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Doris Marie Gildesgaard

Doris Gildesgaard Obituary

Doris Marie Gildesgaard passed away at her home on November 21, 2014. A native Eurekan, Doris was born August 27, 1928 to John and Selma Swensen. She was the wife of the late Neil E. Gildesgaard, devoted mother of Eric, Kris (Cindy) and Kay Gibbs (Dennis). She was the proud grandma of Jennifer (Matt), Chad (Jae), Cory, Anna, Amy and Neil and great-grandma of Titus, Kyla and Kendall. She also leaves behind her caring brother Raymond Swensen and numerous nieces and nephews. Her joy was teaching, her passion "the kids". A graduate of UCBerkeley, "Mrs. G" began her career teaching English and social studies at Eureka Junior High. She moved to Zane Junior High when it was built, team-teaching ninth grade English with Shirley Mace. Lucy Quinby joined Mrs. G when Mrs. Mace retired; and when EHS became a four-year school in 1982, Mrs. G and Mrs. Q transferred to that campus as team teachers. She taught there until her retirement in 1986. One of her proudest achievements was having gone back to school in her 50's to receive her Masters from Humboldt State University. Following retirement, she did a great deal of volunteering. Along with Judges Charles Thomas and Wm. F. Ferroggiaro, she helped introduce Teen Court and served as a Coordinator there for more than eight years. Through Teen Court, she met many wonderful people who shared her passion for the students, including James Steinberg, Terry Farmer and Joyce Hinrichs, to name just a few. She was an active member of Calvary Lutheran Church. She was an active member of Fram 13 Lodge, Sons of Norway. She made several trips to Norway to visit relatives and never lost touch with her roots. That was very important to her. She was a proud member of Pi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma. She was an intelligent and articulate woman, an avid reader and bridge player. Intuitive, wise and strong-spirited, she was a good friend to many. She will be deeply missed. Memorial Services will be held Saturday, November 29th at 2:00 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church, 716 South Ave., Eureka. Private family interment at Sons of Norway Memorial, Ocean View Cemetery will take place at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Doris to Hospice of Humboldt, 2010 Myrtle Avenue, Eureka, CA, 95501; to Fram 13, Sons of Norway Lodge, 2736 H Street, Eureka, CA, 95501; or to a charity of choice. Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com and click on obits.

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Published by Times-Standard from Nov. 26 to Nov. 28, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Doris Gildesgaard

48 Entries

Melodee Sewell

January 9, 2015

Ah Doris, I just learned of your passing. You have always been like a mom to me.I feel so fortunate to have had a chance to chat it up with you last year on the phone. The kids and I will miss you so much. Eric, take care and my condolences to you.

Lori Longdon-Santos

December 15, 2014

Mrs. G was one of the best teachers I've ever known. When I was attending Zane she was always so vivacious and loving to all her students. I remember she seemed so tall! She truly loved her work and all who knew her adored her. We will miss you dearly, Mrs. G!!

Terry Rhodes

December 5, 2014

I first met Mrs G at Zane, I had the hardest time in school when it came to English. Mrs. G was able to break it down and I credit her with my passing junior high and high school. I have fond memories of you and tell my son about you often. You will be missed.

Terry Iversen

December 4, 2014

Doris was our teacher, counselor and friend.
I honor her intellect, honesty and compassion.
Doris, Takk for alt!

Penelope Anderson

November 30, 2014

Doris was a good friend of my mother, Patricia Deacon, and they enjoyed many an hour in each other's company. Even after the massive stroke that took mom's speech away, she often visited mom and spent time with me sharing memories, laughter, and pie recipes! Doris has a special place in my heart and will be greatly missed.

Ann Wieland

November 29, 2014

Doris welcomed me with open arms, when I joined the English Department at Eureka High. I was hired to teach ninth grade English, and she was an amazing help to me. She had an electric smile, and was so kind to me. As young teacher, she was a great role model for me! I wish peace and love to her family.

Debra Friedenbach

November 29, 2014

Mrs. G was one of my favorite teachers at Zane. I have always remembered how great she was at teaching and her enthusiasm for life. She was one of the best!

November 29, 2014

Dear Gildesgaard family-
Please accept our condolences on Doris' passing. In appreciation of Doris, my husband Bill Ziegler taught with her for many years and truly enjoyed teaching with her and her friendship. I'm sorry that I cannot be with you today to celebrate her life. She was a really inspiring lady and wonderful teacher.

Sincerely,
Vivian Ziegler
Arcata

Debra Harris

November 29, 2014

Eric, Chris, Kay and family,

Please accept my condolences for the loss of your mother and grandmother.

