Funeral services for Verna I. Gilbertson, 90, of Albert Lea will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at First Lutheran Church. The Rev. John Holt will officiate.

Interment will be at Hillcrest Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com.

Verna died Thursday, Febr. 2, 2017, at St. John’s Lutheran Community in Albert Lea.

Verna Irene Gilbertson was born May 17, 1926, in Graham Lake Township, Nobles County, the daughter of Otto and Theresia (Busch) Moja. She grew up in Wells, graduating from Wells High School. On May 24, 1947, Verna married Ervin Gilbertson. She worked as a clerk at Wilson & Co. for 12 years and a teacher’s aide for District 241 in Albert Lea. She was a member of First Lutheran Church and Mission Circle, volunteering for the church’s annual lefse making. Verna enjoyed baking, sewing, and gardening. Bowling was very important to her as well. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, baking apple pies from the two apple trees they had and the annual lefse making tradition for the holidays. Verna enjoyed reminiscing about her youth on the farm with her twin sister, Vera. Vera loved the farm life and farm animals while Verna longed for the big city life of Albert Lea. Verna enjoyed her daily walks and travel trips with her sister-in-law, Geri.

Verna is survived by three sons, Mel (Dawn) Gilbertson, Paul (Sandy) Gilbertson and Don (Kris) Gilbertson; sister-in-law, Geri Gilbertson; grandchildren Michelle (Tom) Huffman, Lisa Gilbertson, Amy (fiancé Eliseo Marquez) Gilbertson, Jill Gilbertson, Jake Gilbertson, Ashley Gilbertson, Jessie Gilbertson, Megan Gilbertson and Heather Gilbertson; great-grandchildren Matthew and Emily Huffman and Myles Allison; and many nieces and nephews.

Verna was preceded in death by her parents Otto and Theresia; husband, Ervin; brothers Wilford and Clifford and two older brothers that passed before her birth; twin sister, Vera; brothers-in-law, Earl, George, Manford and Chesley; sisters-in-law, Sybil Moja, Bernice (Leo) ONeal and Elfie Leachman.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the loving and caring nurses and employees on first south at St. John’s Lutheran Community who took care of and spent time with Verna.