ALBION / MADISON - Shirley Ann Gilbertsen, age 85, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, at Sienna Crest in Fort Atkinson, Wis. She was born on July 14, 1939, in Madison, Wis., the daughter of Leslie and Bertha (Snyder) Burmeister. Shirley was united in marriage to her loving husband, Daniel Gilbertsen, on Sept. 9, 2000, in Madison, Wis.

Shirley graduated from East High School in 1957. She liked playing clarinet in the band and received shorthand awards. After high school she worked for the Prudential Insurance company and Farmers Mutual Insurance. She became a stay-at-home mom after having her two beautiful daughters, Dawn and Denise, from her first marriage. She loved being able to spend time raising her daughters when they were young. As the girls got older Shirley took some refresher courses. She then started working for the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene, where she retired after 22 years.

Shirley loved to spend time with her grandchildren, Bob, Jessica and Matt. Her sisters, Marie from Florida and Beverly from California, would take turns visiting each other’s homes and spending fun times together. She also enjoyed going on many wonderful trips with her husband, Dan. For many years she enjoyed bowling, golfing, working puzzles, knitting, baking cookies and planting flowers. Shirley had always wanted to live in the country, and she was able to do that when she and Dan had their dream home and barn built on 10 acres.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Daniel; daughter, Denise (Art) Chapman; grandchildren, Bob Burright, Jessica Chapman and Mathew Chapman; sister, Marie Kosmer; and stepchildren, Jon Gilbertsen and Kay Gilbertsen. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leslie and Bertha Burmeister; daughter, Dawn Hartman; and sister, Beverly Tinker.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, immediately followed by burial at Roselawn Memorial Park, Monona. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 12 noon until the time of the service on Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your favorite charity. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Shirley will be dearly missed by all that knew and loved her.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Shirley A. Gilbertsen

July 14, 1939 - September 24, 2024

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