I always greatly admired your mom. She always had a strong opinion tempered with common sense and a good heart. Doris thank you for your kindness to the "little neighbor girl" (as she called me).

Dawn Ryles-Baker

November 28, 2014

Mrs.G was one of my favorite teachers. Out of all three of the Ryles girls I was her problem student. She kept on me to try harder and study more. Will always have great memories of her. Thank You

Sherry Ables

November 28, 2014

Mrs. Gildesgaard. What an amazing lady! 1972-Zane. She was a gentle and very sweet teacher. A very remembered teacher. I am sorry for your loss.

Iris Horton Farr

November 27, 2014

My parents drove Doris and me to Cal in October of 1945. It was a great trip -

Doris was so bright and sociable. We dropped her off at her boarding house, and in the overcrowded Berkeley of the post-war days, I seldom saw her again - until Eureka class reunions years later - where I once again enjoyed her company. The world has lost one of its best citizens. My thoughts go out to her family, friends and students.

Debbie & Gary Viall

November 27, 2014

Kay, Dennis, Chad and Cory, We are saddened by this I remember her as a very strong beautiful lady when I would hang out at your house. Gary remembers her as a great teacher. We send our love and prayers to you all at this time.

Hugs from Debbie & Gary Viall

David W.

November 27, 2014

Mrs.G.,I was thinking of you last Tue.,now two days later I'm reading about you.I may not remember those lessons from 52 years ago,the most important thing I took away from your classes was that you CARED for each of us as individuals.Perhaps that was most important lesson of all. R.I.P.

Bruce & Rae Bott

November 27, 2014

I worked with Doris when she came to EHS with Lucy Quinby. There was never a kinder and more dedicated teacher than Doris. She was also our neighbor across the alley when we lived on California street and when we moved to 14th street, she was once again our nearby neighbor.Doris you will be missed by so many.
RIP.

Jim Steinberg

November 27, 2014

A great intelligence, a great sense of humor, a great presence: she was a great lady. It is an honor to have been her friend.

Ken Harper

November 27, 2014

She was a wonderful teacher, one of my all-time favorites.

Joy Johnson

November 27, 2014

One of my favorite teachers at EHS...!

Tosha Martins-Bowling

November 27, 2014

Thank you for the lessons and won't forget your smile Mrs. G.

Gail Fidjeland

November 26, 2014

She will always be inextricably intertwined with "Rocking Around The Christmas Tree" to me. She was quite a pistol! So sorry to hear of her passing.

Jonathon Dombek

November 26, 2014

Doris was one of my great-grandmother Mildred's true friends. She practically helped raise me. The Sons of Norway lost a proud member, and some amazing pies. She will be sorely missed.

Colleen (Del Grande) Devine

November 26, 2014

Mrs G was THE BEST!! She is why I can diagram a sentence and why I teach my own students parts of speech. She was one of a kind and will be missed!

Carl and Mary Beth Ingvoldstad

November 26, 2014

It was always a pleasure to visit Fram Lodge #6-13, Sons of Norway, and see feisty Doris! Such a gal.

Gå i Fred (Rest in peace) District 6, Sons of Norway

November 26, 2014

R.I.P. Mrs. "G". A well-respected teacher and friend to many.

Nancy Woods

November 26, 2014

Mrs. G will always be one of my favorite teachers. Saw here many years after 7th grade and she remebered me...was that good or bad?? Always made poems speak and verbs move :)!!!
My thoughts and prayers are with all her family and past students at this sad time! We will miss you "Mrs. Gildesgaard"

November 26, 2014

Best teacher I ever had for sure...I remember the quotes: sixes and nines and desert has 1 "s" for "sand"...dessert has 2 s's for "strawberry shortcake" I think of her often. Peace for her family.
Linda Wilson (Hollis)

Paula Pavlich

November 26, 2014

Mrs G was such an important person in my life and she really loved all of us kids and took so much care with our expanding minds. Beyond the walls of Zane, she was always so caring and giving to me, and when I lost my mom in 2006, she was the first knock on my door. Every time I would see her, in the following years, she would remind me how much she loved my mom and what a great lady she was...those words were so healing to me and I will be forever grateful to have known Doris! God speed Mrs G- you have blessed us all while you were here.

(Is it crazy that i keep proofreading this for fear of disappointing her? )

Kat Griffith

November 26, 2014

Farewell, Mrs. G. You reached so many of us, and made such a positive impact on so many lives.

Alan Cantu

November 26, 2014

God bless you, "Mrs. G." You were a wonderful teacher.

