Marie Sylvia (Gilberston) Amdahl passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday November 29, 2017, at the Spring Valley Care and Rehabilitation Center.
Marie was born on June 16, 1919, to Julian and Ida (Torgerson) Gilbertson. She attended the Wraalstad Country School, graduated from Lanesboro High School in 1936 and Winona Teachers College in 1938. She taught school for four years and during this time dated the one and only love of her life, Orval. Marie married Orval at Luther Place Memorial Church in Washington D.C. on July 4, 1942, after which they lived in Fredericksburg, Va. until Orval finished officer training in the Marines. When Orval received his assignment orders, Marie moved back to Minneapolis and worked as a bookkeeper for a gas company until the end of the war. Together they returned home to the Lanesboro and Preston area to raise their family. Marie was an exceptionally loving mother and wife who always ensured that her family’s needs were taken care of each and every day; she was an excellent cook, skilled seamstress and an active member of her community. She was the treasurer for Bethlehem Lutheran Church (Lanesboro) for 24 years, Sunday school superintendent at Christ Lutheran Church (Preston) for 10 years, substitute teacher, American Legion member (honored for 70 years of membership), Red Cross volunteer, Sons of Norway, March of Dimes, 4-H and Girl Scout leader. She enjoyed camping, playing cards, traveling, attending sports and school activities, golfing, Sit-N-Chat Sewing Club and most importantly, spending time with family and friends.
Marie is survived by her children: Ronald (Diane) Amdahl of Rochester, Minn., James (Kim) Amdahl of Flandreau, S. Dak., and Karyl (Steve) Tammel of Spring Valley, Minn., 10 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
Marie was preceded in death by her parents, sister Adeline, loving husband of 72 years, daughter Ann, and great-granddaughter Liberty.
Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 4 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lanesboro, with Pastor Kerry Eversole officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the memorial service. Private burial will take place at the Lanesboro cemetery.
Johnson-Riley Funeral Home in Lanesboro is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences are welcome at rileyfuneralhomes.com.
Cindy Peterson Sabatoni says
Karyl. I am sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.