Grace Lee
Grace Lee passed peacefully to her heavenly home, surrounded by her loving daughters on Nov. 17, 2018, at McKenzie County Health Systems in Watford City, N.D.
Grace Phyllis Gilbertson was born June 25, 1925, on her family’s farmstead in the Spring Creek community south of Watford City, N.D.
She was the 3rd of 4 daughters born to Katherine (Eberle) and Gilbert Gilbertson. Grace attended Wonderland Rural School until attending high school in Watford City graduating in 1942. She then attended Minot State Teachers College. After receiving a two-year teaching certificate she taught school in the original 10x12 Danielson log home in Dunn County. Grace also worked in the Office of Price Administration (OPA) until it closed after the war in 1945.
On Jan. 27, 1946, Grace married Vernon Lee in the First Lutheran Church parsonage, as the church had burned to the ground just days before the wedding. They made their home on the Gilbert Lee homestead farming and ranching where they were blessed with 6 daughters. They enjoyed 64 years together until Vernon’s death Nov. 17, 2010. They now share a heavenly birthday.
Grace was a member of First Lutheran Church and active in Peace Circle and the Roosevelt Park Homemakers. She sewed beautiful clothes for her girls over the years and crocheted precious afghans for each of her 10 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren with 2 on the way! She never forgot a birthday and we all looked forward to receiving her heartfelt greetings in the mail.
Grace and Vernon enjoyed many years traveling in their motor home sightseeing and visiting family and friends and later they enjoyed 20 years as snowbirds in Mesa Ariz.
Grace is remembered for her kind and gentle spirit, with always a pleasant smile and greeting for all. She has enjoyed living at the Horizon Assisted Living the past 5 years where she reconnected with childhood friends and formed wonderful new relationships. She loved to read, do puzzles and was always ready for a board game or bingo.
Left behind to treasure her, are daughters, Judy (Roger) Lee, West Fargo, N.D., Joann (Fred) Zehr, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Jennifer (Curtis) Sorenson, Watford City, Jacky Bolken (George Kane), Wildomar, Calif., Julie (Mark) Anderson, Fargo, N.D.; 10 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Grace was preceded in death by her parents, Gilbert and Katherine Gilbertson; her beloved husband, Vernon; and her precious daughter, Janice; three sisters, Josephine Neubauer, Irene Nering, and Ruth Avery.
Funeral services for Grace Phyllis Lee will be at 1 p.m., on Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2018, at the First Lutheran Church in Watford City with Pastor Rob Favorite officiating. Visitation was held Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018, from 12 - 4 p.m., with a Friends and Family service beginning at 4 p.m. at Fulkerson-Stevenson Funeral Home in Watford City, N.D. There will also be a viewing one hour prior to the funeral on Wednesday at the First Lutheran Church. Interment will be in the Schafer Cemetery in Watford City, N.D., under the care of Fulkerson-Stevenson Funeral Home of Watford City. Remembrances, condolences and pictures may be shared with the family at www.fulkersons.com.