Judy Gilbertson

Judy (Binde) Gilbertson grew up attending rural school until 4th grade when she transferred to Crosby public schools. She followed her high school sweetheart to UND-Williston Center following graduation in 1969. Judy and Curtis were married in the summer of 1970. True soulmates. Curtis joined the national guard and Judy continued her education. They moved on to Grand Forks together to pursue their education degrees. Her teaching career began in Rugby, ND. Judy enjoyed teaching science the most to her elementary aged students. She even helped them hatch chickens.

Judy and Curtis eventually moved to Willison, ND. There, they were very active with their friend group; water and snow skiing, racquetball, tennis, volleyball, and nights at the Elks. She ventured into sales as an Independent Beauty Consultant. This career brought her to travel around the US and 13 cars, a few of which were “flamingo red”. Later, she allowed them to trade her car allowance for a vibrant red corvette, her husband’s second love.

Judy was meant to be a mother. She first had Alex in 1986. Then, Libby came in 1988. Her words of encouragement throughout their youth was always “choose to have a good day”. She genuinely believed that you could manifest a good attitude before manifesting was a thing. They eventually moved the family to Bismarck, ND. Alex and Libby kept them busy. They often had to “divide and conquer” for football games or track, and dance recitals. After a short time in Mary Kay, Judy was winning awards and then promoted to Senior Sales Director, making women all over North Dakota feel more beautiful. Mary Kay both facilitated lifelong friendships and an income.

Judy’s true dreams came true to become a grandparent. Cambrie Sue Gilbertson was born May 10, 2020. She imagined being able to show her daughter and granddaughter the ways of Mary Kay. James Paul Diamond was born in 2022 and Bremen Michael Gilbertson was born in 2024.

In retirement, Judy and Curtis valued “snow birding” in Arizona. The weather was good for Judy’s health and many memories were made. She moved into the Baptist Home in September of 2021.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Curtis; her children, Alex and Libby; their spouses, Missy and Greg; grandchildren, Cambrie, James, and Bremen and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Julia Binde; her in-laws, Paul and Carol Gilbertson; her brothers, Laverne and Jerald; her niece, Darlene; brother in-law, Dean Gilbertson; sisters in-law, Carol Binde and Karen Gilbertson.

Judy’s battle is over. While loss is hard in every circumstance, many find comfort in knowing that she doesn’t have to put on her brave face any longer. In her words, “it’s not what happens to you, it’s how you handle it. You can have a bad day when you choose and you can have a good day when you choose”.

A casual service will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 12 pm at Bismarck Funeral Home with a burial at the North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery in Mandan, ND at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Parkinson and Movement Disorder (PMD) Alliance, www.pmdalliance.org