Obituary for Yvonne D. "Vonnie" Gilster

It is with deep sadness that our family announces the passing of our Mom, Yvonne D. (Sprain) Gilster, on the early morning of Tuesday October 15th, 2024, at the age of 91. Vonnie was born to Alvin and Cora (Becker) Sprain on August 22nd, 1933 in the home of her grandparents Henry and Anna Becker. She was baptized, confirmed and married at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Barre Mills, WI. She grew up in Barre Mills and attended Sunny Mead School, St. John’s Lutheran school and graduated from West Salem High School in 1951. She took great pride in being an attendant on the Centennial Float in 1951. She played the saxophone in high school and continued to play in the adult jazz band in West Salem for many years. She attended UW- La Crosse for 1 year, until she decided to become a farmer's wife and married Robert Gilster on July 29, 1953. They purchased the home farm in West Salem in 1957. In 1997 they moved into town. Vonnie and Bob have 4 sons and 1 daughter who all live within 1 mile of Mom and Dad. Together they enjoyed 9 grandchildren and 5 great- grandchildren.

Her early years were full of chores, berry picking, 4-H, kids sports, Sunday School and Catechism. The later years were full of grandchildren’s sports, racing, babysitting and playing cards. Mom enjoyed bowling at the Curve In Lanes, later renamed West Bowl. She served as a charter member, 2nd President and 1st Vice President in the bowling league. She was Past President of The Ladies Aid at Christ Lutheran Church where she was a lifelong member. She enjoyed all of her grandchildrens West Salem sports, especially watching her granddaughter’s West Salem Basketball games. Vonnie and Bob were a part of starting the 50/50 raffle at La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway in 1994. Mom continued to sell 50/50 tickets, until she retired in 2019 at age 86. Mom was a life time member of the La Crosse County Ag Society. Vonnie was a member of the La Crosse County Pork Producers & an original starting member of the Lady Porketts. She served many pork chop sandwiches at the La Crosse County fair, porkfest and the Warrens festival. Mom enjoyed watching her sons Jimmy and Danny racing at the speedway and also her grandchildren Marc, Tom and Jimmy who raced as well. She always avoided watching as they came out of turn 4. She enjoyed Mc Donald’s and fishing with the older grandchildren, as well as Chuck E Cheese with the younger grandchildren. She always had an after school “snack” ready when the grandkids came running off the bus. Many hours were spent working on the farm, but she always made time to have Grandpa Richard’s 3pm lunch ready when he got off the tractor. Sunday dinner was always ready for Grandpa Alvin as well. Mom will be greatly missed by all. WE LOVE YOU MOM!

Vonnie is survived by her sons Michael, Paul (Tammy Serres), James(Christy), Dan (Heather) and daughter Barb Gilster, all of West Salem. She is further survived by grandchildren: Norman (Chelsea) Gilster, Marc Luethe (Sam Higdon), Matt (Erin) Luethe, Tom Luethe, Jimmy Bjorkman, Haylee and Alyssa Gilster, Madelyn and Isabella Gilster, all of West Salem and 5 special great grandchildren: Hazel Gilster, Wesley and Carson Luethe, Dalilah and Walker Luethe, her special sister- in - law Sharon Sprain; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Gilster in 2006, her parents Alvin and Cora Sprain in 1976, her in- laws Richard (1985) and Luella (2001) Gilster, sister Beverly Miller (Albert) in 1984 and brother Allen Sprain in 2015.

A Christian Memorial Service will be held Saturday October 26th, 2024 at Christ Lutheran Church, 500 Park Street, West Salem. Visitation will be from 9:30 am to 11:30, followed by the church service, burial, and luncheon to follow. Burial will be located at Christ Lutheran Cemetery on Highway 16, in West Salem. Pastor Don Frelitz will officiate. Fredrickson Funeral Homes is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials can be made to Christ Lutheran Church, Christ-St. John’s School and Luther High School.

Vonnie’s family would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to all the staff at Mulder’s Nursing Home in West Salem and St. Croix Hospice for their care and compassion for our Mom. The Honor Walk made it a special moment during a difficult time.