Olivia Gilbertson

A private graveside service for Olivia Gilbertson will take place at Fron Lutheran Cemetery in rural Starbuck.

To protect the health and safety of all, services are currently being limited as required by state and local authorities and the CDC. Expressions of sympathy during this time can be left on the condolences page available with the obituary on our website. Check the funeral home website for the latest COVID-19 update.

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Olivia Marie Skaaden was born to John and Emelie (Bakstad) Skaaden on the 8th of October 1922 on the family farm in Blue Mounds Township, Pope County, Minnesota.  She was baptized and confirmed at Fron Lutheran Church in Starbuck.

She attended country school in rural Starbuck before attending school in Starbuck graduating with the high school class of 1940.  She continued her education by attending Paul’s Hairdressing School in 1941.  She moved to Benson and worked as a beautician at Clara Forbord’s hair shop.

On September 3, 1945 she was united in marriage to Sylvester C. Gilbertson at Fron Lutheran Church.  They made their home in Benson and were members of Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church.  Olivia was a Sunday school teacher, assistant Girl Scout Leader and V.F.W. Auxiliary member. She enjoyed ceramics classes, growing flowers and loved cats and dogs.  Most of all she loved spending time with family.

Sylvester retired after 40 years of service with the Minnesota Army National Guard in May 1974.  They moved from Benson to Starbuck.  They were able to enjoy 23 years of retirement together until Sylvester’s death on July 18, 1997.

Olivia moved to Holly Ridge Manor and resided there until March 2019 when she moved into Minnewaska Lutheran Home and remained there until her death on June 2, 2020.  She was 97 years old.

She is survived by her daughter, Vicki Gilbertson of Starbuck; daughter-in-law, Margie (Dick) Winner of Peoria, AZ; grandsons: Timothy (and Emily) of Belton, MO, Steven (and Eli) of White Rock, NM and Robert (and Amy) of Gardner, KS; six great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband Sylvester in 1997; son, Charles in 20047; and three sisters: Alida in 1983, Myrtle in July 1995 and Evelyn in September 1995.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the Pope County Humane Society.

Starbuck Funeral Home is in care of arrangements for Olivia.