Helen Gilbertson

Helen Gilbertson, 88, Bismarck, North Dakota, died Monday, January 24, 2005 at St. Vincent's Care Center in Bismarck.

Helen Margaret Sibbert was born March 5, 1916 in Steele, North Dakota the daughter of Charles and Hulda (Boehrnsen) Sibbert. She grew up and resided in the Steele and Robinson communities as a young girl. Helen graduated from high school and attended two years of college earning her teaching degree. She taught for twelve years in country schools in the area. Helen married Arthur Gilbertson on July 12, 1942 in Steele. After Art returned from the service they bought a farm near Dawson, ND and moved there in 1951. Helen and Art opened their home to foster children and foreign exchange students for many years. They shared their love with 43 children, some for extended periods and others for just weekends and holidays.

Helen enjoyed traveling and visited the homes of all the foreign exchange students they housed. This took them to Japan, New Zealand, Europe and South America. Helen also has pen pals all over the world.

Helen is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Robert & Nikki Gilbertson, Bismarck, ND, foster children, William (Bonnie) Umphrey, Mustang, OK, Luther (Carol) Umphrey, Milltown, MT and John Umphrey, Bismarck, one grandson, Alan Gilbertson and one great-granddaughter, Kayla Gilbertson, both of Bismarck.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, one brother and one sister.

Funeral Service: 11:00 AM, Friday, January 28, 2005 at the Zion United Methodist Church, Tappen, ND with Pastor Darwin Kopfmann officiating.

Visitation: 1:00 to 8:00 PM, Thursday, January 27, 2005 at the Eddy Funeral Home.

Spring Burial: Dawson Cemetery, Dawson, North Dakota.