Frances “Fran” A. Gilbertson, age 78 of Helena

On the evening of November 24, 2018, with her husband and daughter by her side, Fran Gilbertson passed away peacefully at Apple Rehab Cooney. She was 78 years old upon her death.

Fran was born on January 7, 1940 to Howard Lien and Florence (Boltz) Lien in Valley City, North Dakota. She grew up on the family farm in Kingsley township, North Dakota, where she worked hard alongside her younger brother, was active in 4H, and raised prize-winning Herefords. She attended country school in Kingsley, two years of high school in Cooperstown, and then transferred to Binford High School where she graduated in 1958. Bright and ambitious, Fran furthered her education by pursuing business classes at North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota.

Fran first met her future husband Donald “Don” Gilbertson at the Binford General Store and the two were married on July 25, 1959. The couple moved to Helena, Montana to begin their married life and to raise a son and daughter. Throughout nearly 60 years together the couple enjoyed dancing, going to supper clubs, traveling, laughing, and celebrating friendships with those near and far. Fran loved to garden, sew, crochet, have a cold beer after work, and go out for ice cream.

Fran worked for Western Life Insurance Company in Helena and then as an accountant for the State of Montana. She retired from the Department of Labor & Industry with 25 years of service in 1989. Upon retiring and raising the children, Fran began a new adventure traveling alongside her husband who worked as an owner-operator truck driver for North American Van Lines. “Don and Fran” made new friends and many memories hauling furniture from Great Falls, Montana to Alaska and back for nearly eleven years in a semi named “Uff da.” In 2000, the couple sold the truck and bought a motor home to visit children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends across the nation.

For the past 4 ½ years, Fran resided at Apple Rehab Cooney where many staff members lovingly assisted Don with her care as her multiple sclerosis progressed. The family is grateful for the support and friendships of the staff and fellow residents.

Fran was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Florence Lien, and her brother Darrell.

Fran is survived by her husband Don, her son Gregory “Greg” (Colleen) of Trumbull, Connecticut, and daughter Leanne Gilbertson of Billings. She is also survived by grandsons Joshua and Justin, and great grandson John Gilbertson.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 30^th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 1^st at Our Redeemers Lutheran Church, 3580 Benton Ave. A reception will follow the service in the fellowship hall of the church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Greater Northwest Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 192 Nickerson Street #100, Seattle, WA 98109 or visit www.nationalmssociety.org or to a charity of your choice. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Fran.

Service Schedule

Family Receiving Friends

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday November 30, 2018

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N. Montana Avenue

Helena, Montana 59602

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Funeral Service

11:00 a.m.

Saturday December 1, 2018

Our Redeemers Lutheran Church

3580 Benton Ave

Helena, Montana 59602

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Reception

Following the Funeral Service

Saturday December 1, 2018

Our Redeemers Lutheran Church

3580 Benton Avenue

Helena, Montana 59602

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