Caroline M. Gilfus , 76, Minot, formerly of Harvey, died Saturday, December 11, 2010 in a Minot Hospital.

Caroline was born October 24, 1934 on the family farm near Fessenden, North Dakota, the daughter of Tanner and Engabor (Hove) Alveshere. She was raised on the family farm and educated at Harvey.

Following her education, she assisted with the operation of the farm and then went to work at the Harvey Hospital, Harvey Creamery and later with Berg's Store.

Caroline was united in marriage to George Gilfus on June 6, 1955, in Selz, North Dakota. They were later divorced in 1982, but have maintained a friendship throughout the years. Caroline lived in several small towns in North Dakota, before moving to Minot in 1958.

She operated a daycare in her Minot home from 1980 until she retired in 1993. Caroline was lovingly known as "grandma" to many children whom she cared for over the years. Caroline's legacy was simply family. Her life revolved around being a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She carried these attributes through her time as a resident of ManorCare over the last four and a half years of her life. She became an honorary mother and grandmother to many of her caregivers during her time as a resident. She will be deeply missed by all who shared in her life.

Caroline was a member of the Minot V.F.W. Auxiliary.

Her loving family includes : daughters, Peggy (Levi) Johnson, Minot and Patty Douglas, Cape Coral, FL; grandchildren, Cheyenne (Ryan) Jundt, Leah Douglas & Tanner Douglas; great-grandchildren, Keaton Jundt and Marlei Caroline Brewer; sister, Alice Wiest, Harvey, ND, brother, Kermit (Florence) Alveshere, Moorhead, MN and several nieces and nephews.

Caroline was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Lena Thomas, and brothers, Arthur & Lester Alveshere.

Funeral service: Wednesday, December 15, 2010, at 1:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Tuesday, December 14, 2010, from 2:00-7:00pm in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred.