Jenny M. Gilbertson

Jennifer M. Gilbertson

July 16, 1982 – October 7, 2024

Jennifer M. Gilbertson, 42, passed away suddenly on October 7, 2024.

Jenny was born July 16, 1982, in Grand Forks, ND. The second of two children born to Catherine Mortrud and Brian Gilbertson, she was instantly a presence and a beacon that could draw anyone and everyone to her – the world became brighter that day!

Jenny grew up in Fargo, ND and graduated from Fargo North in 2000. A few years later, while on vacation in Los Angeles, she was “discovered” at the Kodak Theatre Mall on Hollywood Boulevard. Through an accidental audition, she became a top talent and fan favorite model (‘Fargo’) on The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency TV series. Some of her accolades include a music video for the rock band We Are the Fury; spreads for Fred Segal and Ed Hardy, including a billboard in Las Vegas; and she was the only model to appear in the MAXIM calendar two consecutive years. 

While she was well on her way to becoming a star in the modeling and high fashion world of LA, that career was a distant second to her real love. She gave it up for the most important person in her life – her son, Dylan. She loved him immensely and was fiercely protective. Jenny truly loved being a mom, sister, aunt, and daughter.

Jenny had a big heart and a great love for animals. Always wanting to save them, she donated her time and talent to rescue organizations and once stopped highway traffic for geese and ducks crossing the road. If she could have had a polar bear for a pet, she would have. Her chihuahuas, Pica and Halo, never left her side, and she loved her fish. 

Jenny had a passion for cooking and making amazing dishes from scratch. She planted an herb and tomato garden so she could make her own salsa; and, have fresh, organic ingredients for her culinary creations.

Once she set her mind on something, she was a force to be reckoned with. She believed in positive thinking and hard work to get what you want. In 2021, she designed and purchased a house, completely on her own, and was incredibly proud of achieving that goal.

Jenny worked as a commercial real estate agent for Property Resources Group. Her skill, knowledge, and expertise were well known by her colleagues and clients. Never one to shy away from hard work and showings on evenings, weekends, and holidays, clients commented how wonderful she was to work with.

Jenny is survived by her son, Dylan Lian, Fargo; mother, Catherine (Shana Petermann), Fargo; sister, Sara Fox (Daniel); niece, Mia McCoy; nephew, Wyatt Fox, all of Fargo; nephew, Kole Fox (Amanda Cable), Minneapolis; uncle, Darin Gilbertson, Grand Forks; and numerous family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Brian; grandparents Anne and Norval Mortrud; and Yvonne and Robert Gilbertson.

Visitation will be Friday, October 25, from 5-7pm, followed by a prayer service. The funeral service will be Saturday, October 26, at 1pm, both at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN. Video tribute and online guestbook at www.wrightfuneral.com.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 4, 2024, from 5-8pm at RiverHaven Events Center, Moorhead, MN.