Donna Jean (Mayer) Gilbertson

Donna Jean Gilbertson, 92, of Willmar, died Tuesday, May 12th at Bethesda Grand in Willmar.  Her funeral will be 11:00 am, Tuesday, May 19th at Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar with interment in the church cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  Funeral arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar.  www.hafh.org

Donna was born February 6, 1934, in Willmar, the daughter of Carl and Katherine (Yack) Mayer.  She was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at Calvary Lutheran Church where she was a lifetime member. Donna grew up in Willmar, attended Lincoln and Garfield Elementary School and graduated from Willmar High School in 1952.

On May 10, 1958, she was united in marriage to Elard DeWayne Gilbertson and to this union a son, Jeff, was born.  Donna worked for 47 years at Lakeland Clinic and ACMC, retiring in 2016.  She was a wonderful homemaker, loved to cook, entertain and try new recipes. Her love of decorating was evident as she decorated her home for all the holidays.  Her and Elard enjoyed golfing and traveling together.

She is survived by her son, Jeff (and partner, Susan Henkel) Gilbertson of Willmar; and Susan’s daughter,, Samantha; grandsons, Joshua and Jonathan; and several great grandchildren. Also surviving are her sisters-in-law, Joanne Mayer, Naomi Olson, Marian Gilbertson and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Elard, on March 22, 2018, a brother, Myron Mayer, and her four-legged friend, Sofie.

Donna's family would like to extend a "thank you" to Rice Hospice, Bethesda Grand and Club Suites and CentraCare-Rice Memorial Hospital for their care of Donna.

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