Karen Gilbertson

Karen Jeanette (Soholt) Gilbertson, 78, of Fargo, ND passed away peacefully at Sanford Palliative Care Unit on December 31, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer. Karen was born to Knute and Alma (Swenby) Soholt on April 5, 1938 in Mayville, ND. She was raised on the family farm by the Goose River and attended the township school and later graduated from Mayville public school in 1956. Karen attended Mayville State University for one year. She began working for Solar Gas Company from 1956-1958. Karen met Donald Gilbertson in 1955 and they were married on August 28, 1959 in Mayville, ND and made their home in Fargo. She worked at Nodak Mutual Insurance for a few years before starting their family.  She stayed at home to raise her 4 girls and also provided a daycare for 30+ years. Karen was involved in various organizations such as PTA, Blue Birds, Campfire, Sunday School and other boards. Karen also loved flower gardening, bird watching and especially spending time with her grandchildren and attending their various activities. Karen is survived by her husband, Donald Gilbertson, Fargo, ND, daughters; Deb (Kelly) Perhus, Kindred, ND, Wendy (Jim) O’Meara, Fargo, ND, Kim (Darren) Fitch, Hickson, ND, Tami Gilbertson, Knoxville, TN, grandchildren; Tanner (fiancé Caitlin Wehri) Perhus, Kindred, ND, Kelsie Perhus, Fargo, ND, Karley Perhus, Fargo, ND, Alyssa (Kyle) Johnson, Big Lake, MN, Emily O’Meara, Fargo, ND, Matthew O’Meara, Fargo, ND, Leighton Fitch, Hickson, ND, Lauren Fitch, Hickson, ND, 2 great-grandchildren; Tate Johnson, Big Lake, MN, Amelia Perhus, Kindred, ND sister, Judy (Robert) Verwest, Finley, ND, brother-in-law, Jim Lande, Mayville, ND and many cousins, nieces, nephews and extended Gilbertson family. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, Maxine Strom and Linda Lande, her brother-in-law, Mervin Karlstad and nephew, Todd Karlstad. Prayer Service: 7:00 P.M. Friday, January 6, 2017 at Boulger Funeral Home & Celebration of Life Center, Fargo with visitation starting at 5:00 P.M. Funeral Service: 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 7, 2017 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Fargo with visitation starting at 10:00 A.M. Burial: 3:00 P.M. Saturday, January 7, 2017 at Mayville City Cemetery, Mayville, ND.