Stillwater, MN, and Steven (Jayne) Gilbertson of Minneapolis, MN; 14 grandchildren, Kirsten Cheezig, Jennifer Anderson, Eric, Andrew and Michael Wolfram, Nicole Foley, James Gilbertson, Irina and Demitry Gilbertson, Mathew Kirkham, Anthony and Kristina Albrecht, Ricky Rose and Jason Barum; 20 great-grandchildren, Grant and Laura Cheezig, Melissa and Ryan Anderson, Jason and Jasmine Wolfram, Jack, Cadman and Bridget Foley, Haley, Cady, Abby and Collin Kirkham, Evan Albrecht, Elizabeth Kowalewski, Hannah Butler, Olivia Stark, Anna Gerson, Kelsi and Keria Rose; 20 great-grandchildren; brother, Roger (Barb) Munson of Winona, MN; and four sisters, Laura Engle of Beloit, WI, Dorothy (Richard) Christie of Rochester, MN, Muriel (Ted) Block of Winona, MN, and Joan (Curtis) Schlueter of Winona, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Conrad; her brother, Hjalmer; and her sisters, Viola, Violet, Lois, and Anna.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 11th at 1:30 p.m. at St. Anne's Chapel of Our Lady with the Reverends Robert Stamschror and Scott Olson co-officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Winona. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at St. Anne of Winona, 1347 West Broadway , Winona, MN 55987. Assisting the family with the arrangements are Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service-Hansen Goodview Chapel. Please share a memory of Lorraine Gilbertson with her family, sign her on-line guestbook, or view her video tribute when it becomes available online at: www.hofffuneral.com
Tributes
"I would like to pay tribute to my mother-in-law, Lorraine Christina Gilbertson. I'll start with some words that come to mind when I think of her: unassuming, beautiful (physically and spiritually), kind, humble, gardener, lover of nature, homespun, holistic, supportive, accepting, strong-willed, tenacious, God-centered, intelligent, and finally--Matriarch of her wonderful, large, extended family. She loved us dearly--each and every one of us. How blessed we were to have her in our lives. How blessed we are to have the memories of her linger in our hearts, and how blessed we continue to be to have Lorraine pray for us from her new home in Heaven. I believe that all of us family members could resonate with Nicole (Gilbertson) Foley's wonderful tribute to her grandmother, Lorraine. Each one of us could resonate with Nicole's words because Lorraine loved every one of us unconditionally and accepted each one of us for who we were--not who she wanted us to be. She did not preach or judge; instead, she lived out what she believed and set an example for the rest of us. Her grand-daughter said that Lorraine's loss leaves the rest of us with "some big shoes to fill." How true--big in heart, big in spirit, big in values, big in faith--because she knew without a doubt that she was going "home to Heaven." May she rest in peace and joy. Jayne Rock (Gilbertson). "
"Every summer growing up I would spend a few weeks with Nana (Joan) and I always looked forward to visiting Uncle Conrad and Aunt Lorraine. The two of them were just so sweet and loving that every minute spent with them was a gift. I know that she will be greatly missed as she was just an amazing person. I spoke with Nana on Sunday and she was so clear in telling me the memories she had of her beloved sister. She told me how much fun they had growing up, how close they were, how lucky she was to be blessed with such amazing brothers and sisters. It's so special to hear her recall things like that. Anyone who ever met Lorraine knew just how wonderful she was. I'm sure Uncle Conrad was thrilled to see her again. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Love, Sarah, Mark and Evan "
"God bless, Lorraine. May she rest in peace. My sympathy to your family and I hope you will find comfort in the knowledge that she is with the Lord."
"I will always remember Lorraine smiling and waving back to me as I passed through the dining room. She always seemed to have a positvie and caring spirit. My prayers are with the family."
"Jane and family. I am so sorry to hear about your mom. She was a wonderful woman and a great mother. She put her heart and soul into that role and did a great job. I remember well how you all meant the world to her and she was so proud of every one of you. I remember her shy smile and her giggles when she'd laugh at our antics as kids. She always made me feel welcome at your house and was quick to offer a plate of baked treats after school. I remember her familiar smile when she'd volunteer as a cook at St. Matthew's School and sneak me a little extra just because I was Jane's friend. She always had a kind heart. She was quick to keep her kids "in line" but just as quick to show her love as well. I know she will be truly missed by all of you and hope the warmest memories of her will help ease your sorrow. Jane-your life-long friend, Karen."
"Hi Family, sorry I can't make it home for the funeral. Your all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. What wonderful stories her family is sharing with her in Heaven. I will cherish all the wonderful memories I have of her, especially surprising her with my visits to the nursing home. Love to all. Jenatte"
"To the family of Lorriane. I have had the privilege and honor to be in the company of your dear mother on several occasions and am a better person because of it. She was very delightful lady and I would have liked to have known her prior to her illiness as I am sure I could have learned a lot from her. What a precious angel I found Lorraine to be and just being in her presence lifted my spirits and I feel blessed for the opportunity. Thank you all for sharing your wonderful mother with me. May the good lord grant you comfort and assist each and everyone through this difficult time and know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Heaven has a new bright star shining."
"We are sorry to hear that your Mom passed away.Thank you for calling us to let us know. My Mother died 2 years ago on Feb. 11, and Kent's Mom died 4 years ago on Feb. 14. So we will remember all the Moms at this time of every year. Sincerely, Kent and Joan"
"To the family of Lorraine Gilbertson, The loss of a loved one is always difficult.Please know that the prayers of others are with you. You have my deepest sympathy at this difficult time. Sincerely, Steven C. Fix"
"Dear Karen,Susan,Jane, Steven and Bill, Your Mother was a very Dear Friend while I was growing up and hanging around the Gilbertson Home. A very Dear Lady who Loved Her Family Very Much. Always a smile on Her face and encouraging words for those who knew her as a Friend and for Her Family. I Know you will all miss Her Dearly as I miss my Mom everyday. Take Comfort in Knowing she is with Her Heavenly Father and someday you will rejoice in seeing Her again. I Love you all, and you are in my Thoughts and Prayers, today and always. Your Friend, Steven P. Koehler {Peanut}"