GILSON, Agnes Beatrice 1904-1999

LIEN, OLSON, GILSON, ODE, GRAHAM, MITCHELL, SCHULTZ

Posted By: IA GenWeb Volunteer
Date: 9/16/2010 at 14:07:06

Decorah Public Opinion, Tuesday, Feb. 9, 1999

Agnes Beatrice Gilson

Agnes Gilson, 94, of Clermont, died Jan. 26 1999, at the Good Samaritan Center in Postville from a prolonged illness.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Jan. 30, at 11 a.m., at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Elgin, with the Rev. Arlcy Ellingson officiating. Connie Ellis was the organist.

Casket bearers were Craig Schultz, Brad Schultz, Rodney Gilson, John Gilson, Gary Gilson and Wally Sersland.

Interment was in the Elgin Cemetery. The Leonard Funeral Home handled arrangements.

Agnes Beatrice (Olson) Gilson was born Sept. 24, 1904, at Clermont, the daughter of Julius and Laura (Lien) Olson. She attended country school near Clermont, but after her family moved near Decorah, she received her eighth grade diploma in Winneshiek County.

After she graduated, Agnes was hired maid and also the hired "man" at home for several years. She ran the plow, husked corn by hand, loaded hay with the loader and other such jobs. Then she moved to West Union while working as a maid.

On Sept. 22, 1930, Agnes was married to Donald Franklin Gilson in Caledonia, Minn. They resided in Elgin. Three children were born to the couple.

Agnes stayed at home with the children while Donald worked at Capper's Hatchery.

The Gilson family attended St. Paul United Methodist Church. Agnes was active with the United Methodist Church Women and was a Cub Scout leader and a Sunday School teacher.

After Donald died March 27, 1963, Agnes cooked at the Elgin School for 20 years. Agnes enjoyed the children and their activities. She also took care of her mother, Laura.

Agnes resided in the Good Samaritan Home in Postville from May of 1997 until her death. She will be remembered as one who enjoyed her family,
helping others, cooking, working in the garden, canning, reading and traveling with her family.

Survivors include three sisters, Florence Ode of Cavina, Calif., Myrtle Graham of Apache Junction, Ariz., and Stella and Bob Mitchell of Wickenburg, Ariz.; one brother, Vernon and Helen Olson of Decorah; one daughter, Lauretta and Willis Schultz of Marion; two sons, Durwin Gilson of Elgin, and Curt and Dorothy Gilson of Elgin; six grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren.

Agnes Gilson was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald; three sisters, Viola, Irene and Ruth; and her brother, Millard.

Transcribed by an IA GenWeb Volunteer from obituaries found in the Howard-Winneshiek Genealogy Society Library, Cresco, Iowa.