Dorothy Isabelle Gilbertson

Dorothy Isabelle Gilbertson, age 85 of Hollandale died on Sunday evening, December 22, 2013 at the St. Mary's Care Center in Madison. She was born on December 28, 1927 in Dodgeville to Palmer & Louise (Bramby) Anderson. She grew up in Hollandale, and attended the Hollandale grade and high school, graduating in 1945, and then went to the Platteville Teacher's College for two years. She taught school in the Adamsville rural school for one year. She also substitute taught after she was married in many country schools and the Hollandale school. Dorothy married Otis LeRoy Gilbertson on July 8, 1947 in the Hollandale Lutheran Church. They began farming together in 1949 on their farm on the edge of Hollandale. Dorothy took an active role in the farm, milking with Otis twice a day, carrying the milk pails to the bulk tank. She named the family farm Gildale Holsteins when they started breeding registered cattle. Dorothy was baptized, confirmed, married and a life-long active member of the Hollandale Lutheran Church. Along with her work farming, Dorothy loved her husband, children and grandchildren. Her family enjoyed her Norwegian baking, cooking and traditions. She learned to sew from her mother, and did a lot of it for her family. She also loved gardening and the flowers and vegetables she grew. She enjoyed working on 4-H projects with her children. Dorothy is survived by her husband, Otis Gilbertson of Hollandale; three children, Mark (Vickie Mowbray) Gilbertson of Hollandale, Julie Hoege of McFarland, and Tamra Exterovich of Madison; five grandchildren; five great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter Sheri Noble who died on June 30, 2005; two sisters, Phyllis Hanson and Helen Whitford and one brother Otis in infancy. A visitation for Dorothy will be held on Friday evening, December 27, 2013 from 4:00 until 8:00 PM at the Hollandale Lutheran Church in Hollandale. Funeral services will be held on Saturday morning, December 28, 2013 at 11:00 AM at the Hollandale Lutheran Church. Rev. Mark Gruner of the Pecatonica Lutheran Parish will officiate. Burial will be in the Hollandale Cemetery. The Saether Funeral Home in Blanchardville is assisting the family. The family suggests memorials be made to the Hollandale Lutheran Church.