Dr. Walter H. Gilsdorf, born in Wabasha, Minnesota, received his M.D. at the University of Minnesota and began his practice in New England, North Dakota, in 1932.

He married Esther Anderson, born in Swea City, Iowa, Mrs. Gilsdorf was a graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College and taught school in Dickinson, North Dakota. Four sons were born to this couple while at New England. Dr. Gilsdorf and family moved to Valley City in 1945 and Dr. Gilsdorf passed away in 1957. Mrs. Gilsdorf taught music in the Valley City schools for nine years and moved in 1971 to Medford, Oregon.

Walter Thomas, Robert Bruce, John William and James Richard, sons of Dr. Gilsdorf, all received degrees in medicine and are practicing physicians. Walter Thomas married Barbara Rose and practices in Syracuse, New York; Robert Burce married Marilyn Rohde and lives in Phoenix, AZ; John William married Karen Langemo and lives in Medford, Oregon and James Richard married Janet Reed and lives in Fresno, California.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 80