Obituary of Eunice June Gilseth

Eunice J. Gilseth of Loveland went home to be with her Lord and Savior on November 3, 2022.

 

She died peacefully at home after a long struggle with cancer.

 

Eunice was born June 13, 1934 to Herbert and Tina Emmel in rural Norma, North Dakota. She graduated from Kenmare High School, Kenmare, ND in 1951; Oak Hills Christian College, Bemidji, MN in 1954 and Hamline University Mounds Midway School of Nursing, St. Paul, MN in 1957.

 

With her educational foundation set, she began her nursing career. A career that would take her from floor nurse to obstetrics, pediatrics, geriatrics and finally, oncology. It was in oncology that she found her passion and life’s calling. Because she had a tender heart for those who suffered, was a great listener, was bold in her faith and love for others she became a phenomenal advocate for those fighting cancer and for their families.

 

In the late 70’s to the early 2000’s if you lived in Larimer or Weld counties and had cancer or a friend or relatives who had cancer, you most likely encountered, Eunice Gilseth, oncology nurse.

 

Eunice was a leading force in cancer advocacy and awareness during that time with her efforts in cancer programs such as Make Today Count, CanSupport, Leukemia Society, Share and Care, CanSurmount, Mastectomy Support Group, I Can Cope, American Cancer Society and the cancer education Series. Always on the go, she also carried out and extensive speaking engagements schedule especially highlighting grief. In her quest to help as many as possible, she was supported and inspired be her fellow visionaries; Dr. William Jennings, Dr. Thomas Lininger, Dr. Meng Lai Lim and Dr. C. Kelley Simpson and the staff of NCMC 2W and Rocky Mountain Radiation Center as well as countless volunteers.

 

Her biggest fan and supporter was her husband, John, whom she married in 1958. They shared a common goal to share their God given abilities with others and to put God first in everything. They were blessed with two children, Terri and Mark, and raised their family in North Dakota, Minnesota, Colombia, South America and finally settling in Loveland. As a family, they were active with First Baptist Church in Fort Collins, school, and Mark’s motocross racing.

 

Eunice’s cancer nursing days never truly came to an end as she saw her husband John through his cancer battle as well as her own. She always found joy in everyday interactions with family and friends. She loved genealogy research, gardening and drives in the country. She will be missed by her family and neighbors. She was truly special.

 

Survivors: son, Mark Gilseth, Loveland; daughter, Terri (Sam) Steinfath, McKinney, Texas; sisters, Annie (Roger) Jensen, Minot, ND, and Beverly (Steve) Berntson, University Place, WA; brothers, Larry (Virginia) Emmel, Kenmare, ND, Duane (Peggy) Emmel, Monticello,MN and Doyle(Nancy) Emmel, Bismark, ND. Her in-laws; Tom (Phyllis) Gilseth, Fred Gilseth, Sharon (Jim) Gohrick; numerous nieces and nephews and friends who have become family; Tom Kelley, Kelley Simpson, Marla Alvarez, and family.

 

Eunice was preceded in death by her husband, John, her parents, brothers; Dennis and Darrel, brother-in-law, Leon Durbin and sister-in-law, JoAnn Emmel and nephews, Michael Emmel, David Durbin, Shane Jensen, Darren Anderson, and Lee Helmers.

 

Memorial service will be held at Viegut Funeral Home, 1616 N. Lincoln Avenue in Loveland on Thursday, November 17 at 2 PM.

 

Celebration of life Service will be held in the Spring in Kenmare, North Dakota with a graveside service at Rosehill Cemetery Norma, North Dakota.

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