Esther Gilbertson

Ellsworth, MN Esther Gilbertson, age 85, of Ellsworth, MN, died Monday, February 6, 2012 at the Park View Manor Nursing Home in Ellsworth, MN. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 10, 2012 at Zion Presbyterian Church in Ellsworth, MN with Rev. Calvin Hsu officiating. Burial will follow at Grand Prairie Cemetery in Ellsworth. Visitation will be Thursday, February 9, 2012 from 2 " 8 p.m. with family present from 6 " 8 p.m. at Zion Presbyterian Church in Ellsworth. Esther Berdine Gilbertson was born February 11, 1926 in Sioux Center, IA to Ben and Anna (Colsman) Bierma. She was raised and received her education in Sioux Center, graduating from high school in 1943. Shortly after graduation, Esther went to work for a gentleman in Sioux Center who was a chiropractor as well as a photographer. She was a receptionist and also worked with developing the photos. Esther then worked for several years at the ASC office in Orange City. She then moved to Sioux Falls where she worked doing books for a construction company. In 1953 Esther met the man of her dreams, Clifford Gilbertson, on a blind date. On August 14, 1954, the couple was united in marriage and made their home in Ruthton, MN. Cliff and Esther were blessed with two children, LaVon and DeAnn. Raising their new family, they lived in Ruthton until 1968 when they moved to Ellsworth. Esther had a strong faith, and attending church as a family was always important to her. They have been members at Zion Presbyterian Church for 25 years. Esther always kept an immaculate house since she loved to clean. She also loved to play games with her family and friends and embroidering was a pastime she enjoyed. She gave her embroidered pillow cases and dishtowels to special people in her life and with every use they will think of Esther. She also loved to bowl and was on bowling teams in both George and Ellsworth over the years. Camping was a favorite thing for the family to do as well. They made trips to places such as Canada, California, and Oregon. The annual Gilbertson cousin camping trip was always something she enjoyed. After retirement, Cliff and Esther wintered in Arizona for 16 years and very much enjoyed missing the Minnesota cold, but were always anxious to come back in the spring. Cliff and Esther also looked forward to visiting family and friends in Minneapolis, often going with them to the Minnesota State Fair. In September of 2007, she was diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease. As it progressed, Cliff lovingly cared for her at home, until in September of 2010 it became necessary for Esther to enter Parkview Manor where this past Monday, she passed away at the age of 85, five days short of her 86th birthday. She will be greatly missed. Esther is survived by her husband, Cliff Gilbertson; daughters, LaVon Lenz and DeAnn Vostad of Sioux Falls; 5 grandchildren, Jackie Lenz, Paul Lenz, Laurie Lenz, Darci Vostad, Daniel Vostad; great-granddaughter, Naveya; brother, Don Bierma; and sister-in-law Jean Gilbertson. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers and sisters in law, Bill and Arlene Bierma, Rich and Lynn Bierma, John Gilbertson and Marian Gilbertson.