Jean Gilbert

Jean O. Gilbert, age 86 of Sauk Centre and formerly of Westport/Villard, passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2019 at the Belgrade Nursing Home in Belgrade, Minnesota.

Jean’s life will be celebrated from 1- 4 p.m. Saturday, July 13, 2019 at Osakis Lutheran Church, 310 – 1st Avenue East, Osakis in the church fellowship hall.  A Time of Sharing Stories and Memories of Jean will begin at 2 p.m.

Jean Olefina Johnson was born September 24, 1932 in Camden, New Jersey, the daughter of Marion Julian and Frances Elizabeth (Kerner) Johnson.  Because her father served in the US Navy, Jean had lived in many states before settling with her family in Westport, Minnesota.  She attended school in Villard, Minnesota and had the honor of being Villard High School Homecoming Queen in 1950.  Following graduation from high school, Jean moved to Minneapolis where she worked at Honeywell.  While she was back in Westport, she became acquainted with Harold Gilbert, and on September 1, 1956 she and Harold were married at First Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre.  They made their home on the family farm – moving a house from the town of Westport to the family homestead.  Together, Harold and Jean farmed and raised their family.   Jean was a hard worker – never afraid to milk cows, bail hay, or whatever farm chore needed to be done.  She had a “larger than life” personality and made friends easily.  Cooking and baking were tasks she enjoyed doing.  Her famous homemade buns were delicious, and she made the best Apple Bars! Jean loved to play cards no matter what card game was chosen, going bowling, and especially fishing; however, her most favorite pastime was going to the casino!

In February 2015, Jean moved from the family farm to Bethany Home in Alexandria and then to Sauk Centre living in Getty Street Apartments before making her home in Fairway Pines.

She will be fondly remembered by her sons, Terry (Mary) Volkmann of Plymouth and Michael (Ella) Gilbert of Villard; grandchildren, Kerry (Kerry) Jessen, Julie (Ryan) Winters, Chris (Katy) Volkmann, Nick (Camille) Volkmann, Tammy (David) O’Neil, James (Leah) Gilbert, and Jenny Gilbert; 13 great grandchildren; brother, Gilbert M. (Svea) Johnson; sister, Sandra Faubert; nieces and nephews, and many friends.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Harold R. Gilbert in March 2008; a son, James H. Gilbert in 1976; her parents, Marion and Frances Johnson; and a brother, Paul H. Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.