Marybeth Gestson

In Honor of Marybeth Gestson, November 30, 1937 – March 13, 2026

Marybeth (Rickbeil) Gestson, 88, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026 peacefully and surrounded by family at her home in Harris, Minnesota. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Marybeth Rickbeil was born on November 30, 1937, to Sylvester and Mildred Rickbeil and grew up on the family farmstead in Bathgate, North Dakota. From a very young age, she had a deep and lasting love for animals – something that everyone who knew her quickly came to realize. Over the years, many stray and wandering animals seemed to find their way to Marybeth, and each one was welcomed with compassion and care. She provided a safe and happy home for countless dogs, cats, and horses throughout her life.

She was united in marriage to Harold Gestson in 1954 in East Grand Forks, Minnesota. After the birth of their first child, they moved to Lino Lakes and raised their three children. Marybeth was known for her strong work ethic, something she often proudly attributed to her German and Norwegian roots. She worked in billing for the department store Montgomery Ward & Co. and later as a cost accountant at FMC Corporation in Fridley. In 1973, Harold passed away in a car accident and Marybeth went on to raise her family as a devoted single mother. Years later, she found love again with Ben Kylander. They were married in 1979 and enjoyed their life together before his passing in 1981.

Marybeth will be fondly remembered by many in the community as the welcoming face of Harris Bottle Shop, which she owned and operated with her son, Kelly, for more than forty years. She could often be found behind the register with a warm smile and a dog (or two) by her side. Following her passing, the shop remains in the Gestson family.

She is survived by her children, Peggy (Tom) Skelley of Harris, MN, Randy (Shari) Gestson of Lino Lakes, MN, Kelly (Becky) Gestson of Harris, MN; her grandchildren, Heidi (Eric) Thompson, Sarah Sonn, Jenna (fiancé Adam) Gestson, Andrew Skelley, Brooke (Brandon) Hall, Brynn Gestson, Reese Gestson, Rylee Gestson; eight great-grandchildren and her siblings, Deanna LeBlanc, Pat Blada, Colleen Keena, Kathy (Allan) Halldorson, and John Rickbeil. Marybeth is preceded in death by her first husband, Harold (d. 1973), and second husband, Ben (d. 1981), as well as her parents and sister Janice "Jackie" Lorenzen.

At Marybeth's request, no funeral services will be held. In honor of her lifelong love for animals, those who wish to do so are invited to make a donation to Northwoods Humane Society at northwoodshs.org. Donations may be shared on Marybeth's Tribute Wall.