Mary Ellen Gilbertson was born on February 13, 1935 in Colton, South Dakota to Fred and Verena Heinemenn Anderson. She grew up on the family farm near Dell Rapids, SD and graduated from St. Mary’s High School. On April 20, 1955 she and Arvin Gilbertson were married at St. Mary’s Church in Dell Rapids. Following their marriage they farmed north of Lake Wilson, MN and Mary Ellen worked as a bookkeeper for Barry Construction. In the early 1980’s Mary Ellen went to work in the office at the Slayton Manor. In 1996 they moved to Lake Wilson. Arvin passed away on September 25, 2013. Mary Ellen passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at the Murray County Medical Center in Slayton at the age of 84. She was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Lake Wilson where she served as Eucharist Minister, and was a member of the C.C.W. She also was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America. Lake Wilson American Legion Auxiliary, the Iona Quilting Group, Laddie’s Angels, the Birthday Club and several card clubs. Mary Ellen enjoyed spending time with her family, watching sports especially the Minnesota Vikings, the sister parties, living on the lake, and celebrating her favorite holidays the 4th of July and Christmas.

Survivors include her four children and their spouses, Ed and Teresa Gilbertson of Slayton, MN, Jeffery and Denise Gilbertson of Windom, MN, Darla and Keith Selken of Brandon, SD, and Brian and Robin Gilbertson of Lake Wilson, MN, 10 grandchildren, Alicia and Aaron Sandness, Crystal and Nick Schottler, Nicholas and Heather Gilbertson, Ryan and Caitlyn Gilbertson, Luke Gilbertson, Chelsie Selken, Carissa Selken and Tom Crockett, Mitchell and Kjersti Selken, Reese Gilbertson and Dylan Gilbertson, eight great-grandchildren, six siblings, Betty Bunkers of Dell Rapids, SD, Alice Doherty of Larchwood, IA, Judy Jordan of NYC, NY, Karen Oveson of Sun City West, AZ, Jeanne and Dennis Carder of Loveland, CO, and Lee and Marlys Anderson of Trent, SD. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Arvin, sister, Alverda Huntimer, and brother, Curtis Anderson.