Joanne (Brasen) Gilbert, 80, of Scobey died April 13, 2024.
She was born March 13, 1944, to Francis and Beulah (Ralstin) Brasen in Scobey. She was the youngest of three children and their only girl.
As a young girl, she attended Scobey schools and had a wonderful upbringing. She had a lot of fun with her childhood schoolmates, who over time became lifelong friends. She always cherished the friends she collected throughout her life. She graduated from Scobey High School with the class of 1962.
Later that same year, on Sept. 22, she married Bernard (Bernie) Gilbert. Over the next several years, they welcomed three sons, Trent, Brian and Brad to their family. They raised their boys on their farm southeast of Scobey in Line Coulee.
They also enjoyed shared activities, such as golfing at the Scobey Golf Club, where they were longtime members.
As an adult, she graduated from Minot State University with a degree in music education. Following graduation, she taught music in Peerless, Scobey and Wolf Point. She earned her master’s degree while teaching in Wolf Point.
She thoroughly enjoyed participating in Scobey’s musical community, with groups such as The Prairie Symphonette, Jack Reiner’s Big Band and the Dirty Shame Show. Throughout the years, she was a belle, sang songs such as Big Spender and played clarinet in the Dixieland Band. In recent years during Pioneer Days, she played piano in the Saloon, while her brother, Larry, played trumpet.
For many years, Joanne was a member of the Scobey Lutheran Church. She loved singing in the choir.
She loved teaching and encouraging others in music, but she wasn’t just talented at musical things; she was a very creative person. In addition to her musical talents, she was a remarkable painter, did truly amazing things with crossstitch and crocheted beautiful blankets. She had a great sense of humor and never passed up on a moment to laugh.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Don Brasen.
She is survived by Bernie Gilbert, her husband of over 61 years; three sons, Trent Gilbert of Billings, Brian Gilbert of Artesia, N.M., and Brad Gilbert of Rapid City, S.D.; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and brother, Larry Brasen.
Memorial services were held at the Scobey Lutheran Church Saturday, April 27.
