Erna Gilbertson, born in Augsburg Germany on April 5, 1925, to Michael and Theresia Zonninger, Erna grew up in Pre-World War II Germany. She came of age during the war and saw the devastation that was laid upon her city, country, family, and friends. In 1947, soon after the war had ended, she met and married Army Sargent Eli Hatcher. Together they had one child, Claudette Sylvia.
One of the most amazing things about Erna was that in spite of (or may be because of) the horrors that she saw in her life, she remained an eternal optimist. Erna worked at the J.L. Hudson company until she retired in 1978. Widowed at the age of 42, she found that being alone was not the life she wanted. At age 52, she married Walter Gilbertson of St. Clair Shores. They traveled and enjoyed retirement together for almost thirty years, until he died at the age of 99.
Blessed with a remarkable work ethic and high standards, Erna always strove “do things right”. She was uncompromising in her devotion to her home —which she cleaned tirelessly— and her family –whom she loved immeasurably. Leaving to cherish her memory are her daughter, Claudette Sylvia Shorter (Fred); grandchildren, Michelle and Nicholas Shorter; sister, Inge Bertele; nephew, Armin Bertele (Diane); stepdaughter, Elaine Juncker; stepsons, Ronald Gilbertson (Betty) and Edward Gilbertson (Jackie); and their children and grandchildren to whom she was affectionately known as “Grandma Erna”.
Visitation will be held Friday, January 12, 2024 from 10-11:00 AM with an 11AM Funeral Service at Kaul Funeral Home, 27830 Gratiot Ave, Roseville, MI 48066. Burial to follow services at Mt Olivet Cemetery, 17100 Van Dyke, Detroit, MI 48234.
