Dorothy Ann (Drysdale) Gilbertson, 94, of Winona, MN, passed away Saturday, March 2nd, 2024, at Gunderson Clinic in La Crosse WI.
Born June 19, 1929, in Chicago IL Dorothy was the only child of Doris (Porterfield) and John Drysdale. She attended Ripon College in Ripon WI, received her bachelor’s degree in teaching and music from Millikin University in Decatur, IL in 1951 and received her master’s degree in theology from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL in 1953.
While working in Rapid City, SD, Dorothy met her future husband and life companion Walter Gilbertson, who was serving in the USAF. On February 4, 1956, Dorothy and Walter were married in Chicago IL. They enjoyed over 67 years together. Her life was shared with their three sons, Jim, Dan, and Chuck, and 3 grandchildren, Jessica, Danielle, and Tyler.
After starting their married life in Ames, IA, Dorothy and Walter moved with their eldest son Jim to
Winona MN in 1959, where she spent the rest of her life. Active in both her church (Grace Presbyterian) and community, she enjoyed sharing her time with others. Working with Home Delivered Meals for several decades, as well as other community activities, she
received the Mettille service award from Winona Volunteer services. A common sight at Grace Presbyterian Church, she served on multiple committees, taught Sunday school, played piano and organ, sang in the church choir, and directed the children’s choir.
Dorothy was active in her children’s lives acting as a den mother for Cub Scouts and Webelos and chaperoning many school events. She was a steadfast fan at hundreds of little league sporting events and chauffeured her children, as well as many other children, to team events, Boy Scout camps, and other events.
A lifelong die-hard Cubs fan, she grew up spending much of her free time at Wrigley field where she befriended many of the fans and players. After moving to Minnesota, she adopted the Twins, but the Cubs were always in her heart. November 2nd, 2016 was a banner day when she witnessed her beloved Cubs celebrate their first World Series championship in her lifetime.
Dorothy enjoyed working in the garden and caring for her flowers. She spent many summers traveling with her family on summer vacations, and in later years with Walter and travel groups to many locations around the US and world. She enjoyed the time spent with Walter at Sons of Norway and volunteering her time with various groups around Winona. Dorothy was very proud of the accomplishments of her sons and grandchildren and enjoyed being an important part of their lives.
Dorothy is survived by her sons: Jim, Dan, and Chuck; and grandchildren: Jessica, Danielle, and Tyler. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Walter.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday April 27th, at the Grace Presbyterian Church in Winona MN. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. at the church. There will also be visitation at Fawcett funeral home from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 26th. Interment, along with her husband Walter who will receive military honors, will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Preston, MN.
Services entrusted to Fawcett Junker Funeral Home & Crematory, Winona, MN. Online condolences can be left at www.fawcett-junkerfuneralhome.com.
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