HORTENSE PREESHL, Obituary

GILDFORD Hortense Preeshl, 92, died at her home in Gildford Saturday, March 16, 2002.

Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at the Highland Cemetery in Havre. Pastor Eddie Fallo will conduct the cemetery rites and Paul Preeshl will provide a eulogy. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers and family and friends will sing "Amazing Grace." Visitation for family and friends will be Wednesday at the Rockman Funeral Chapel in Chester.

She was born at Independence, Kan., on Nov. 1, 1909, to Paul and Goldena (Schaffer) Stephenson. Hortense came to Montana with her parents in 1916. She grew up and received her education in Gildford. She graduated from Gildford High School in 1928.

She married William L. Preeshl in 1931. They farmed and ranched north of Gildford, where Hortense worked diligently as a farm wife, homemaker and mother of four. Following his death in 1966, Hortense continued to live at the family farm.

A quiet and gentle lady, she enjoyed taking care of her home and spending time with her family. In her younger years, she liked to play women's basketball and also did some crocheting. In later years, Hortense enjoyed cooking and reading. She loved to play cards, especially Shanghai and kings-in-the-corners, and she always looked forward to watching baseball on television.

Hortense was preceded in death by her husband, William L. Preeshl; parents, Paul and Goldena Stephenson; two brothers, Paul and John Stephenson.

Survivors include her children, Robert (Mary) Preeshl of Havre, Joanne (Marcus) Warren of Hingham, Paul (Alice) Preeshl of Kremlin, Noel (Joyce) Preeshl of Gildford; 14 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; nephews and nieces.

Memorials may be sent to the Hi-Line Health Foundation in Chester.