|
|
|
|
Dorothy Anne (Rotnem) Gilbertson was born to Dorothea and Martin Rotnem on April 15, 1921, the fourth child of seven and the first girl. She attended Hillside Country School, Elk Mound High School and graduated salutatorian in 1939. She then went to Stout and graduated with a major in home economics education. Dorothy taught for two years in Greenwood, Wisconsin, and then returned to Elk Mound to farm and raise a family.
Memorial services will take place at 11 am on Wednesday October 19, 2011 at the Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church in Elk Mound. Pastor Mike Wollman will officiate. Committal services will take place prior to the memorial service in the Barum Cemetery, Elk Mound, Wednesday morning at 9 am. Memorial Visitation will take place at the church from 10 am until the time of services as well as during the luncheon following the service. |
| |
|
|
Dorothy married LaVerne Gilbertson, also of Elk Mound, on June 10, 1944, at Barum Lutheran Church in rural Elk Mound. They farmed together until shortly before LaVerne's death in 2004.
Dorothy learned to play piano and organ as a child and served as a church organist for many years beginning at Barum when she was 14 years old, continuing at Shepherd of the Hill in Elk Mound throughout her married life, next at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Senior Apartments in Eau Claire, and finally at Oakwood Retirement Apartments in Eau Claire where she was known as the piano lady. Because of failing eyesight Dorothy was unable to read music in her later years but because of her many years as a church organist was able to play almost any hymn at request. She also enjoyed directing the senior and children's choirs at Shepherd of the Hill.
Dorothy taught piano, organ, and guitar at her home to many students. She audio-taped the many recitals and then presented tapes to graduating seniors of their own performances. She encouraged her students to perform whenever they had the opportunity, especially for church services.
Dorothy enjoyed watercolor, acrylic, and oil painting and took classes from Kim Falk and Janet Carson. She also enjoyed sewing, quilting, knitting, and crocheting and was a long time member of Sunshine Club and Homemakers.
Dorothy is survived by her four children: Mary (Edmund) Elworthy, Eau Claire; Dennis Gilbertson, Palo Alto, California; James Gilbertson, Madison, Wisconsin; and Susan Lappin, Baraboo, Wisconsin; two sisters, Vivian (Keith) Riley, Menomonie, Wisconsin; Margaret (Lee) Iverson, Springfield, Illinois; 10 grandchildren, Mark (Karen) Elworthy, Dan (Tricia) Elworthy, Elizabeth (Eric) Sundell, Jeff Gilbertson, Ann (Geoff) Gerriets, Holly Gilbertson, Ben Lappin, Tom Lappin, Sam Lappin and Max Lappin; 10 great-grandchildren; Sophia Elworthy, Madelynne Elworthy, Jackson Elworthy, Reyna Sundell, Alli Elworthy, Bridget Dillon, Boden Sundell, Evan Dillon, Gwen Gerriets, Stacy LeMere, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, La Verne, her parents, and her brothers, M. Burton, Eugene, Rolf, and James Rotnem.
The family request memorials be given to Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church, 207 University Street, Elk Mound, WI, 54739. Friends may offer condolences online at www.fullerspeckienhulke.com.
Fuller Speckien Hulke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
|
|
|
|
