Lillian D. Gothberg

Lillian Doreen Gothberg passed away peacefully at her daughter Sandy’s home in Spanish Springs, Nevada, on December 4, 2025.

She was born in Milaca, Minnesota, on January 12, 1932, to Gustav and Selma (Schultz) Hendrickson. She attended high school and junior college in Milaca. Lillian met her future husband, Willard “Barney” Gothberg, in California, where they married on January 17, 1953. Together, they had two daughters and subsequently moved back to the Midwest, settling in Manvel, North Dakota.

The bulk of Lillian’s career was spent in banking, from Chief of Teller Operations to Mortgage Loan Officer. She was a Red Cross volunteer for over ten years. Lillian lived a life of dedication, hard work, and deep love for family and friends.

Lillian had many interests and hobbies, including reading, painting, sewing, quilting, and gardening. She always kept herself in shape and loved going for walks and skiing. She enjoyed spending time at the lake and fishing. Lillian was a devoted Christian, and church was an important part of her life. Her faith was unwavering. She had a warmth and kindness about her that touched everyone who knew her.

Lillian is survived by her daughters, Nancy (Charlie) Donahue, and Sandra (Gary) Oppliger; granddaughter, Evelyne Oppliger; grandson, Garrison Oppliger; numerous nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.

Lillian was preceded in death by her husband, Barney; siblings, Marian Jernigan, Harold Hendrickson, Bernice Love, Alfred Hendrickson, Willis Hendrickson, and Raymond Hendrickson.

A Celebration of Life will be held 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Manvel, North Dakota. Visitation will be held 3:30 - 4:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Burial was held on December 17, 2025, at Memorial Park South Cemetery in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Arrangements entrusted with Amundson’s Funeral Home.