Karen Gilbertson

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.

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  1. I am sorry to hear of your loss. I hope that these scriptures at Job 14:14,15 and Revelation 21:4 will provide some comfort for the family and friends. Also, for some comforting articles please visit JW.org.

  2. I am saddened by your loss and my prayers go up for your family. I wish I could be there in person, it I will be there in my thouhts and prayers. May you have peace knowing that Karen is in a better place Sincerely Frieda

  3. Don & family,
    Please accept our sympathy at this time. For my brother Bob and I, we pray for your peace and comfort
    that only God can give! You are not alone in this walk through difficult days!
    Blessing to all of you and your family!
    Bill Schmidt, originally of Hope, ND
    Rapid City, SD

  4. Don and Family, We are sad to hear the loss in the passing of Karen. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May the dear Lord grant you comfort and strength in the days ahead. Karen loved working in her yard planting flowers as well enjoyed her daycare children. Her family meant a lot to her. She always talked about events that she attended that her grandchildren were involved in. We have many memories that we will cherish from being next door neighbors for 30+ years. Sorry, we will not be able to be present, but we will be thinking about the day of the service. Don we will keep in touch. Love and Prayers

  5. Don, my sincere sympathy in your losing Karen, she was such caring beautiful person, may God bless you and your family in the days ahead, it is always hard, but with God you will make it through everything….sorry I am not in N.D. or I would try to be at the funeral….I will be thinking about you…love Edith…..

  6. Don and girls

    So sorry to hear about Karen. Thinking of you all. Hugs and prayers

    Marchell Moderow (Wolf)

  7. Sorry for the loss of Karen. Remember her leading us as kids at Bluebirds and Girl Scouts. She made an impact on us girls. Peace be with each of you.

  8. I was sorry to read in the Mayville Tribune of the loss of your sister. if my memory serves me, I believe she worked for my dad when she was in high school and always a joy to be around. I know she will be sadly missed by many.

  9. I will always be seeing Karen’s wonderful smile…

    I am so sorry to learn of the loss of a one-of-a-kind wife, mom and gramma for her adoring family. But I join many, many others who are indeed, very sure Karen’s been received in the beauty of the loving arms of Our Heavenly Father. Her gentle kindness and presence will never be forgotten and something we can all aspire to be.

    Prayers you are now knowing a “peace that passes all understanding.” Many warm wishes to all of you.


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