SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Vi Gilbertson, age 93, of San Antonio, Texas, and formerly of Huron, passed away Friday, April 12, 2024 in San Antonio with her daughter at her side.
Her Celebration of Life Service is 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, April 25, at Riverview Methodist Church in Huron with burial to follow at Riverside Cemetery. Visitation, with her family present, is from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24 at Welter Funeral Home in Huron.
Viola “Vi” Gilbertson was born on February 3, 1931, to Art and Minnie (Hofmann) Taylor in Huron. She attended Lincoln and Wilson Elementary schools, graduating from Huron High School in 1948. In 1949 she married Milt Gilbertson, setting up their homestead southwest of Huron.
Vi was very creative, enjoying working with various materials. Her handiwork included ceramics, cross stitching, quilting, tole painting, sewing, cooking, and card making. She enjoyed being outside with her flower gardens.
As most know, Vi was a social butterfly. She loved being around people. She always had a smile for everyone and never had a bad day. And what a sense of humor she had! Her way of making each person feel special was one of her many gifts. Entertaining others was a passion of hers, often having friends over for coffee, dinner, or just to have a good time. She was so encouraging for others to do well and was truly happy for them when they achieved whatever they had attempted.
A member of the First United Methodist Church, Vi was active in various groups and had received her Methodist Women’s pin years ago. Most recently she participated in the annual Women’s Tour of Tables, setting up 4 to 6 tables with various themes for the ladies to enjoy. Vi was always involved with many organizations, everything from social clubs to choral to church to 4H. She served as both the county and state Extension Club president. Active in 4H for many years, she was a club leader. Throughout her life, Vi enjoyed music and participated in a number of vocal groups, most recently being with the Dakota Harmony. Many will remember her enjoyment in being a Red Hatter.
She was a life member of the Order of Eastern Star. Some of her other participative activities were a volunteer at the Huron Area Senior Center, volunteer at Huron Regional Medical Center, and a member of Lioness. Milt and Vi were members of the Mr. and Mrs. Dance Club and enjoyed going to dances around the area with their friends.
Throughout her life, Vi worked hard. In her childhood, Vi worked as a paper girl and babysitting. In high school, she worked in the local sale barn café, where she met Milt. She worked at the Chef Café during busy times of the year, then worked at Randall’s cafeteria as the cook and manager for many years before transitioning to cashier and customer service. She remained with Coborn’s until her retirement in 2015.
Vi enjoyed traveling, seeing many parts of the world she never thought she’d experience. Her travels with Deb took her around the world.
Deborah was very proud of her mom, who always helped her in any way she could to help Deb achieve her goals. She encouraged Deb to continue her education and supported her throughout her 30-year military career. She provided guidance and unconditional love. Over the past 10 years, VI would go to Deb’s for the winter. During the pandemic shut down, they decided Vi could just stay in Texas and come back to Huron for visits during the nice weather months. These best friends spent wonderful times together, creating more memories and sharing lots of laughs.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Milt, and her brother Roy. She is survived by her daughter, Dr. Deborah Gilbertson.
Thank you to the medical personnel in San Antonio who provided exceptional healthcare to Vi; as she said, these people became friends and felt like family to her. A special thank you to the friends who have supported Deborah through this difficult journey.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be given to the family that will become part of the USD Medical School scholarship being established in Milt and Vi’s name.
www.welterfuneralhome.com