Agnes Johanna Gilberts

(Nee Bonkrud) Wauwatosa – Agnes Johanna Gilberts died peacefully January 28, 2015 at Luther Manor at the age of 92. She lived a joyful, thankful, contented life, even after the death of her beloved husband of 65 years, Ernest, in 2008.

Agnes was born October 17, 1922, in rural Dallas, Wisconsin to the late David and Helma (Halverson) Bonkrud. She grew up during the Great Depression and felt firsthand the positive impact of FDR's New Deal, making her a lifelong Democrat as well as a lifelong Lutheran. She loved watching political news shows in her later years and politely debating the issues of the day with her right-leaning family members. Following high school, she boldly moved to Minneapolis with a friend and worked in an office. After marrying Ernest Gilberts in January, 1943, Ernest served overseas as an officer in the Army Air Corp, and Agnes moved to Washington DC where she worked for the War Department reviewing suspicious activity reports on foreign-born defense factory workers. Agnes and Ernest were separated for over 18 months during the war, communicating only by letter. Agnes became a pastor's wife in 1961 when Ernest changed careers from school principal to pastor. Together they served congregations in New Lisbon, WI, West Covina, CA, Wiota, WI, and Muskego, WI. In retirement, they lived in Eau Claire, WI, and McCallen TX, before moving to the Milwaukee area and then Luther Manor, which they thoroughly enjoyed. Agnes will be lovingly remembered for many things in addition to her thankful spirit, including her beautiful hand work, spirited card playing, and proud Norwegian heritage and cooking.

She is survived by her children, Jon Gilberts, Mary Jo (Wayne) Reiche, Mark (Lana) Gilberts, and Rebekah (Brian) Wickert, six grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. She is also survived by her older sister Ovida Hanson, Menominee WI, and older brother Lyle Bonkrud, Baron WI, many nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest, parents, infant sister Helen and brothers Perance Bonkrud, Herbie Bonkrud, Harold Bonkrud, Orin Bonkrud, and Vernon Bonkrud.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Luther Manor Healthcare Center and Hospice who cared for Agnes in her last days, and the staff of Chives restaurant at Luther Manor who treated her each day with such genuine hospitality.

Visitation at Cross of Life Lutheran Church, 20700 West North Avenue, Brookfield, Saturday, January 31, at 10:00 am until time of Funeral Service at 12:00 noon. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Luther Manor Foundation <a href="http://www.luthermanor.org/donation">www.luthermanor.org/donation</a> are appreciated.