Mildred Sherrel Gilbertson

Mildred Sherrel Gilbertson, affectionately known as Sherrel, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at the age of 80, at her home near Dent, MN with her loving family by her side.

Sherrel was born on April 22, 1943, to her parents William and Evelyn (Miller) Skinner. She grew up in California and graduated from Oxnard High School. After meeting Ron at the Pt. Mugu navy base, where she worked as a USO girl, they forged a beautiful love story and were married on April 2, 1961. Sherrel dedicated her life to being a loving and devoted stay-at-home mom, raising their four children.

Her faith was of great importance to her, and she actively participated in the life of Peace Lutheran Church. Sherrel was deeply involved as a Sunday school teacher, altar guild member, and served as the council secretary for many years, as a testament to her commitment to her faith community.

Outside of her family and church, Sherrel had many passions. She was an avid bowler for over five decades, even serving as a secretary for the league. A talented artist, she taught herself how to paint and found great joy in expressing her creativity. She loved dancing, particularly line dancing and two-stepping. Sherrel found relaxation in quilting, boat rides, horseback riding, and was known to always have a good book in hand. She reveled in the excitement of game shows and held fond memories of her time working at the Ventura County Fair in California.

However, above all else, Sherrel cherished her family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a special place in her heart, and she treasured every moment spent creating lasting memories with them.

Sherrel is survived by her devoted husband Ronald Gilbertson, Dent, MN; her daughters Katy Gilbertson of Pelican Rapids, MN, and Lori (Kimo) Kekaha of Pelican Rapids, MN; her grandchildren Sean (Samantha) Vale, Diane Gilbertson, Kyle (Kat Miller) Reber, Grayce (Dan) Tucker, Taylor (Liz Demitroff) Kekaha, Jennifer (Jon Axford) Harp, Jared Kekaha, and Zoe Kekaha; her great-grandchildren Kylie and Vanessa Tucker, Jayden and Aries Gilbertson, and Roland Axford. She is also survived by her siblings: Becky (Charlie) Utts, John Peer, and Linda (Andy) Benjamin, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her in-laws Knute (Florence) Gilbertson, her daughters Janette Waller and Cindy Gilbertson, and her sister and brother-in-law Jim (Janet) Mauricio.

The family kindly requests memorials to be made to Knute Nelson Hospice or Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Sherrel's indomitable spirit, warm heart, and unwavering love for her family will forever be remembered and cherished by all who knew her. She has left an everlasting legacy of love and joy in the hearts of her loved ones. Rest peacefully, dear Sherrel. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

Visitation: Monday, September 25, 2023 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids, MN. 

Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 25, 2023 at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids, MN with Pastor Alex Ohman officiating. 

Interment: Ringsaker Cemetery, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota

Please keep the Gilbertson family in your thoughts and prayers.