Darla Joyce Gilbertson

Darla Joyce Ripley Gilbertson passed away on February 13, 2024 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Darla was born April 25, 1949 in Buffalo Center, Iowa to Richard and Joyce Ripley. She grew up on a farm west of Elmore, Minnesota, the third of four siblings. She went to the Elmore Public Schools, graduating in 1967. She graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1972. While at the U, she met the love of her life, Roger Gilbertson, and the two were married on June 23rd, 1973. Her first teaching job was in Slayton, Minnesota followed by a job at Rockford High School. Together, Darla and Roger had two sons, Jeffrey and Steven. Being a mom was truly her greatest vocation and she was the best mom a kid could ever hope for. Her love was exemplified by her daily e-mails and Sunday night phone calls once Jeff and Steve headed off to college (and beyond.) Darla served as a GED examiner for those seeking to get life back on track and was a long-time German teacher in the Hopkins School District, retiring in 2007. After retirement, she volunteered in a number of capacities, including as an ELL teacher and at the ICA Food Shelf. Darla's interests were numerous and varied, and she always sought to find joy in all she did and inspired others to do the same. She loved reading and even tried her hand at writing children's books. She loved traveling, including taking many trips to Germany both personally and professionally, leading trips with student groups. Music was a major part of her life, winning the John Philip Sousa award in high school, playing in the St. Louis Park Community Band, serving as a pianist and organist at her church, and instilling in her two sons a deep love of music. The three of them could often be found singing and playing songs around the piano. She liked staying active, going on regular walks and bike rides. She loved baking and made the best chocolate chip muffins and caramel rolls enjoyed by all. And very importantly, she was an amazing grandmother to her four grandchildren, taking them to plays at the Old Log Theatre, writing letters, and immersing herself in childhood play. Her greatest gift was her ability to love others fiercely and unconditionally, a love that was felt by her friends, family, and all that knew her. A close family member accurately summed up Darla's disposition, calling her, "Easily the sweetest gal I ever knew." She had a way of conversing with people that helped them feel cared about and understood. She made it a point to show up for people at the right time and in the ways that mattered most. She was truly one of a kind and will be missed more than words can describe. Darla is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Roger Gilbertson; brothers, Steve (Janice) Ripley, Roger (Gail) Ripley, Verlyn (Brenda) Ripley; sons, Jeff (Nicolle) and Steve (Jessica); and grandchildren, Amri, Eli, Gavin, and Harper. The family would like to thank the staff at Trouvaille for the exceptional care and love they showed through the last years of Darla's life. Memorials in honor of Darla can be directed to the ICA Food Shelf or BeneTrou. Inc. We look forward to remembering and honoring Darla at a Celebration of Life on Saturday, April 13th at University Hall, McNamara Alumni Center at the University of Minnesota. Social gathering to begin at 10:00 am. Program at 11:00 followed by a light lunch. To help with planning, kindly RSVP to Jeff Gilbertson if you are able to attend: jeff.gilbertson31@gmail.com. For those unable to attend in-person, a livestream will be available for the 11:00 am service on April 13th: https://watchitlivestream.com/d-gilbertson/.

Tributes

Darla Joyce Gilbertson

April 25, 1949 - February 13, 2024

Tributes

Darla Joyce Gilbertson

April 25, 1949 - February 13, 2024

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