GILBERT, Marion B., age 94

Died: Monday, July 7th, 2014

Celebration of Marion's Life: 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2014 at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd (1120 Cedar Street in Eau Claire) with Reverend Robert Esse officiating

Visitation: One hour prior to service at church

Interment: Lakeview Cemetery, Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Memorials may be directed to the Lutheran Church of Good Shepherd Foundation-Transportation Fund, or the quilting or library fund of the church

Marion B. Gilbert, 94, of Eau Claire passed away on Monday, July 7, 2014 at the Clairemont Nursing and Rehabilitation after a brief illness.

Marion was born to the late Oscar and Clara (Garlie) Knutson on January 27, 1920 and raised in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. She graduated from Eau Claire Senior High School in 1937 and attended vocational school for 2 years. She married Everett L. Gilbert on September 10, 1941 and they made their home in the Town of Union for over 50 years. Marion was the Director of Volunteers at Sacred Heart Hospital for over 20 years where she enjoyed her work tremendously. Over the years, she was a mentor to many Candy Stripers who later chose careers in the medical field.

Marion was a charter member of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd where she was a long time member of the church choir, served on the church council, taught Sunday school, and participated in many women's groups including the Quilting and Library Clubs. She was proud of her Norwegian heritage and in 1999 toured and visited relatives in Norway. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Hospital Auxiliary, Sons of Norway and the Eau Claire Moose Lodge. Marion loved anything that involved music - singing, playing the piano, dancing and roller dancing in her youth. She enjoyed tracing her ancestry, playing cards, family vacations to Willard Lake, Ontario, and making jam, pickles and Christmas cookies.

Marion is survived by her son, Tim (Cheryl) of Eau Claire; daughter, Mary (Michael) Chronquist of Prior Lake, MN; grandchildren, Stephanie (Aaron) Walczak of Hudson, WI, Brian (Sarah) Gilbert of Eau Claire and their mother, Mary Gigstad, Jacob Chronquist of Grand Forks, ND, and Angela Chronquist of Prior Lake, MN; great grandchildren, Morgan and Mason Gilbert and Cooper Walczak; brother-in-law, Michael Prock of Eau Claire; sister-in-law, Joan (Sather) Larson of Minneapolis, MN; nephews, cousins and many friends.

Marion was preceded in death by her her husband, Everett; son, Loyd; and her sister, Lorraine Prock.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at the Clairemont Nursing Home and Mayo Clinic Health System - Eau Claire for their care and compassion during Mom's brief illness and a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Jean Anderson for her many years of medical care, guidance and support. Finally, the family wishes to thank Milestone Senior Assisted Living for providing Mom with the ability to continue with independent living during the last 4 years. 

Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean we will miss you until we meet again.