Dona Mae Gilbertson (Jorgensen)

Dona Mae Gilbertson, age 95, passed peacefully on December 18, 2025 after an 18 month hard fought battle with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Dona was born on a farm near Hunter, ND on September 1, 1930. Her family moved to Hunter when she was 8 years old. Dona was a cheerleader and graduated from Hunter High School. She moved to Halstad, MN with her parents where she began her career in banking. Dona met the love of her life, Arlan Duane Gilbertson, in Halstad and they were married on September 17, 1950. Arlan's civil engineering profession required frequent moves. Throughout her life, Dona lived in 9 states and moved 30 times.

Dona lived for her faith, family, friends, and fun. She was active in her church, talented in all types of needlework, and enjoyed ballroom dancing and international travel. Her mind was always sharp which she attributed to her years of competitive duplicate bridge. She achieved a Gold Life Masters from the American Contract Bridge League. Music brought joy to her life and she sang with Sweet Adelines for 14 years.

Dona is preceded in death by her husband, Arlan, of 40 years; siblings, Earl (Renee) Jorgensen, Clara (Neal) Erickson, John (Joyce) Jorgensen, Marjorie (Harold) Buth, Parnell ("Jean") Jorgenson, and Esther (Bruce) Bohnsack; and brother-in-law, Donald Thompson.

She is survived by her daughters, Judy (Sam) Jarvis of Cortez, CO, Terry (Ron) Ferriss of Hastings, MN, and Nancy Golden of Eagan, MN; sister, Jane Thompson of Mahnomen, MN; grandchildren, Nathan Jarvis, Amy (Matt) Fuller, Erin (Jeremy) Bott, Kelly (Ross) Holt, Kimberly (Jeromy) Huntington, and Scott (Kristen) Ferriss; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Memorial Service 11am Saturday, January 24th at Amazing Grace Lutheran Church, 7160 S Robert Trail, Inver Grove Heights, with visitation beginning at 10am.