January 18, 1931 - October 24, 2023
Eunice Audrey Gilbertson (Olson), age 92, of Bloomington, MN died peacefully on Tuesday, October 24th, surrounded by her children.
Eunice Gilbertson was born on January 18th, 1931 in Sebeka, MN to Joe and Nora Olson. The second of eight close knit siblings, Eunice's family farmed the land and broke up the hard work with music and dancing. Eunice was accomplished at both and had an encyclopedic knowledge of the lyrics to hundreds of church hymns and popular tunes of her day.
Eunice married her life partner, John A. Gilbertson, in 1953. They shared 69 years together in their home in Bloomington, MN where they raised their four children.
Eunice enjoyed gardening, playing tennis, summers at the cabin, trips to Hawaii, baking lefse and Christmas cookies, picking berries, spending time with her family and following politics. She was a life long Democrat and a champion for the underdog. Her philosophy for getting along with others was a shrug of the shoulders and, "It takes all kinds". Eunice put everyone's needs above her own except when playing a heated card game of hearts or whist where she spared no one with her keen intellect.
Eunice is survived by her siblings, Noni Grewing, Margie Tumberg, Russell Olson; her children, Teri Brooks of Sauk Centre, MN, Reid (Laurel Drevlow) Gilbertson of Lake Elmo, MN, Karli Gilbertson of Chester, CT, and Marla Gilbertson of Minneapolis, MN. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Maressa (Josh) Rousslange, Karl (Meghan) Gilbertson, Reid (Annabel) Gilbertson, Nora Gilbertson, Sten Spinella, Sena Spinella, Elyse Ricigliano; and great-grandchildren, Evan Rousslange, Leo and Cam Gilbertson.
She was preceded in death by her husband John; her parents; her son-in-law, Daniel Brooks; sisters, Ardis Kreklau and Joanne Ruikka; and brothers, Claire Olson and Dennis Olson.
There will be a private memorial service with a date to be determined in the future.
Thinking of you all, especially Karli and Marla ♥️. We aren’t old enough to be losing our parents, right? Love the picture of your Mom; it’s how I remember her when our folks played cards together.
My message sounds disjointed but it’s because I have so much I want to say. It’s almost 2 months since my dad passed and 2 years for mom. The grief is always there, somehow you just learn to live with it. I will continue to hold you in my prayers.
Thanks Terri. I am also thinking about you and know you have suffered similar loss so recently. They all had wonderful lives packed with adventure and fun.
My heart is with you Karlie in so many ways. My mother was born in 1931, married in ‘53 and had for children. I am the second oldest. My mother died however in 2001. I’m happy to read about the full and beautiful life she led for 92 years. My condolences go out to you and your family. ❤️
Thank you Nikki. I think women of that era were very strong but often held back by societal constraints. She would have made a lot more good trouble if that were not the case!
Hi Gilbertsons. I just saw this on Facebook. I loved your mom and dad. I’m happy that you were able to be near them and spend time with them. I know they will be missed dearly. Thinking about you all.