Wilma Emily (Stearns) Engdahl, 96, died Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008 at New Horizon’s Assisted Living in Lewistown following a short illness.
Wilma was born Oct. 14, 1912, in Ludden, N. D., to Earl and Isabell (Greenwald) Stearns. She graduated from Ellendale High School and attended Ellendale North Dakota Normal Industrial School, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in education. She served in the U.S. Marine Corps from January 1945 to May 1946. She taught home economics in rural schools in North Dakota from 1932 to 1940 and also in St. Ignatius and Libby. On June 11, 1949, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Wilma was united in marriage to Maynard Engdahl. He preceded her in death in 1986. Wilma was a member of Van Orsdel United Methodist Church in Havre and the Havre Chapter #30 Order of the Eastern Star. She was an accomplished seamstress, enjoyed crocheting, needlework, playing cards, and traveling. Survivors include a daughter, Debra (Earl) Bricker of Moore; granddaughters, Ginny Bingeman of Tacoma, Wash., and Amy (Seth) Johnson of Great Falls. She is also survived by a sister, Helen Califano of Naples, Fla.; nieces, Sue Zweigle of Minneapolis, Dorene Califano of Naples, Fla.; and nephews, Spencer Stearns of Hecla, S.D., and Howard Califano of Singapore. She was preceded in death by her husband, Maynard; a brother, Robert Stearns; a nephew, Stephen Stearns; and her parents. Funeral services will be held at the Creel Funeral Chapel in Lewistown on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008, at 1 p. m. Inurnment with graveside service will be at Highland Cemetery in Havre at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1. Memorials are suggested to Hospice of Central Montana, 408 Wendell Ave., Lewistown, MT 59457, or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Creel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