Todd Gantt

November 26, 2014

Mrs. Gildesgaard was a one of a kind teacher ! She made learning a fun experience and never took any bull! Loved her for that! She will be greatly missed by so many. Love and thanks to Mrs. G and sympathy to all her family and friends whom I am sure are mourning this great loss. XOX TODD GANTT

Bill Barnum

November 26, 2014

Mrs. G and Mrs. Mace were fabulous teachers at Zane. When I diagram a sentence, I am channeling them both. And she had no trouble at all managing a room full of busy teenagers. Somehow she pulled off being vivacious and humorous while keeping us on task. She truly was one of our best, most-gifted teachers. This week you are all in my prayers of thanks for her well-lived life.

Cathy DeNoma (Yarbrough)

November 26, 2014

R.I.P. Mrs. G. I will always remember you as the kind, caring English teacher I had in the early 60's. May you rest in peace and may your family find comfort in all their wonderful memories.

Mike and June Hawkins

November 26, 2014

Mrs. G

You were a true friend, mentor and coworker. You will be missed by all.

Kay Reckord Ames

November 26, 2014

So very sorry for your loss. Mrs. "G" was my teacher the year she married Neil and she was truly one of my favorite teachers. Then, she became one of my best friends. I loved her wonderful smile, great wit and the fact that "she told it the way it was." I truly thought the world of her. I also loved having lunch with her once a month with the "Lunch Bunch" ladies. Needless to say I was shocked to hear of her passing. It's always hard, but especially so during this time of the year. However, I know you all have wonderful memories that will help you through this very difficult time. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers and will continue to be. She was a true lady and delight to know and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. I was so happy to have had her in my life as a friend and mentor. RIP Doris.

Carl Del Grande

November 26, 2014

To the Gildesgaard Family,

God bless her memory! Doris was a mentor, a friend and one of the very finest teachers I have ever met. I had the pleasure of working with her during our time with Eureka City Schools and her contribution to our students, families and colleagues was unmatched. Doris, I hope I spelled everything correctly because I know you will proofread this! Congratulations on a life well lived.

I am sorry but we will be out of town for her service but we will be praying for her.

Carl and Kathi Del Grande

Deana Thomsen-Gurney

November 26, 2014

Mrs. G was a teacher that I never forgot and was a true pleasure to know. A teacher that really loved teaching and made lasting memories for her students. She will be truly missed

Jen DelGrande

November 26, 2014

I still hear her voice when I help my own kids with grammar lessons. I can only hope I touch as many lives as a teacher. She was a true inspiration.

Lenore Burns

November 26, 2014

Wonderful lady and best teacher Zane ever had.

Laurey Sullivan

November 26, 2014

Her enthusiasm for her subject made her stand out as one of the best teachers ever. We couldn't help but be enthused right along with her! Her legacy is the joy in learning. We will miss you, Mrs. Gildesgaard.

Cindy

November 26, 2014

I will NEVER forget what you did for me, Mrs. G. When all the other teachers wrote me off, when they asked to have me removed from their classes, you patiently sat with me every day - explaining the same concept over and over - and when I finally got it, you cheered! You were everything a teacher should be and I will never forget you!

letha reed

November 26, 2014

Inspiring, kind, generous lady and phenomenal teacher.

Stu Rosenberg

November 26, 2014

She was one of my favorite and best teachers I ever had, including all of my college professors. The lessons she and Shirley Mace taught me have served me well in both school and in my business. She was a delightful person. My heart goes out to the family. Remember your quotes ... "sixes and nines".

Kristin Knudson

November 26, 2014

Thank you Mrs. G. Your wisdom continues to remind me of the wonders of language... and that "all right" is two words. May your memory be a blessing to all.

Lila (Schoonmaker) Bollmann

November 26, 2014

Dear Gildesgaard Family~
I love the quote "she was a good friend to many".....my mother was one of the recipients of her friendship. May her memory turn your tears to smiles. She was a delight.

November 26, 2014

Thank you Mrs. G, thank you.

Suzy Sicard

November 26, 2014

Mrs. "G" was truly one of the best teachers I ever had. She was a wonderful person. Kay and family, I am sorry for your loss.

Carolyn Marchi

November 26, 2014

Kay cory Dennis, Chad..Mrs. G was one of my all-time favorite teachers....I was surprised to find out she was your mother, Kay!! The last time I saw her was with you several years ago...the same wit and sparkle..so sorry for your loss at this difficult time of year. With Love

November 26, 2014

RIP Mrs G. I adored you as my teacher in the 1970's and I still adored you as my patient at St. Joseph lab. Thank you for the smiles. My condolences to the family?

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