Linda Gilstad
Linda Claire (Ewen) Gilstad was born to William and Eva (Karpyak) Ewen on Aug. 12, 1938, in Watford City, N.D. She attended school in Watford City, graduating in 1956.
Linda and Ray Gilstad were married May 31, 1957, and lived on the family farm near Keene, where they raised three children, grain, hay, and many varieties of livestock. Linda was a protective mother, dedicated homemaker, was skilled in needle work-knitting and crocheting perfectly as her mother had taught her. She sewed clothes for her family and others. Being head bookkeeper and farmhand, she helped manage all aspects of the farm/ranch from driving tractor and fixing fence to tending to a large garden. While operating Linda’s Leather and Upholstery for over 40-plus years, Linda sewed and reupholstered numerous items from windsocks to school bus seats to elaborate furniture. She also crafted custom made chaps, belts, and assorted leather goods.
Linda was a member of the Clear Creek Lutheran Church, Blue Township Assessor, Long X Wagon Train, McKenzie County Historical Society and the Keene Dome.
Linda greatly enjoyed playing cards, cribbage, word games, and puzzles. Ray and Linda were in a bowling league, dart league and pinochle club throughout the years. Linda attended many rodeos through the years with Ray as a contestant or judge and eventually watching their children and grandchildren compete.
Linda passed peacefully to Eternity at Legacy Lodge in Killdeer on Sept. 23, 2023.
Those preceding her in death were her husband, Raymond, September 2015; parents, Bill and Eva Ewen; brother, Garth Ewen; sisters, Fran Guthrie and Kathy Johnson; sons-in-law, John Rhodes and Bruce White; father- and mother-in-law Edgar and Effie Gilstad; along with many brothers- and sisters-in-law; and special grandson, Coy Hepper.
Surviving Linda are her oldest sister, Jean Walters, Rapid City, S.D.; daughters, Debra (Dave) Harsche, Killdeer, and Cindy Rhodes, Alexander; son, Rusty (Tammy) Gilstad, New Salem; grandchildren, Carrie (Doug) Beer, Isabel, S.D., Will (Becky) Aasen, Alexander, and Marci Gilstad, New Salem; great-grandchildren, Luke and Brace Beer, Amelia and Charlie Aasen, and another great-granddaughter in 2024; along with many nieces, nephews and their families.
Memorial services for Linda C. Gilstad, 85, of Killdeer, N.D., formerly of Keene, N.D., were held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, at the First Lutheran Church, Keene, N.D., with Pastor Garrett Gudmunsen officiating. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Watford City is assisting the family with arrangements. Family and Friends may sign the on-line register and give their condolences at www.fulkersons.com.