Elsie S. Gilbeck

Elsie S. Gilbeck, 96, passed away Monday September 24, 2018 at Norseland Nursing Home in Westby where she had been a long time resident. She was born January 16, 1922 to Setles and Ellen (Halderson) Ofte.  She attended grade school in Coon Valley and graduated from Westby High School.  In 1942 she married Chester Gilbeck and they farmed in the Coon Valley area their entire married life with the exception of 3 years in the Rockland area.  Elsie worked at the Coon Valley Creamery for a number of years.  She got her driver’s license at about the age of 40.  She then worked at Northern Engraving in Sparta. Elsie was feisty lady, driving to work in Sparta by herself until retiring when she was 80.  After Chester passed away in 1984, she remained on the farm until 1995 when she moved to Westby.

Elsie was a lifelong member of the Coon Valley Lutheran Church and was an avid Packer fan. She also sold Avon and her family could depend on getting Avon products for Christmas and birthdays.

Survivors include 5 children, Richard (Sharon) of Westby, Wayne of Tomah, Charlie of Coon Valley, Cary (Jeri) of Westby and Cherie (Arlan) Kenyon of Onalaska; 4 grandchildren, Heidi Berge, Barry (Jennifer) Gilbeck, Gina (Mathew) Dahl and Jon (Coretta) Gilbeck; 3 great grandchildren, Nichole Dahl, Elsa and Owen Gilbeck; 2 brothers, Tim (Cathy) Ofte and Elmer (Nancy) Ofte; a sister, Anna (Gilbert) Leum and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Chester; 3 brothers, Elmer Peder as a child, Tommy as a young man and Sam in 2000 and 2 sisters, Christine Davidson and Annette “Toots” Bakkestuen.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday September 28, 2018 at the Coon Valley Lutheran Church.  Rev. Meg Eiben Hoversten will officiate with burial in the church cemetery.  A visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. at the church on Friday.  The Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley is assisting the family.  Online condolences may be given at selandsfuneralhome.com.