Rita Mae Gilbertson, age 54 of New Glarus died Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at the UW Hospital after a 2-year battle with cancer. She was born August 31, 1966 in the St. Clare Hospital in Monroe to Henry Tyler & Grace Marie (Broten) Gilbertson. She grew up in Monticello and graduated from the Monticello High School in 1984. She attended the UW-Milwaukee for two years, and soon began her career with the Carnes Company in Verona. She worked there for over 30 years, starting as a marketing secretary and eventually, helping Carnes understand what benefit technology can be for the company, became the IT Manager there. She loved traveling the area, spending time with family, shopping, playing with new tech “toys”, and doted on her dogs Brandy and Roxie.

Rita is survived by three siblings, Beverly Gilbertson of Blanchardville, Marvin (Theresa) Gilbertson of Keller, TX, and Craig Gilbertson (Lisa Appleby) of Machesney Park, IL; two nieces, Ashley and Heather Gilbertson of Keller, TX; three aunts, Diana Kitto of Lancaster, Elizabeth Broten (Dietrich Zentner) of New Glarus and Mary Gilbertson of Argyle; and many cousins. 

Rita was preceded in death by her parents and an infant sister, Linda Fae Gilbertson.

A visitation for Rita will be held Thursday evening, April 22, 2021 from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at Blanchard Hall at 204 South Main Street in Blanchardville. The family requests the wearing of masks and social distancing for the safety of all due to the COVID pandemic. A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 23, 2021 at 11:00 am at Blanchard Hall. The service will be livestreamed, and will be available on the Facebook page for Saether Funeral Service. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery in Blanchardville.   Saether Funeral Service of Blanchardville is assisting the family.  

Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at saetherfuneralservice.com.