LaVae Gilbertson, 81 of Spearfish, passed away on November 12, 2017 at the Belle Fourche Healthcare Center.

LaVae was born on July 28, 1936 to Theodore and Bernice (Fatland) Anderson in Fergus Falls, MN. She graduated from Fergus Falls in 1954. She married Bennet Gilbertson on February 11, 1956 in Erhard, MN and began her life as a mother and a wonderful Navy wife. LaVae spent months at a time raising her family without Bennet when he was out to sea, and ready for the next adventure that would relocate their family. Their 26th move came when they moved into Edgewood Vista in Spearfish.

LaVae was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Spearfish, a hospice volunteer in for 14 years in Willmar, MN and a volunteer at the Spearfish library.

She is survived by her husband, Bennet of Spearfish; sons, Scott (Barb) Gilbertson of Centennial, CO and Mark (Chris) Gilbertson of Arden Hills, MN; daughter, Vicki (Greg) Qualley of Itasca, MN; grandchildren, Matt (Marie) Gilbertson, Joseph Gilbertson, Benjamin Gilbertson and Kimberly Gilbertson; and brothers, Duane Anderson and Curtis Anderson. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Roger Anderson and sister, Felicia Freudiger.

Memorial services will be at 10:30 am on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Spearfish. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to the CJD Foundation or a charity of one's choosing.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Crematory Service of Spearfish.