Jenny L. Gilbertson

Jenny Laonne Gilbertson, 77 years old, passed away in her childhood home on July 25, 2024. Born on September 23, 1946 in Coon Valley, Wisconsin to Louis and Judith (Johnson) Gilbertson, she spent her childhood surrounded by cousins and enjoyed her time helping on family farms and enjoying adventures with friends. Jenny graduated Westby High, Class of 1964, as salutatorian. She was involved in band, chorus, drama, newspaper editing, and public speaking. 

 Jenny graduated from the music department at Northwestern University (although started in pre-med). She began her career in the Chicago area as a young woman juggling a day job at a publishing company (Rand McNally) and nights as part of the chorus of the Lyric Opera of Chicago. During this time, she formed a lifelong friendship with Gayle Fankhauser who first bonded together over their fond memories of spending time on family farms. She was married twice, with one divorce and the second husband passed away only after a few years of marriage. Jenny’s wits, confidence, and skill meant she could do anything she wanted including selling real estate on the north shore of Chicago and restoring houses with her longtime partner Martin Lindwall. The two met almost 40 years ago and have journeyed from friendship, to love, and companionship. Jenny was loved by many, including Martin’s two daughters (Kirstin and Tracy) who cherished their time with her, learning, listening to stories of the past, and laughing over a glass of wine. She had a deep passion for animals. When moving into a career in consulting and appraisals, she ventured out of the city and moved to a horse farm with horses, sheep, chickens, dogs, and whatever four-legged animal that would come to the door. She spent the last years of her life in her childhood home working as a bookkeeper for many nonprofits.

 When given the misfortune of terminal cancer diagnosis, she rose up to fight! Despite a potentially short timeline, she triumphed to over 2.5 years keeping herself involved in the same things she loved throughout her life – around to join in family events, cooking, gardening, and talking daily to her closest loves. Jenny was a strong, independent woman. She was knowledgeable in whatever topic was discussed and had a photographic memory.

 A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday August 2, 2024 at the Coon Valley Lutheran Cemetery. The Seland Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting the family.  

If you would like to honor Jenny’s memory, please donate to the Jenny Gilbertson Estate, which includes several charities that were close to her.