Sally A. Gilbertson, age 73 of Balsam Lake WI and formerly of Bayport MN, died on December 18, 2011. Sally was born November 23, 1938 in Bayport MN to parents Harry Leroy and Margaret Ruth (Gardner) Thompson. Through her life, Sally would be united in marriage to Earl C. Watson, William Lee Sherwood, and Stanley Gilbertson, and her life would be blessed with four children, Earl, Cathy, David, and Heidi.

Sally worked as a professional server throughout most of her life. During those years, she also co-owned and operated, along with her second husband, Lee’s Restaurant in St. Croix Falls WI. She loved the folks she met in the restaurant business, and was known to many as “Happy Sal”. Sally had a good sense of humor, and a feisty “spitfire” of a personality. When she wasn’t working, Sally enjoyed dancing, listening to music, cooking and baking, and vegetable gardening. Sally will be missed by those who knew and loved her.

Sally is survived by her children, Earl C. Jr. (Annie) Watson, Cathy A. Gilmore, David (Tracy) Watson, and Heidi (fiancé Dan Nord ) Sherwood; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren with one on the way; her sister, Marsha (Russ) Baribeau; brothers, Harry Thompson II, Charles Thompson, Gary (Nancy) Thompson, special friend, Pat; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Sally was preceded in death by three husbands; and four sisters.

Funeral Services for Sally Gilbertson will be held at 11:00AM on Friday, December 23, 2011 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 South 11th Street, in Hudson. Interment will take place in the Hazelwood Cemetery in Bayport MN. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to services. Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson WI. 715-386-3725