IRMA MARIE SOLBERG, obituary

Irma Marie Solberg, 76, died Wednesday May 6, 2009, at Northern Montana Care Center in Havre, Mont.

Her memorial service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at Messiah Lutheran Church with Pastor Michael Dahle officiating. Burial of ashes will follow at the Highland Cemetery. The family suggests memorials in Irma's honor be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312; Faith Lutheran Church Reconstruction Fund c/o St John's Lutheran Ministeries 3940 Rimrock Road, Billings MT 50102; or the Messiah Lutheran Church 417 20th St., Havre, MT 59101. Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Holland & Bonine Funeral Home. Irma Marie was born on Nov 5, 1932, to Wendell and Ruth (Varner) Brodhead in Fairview, Mont. She graduated from Fairview High School in 1951. She worked at the Men's Wear Shop in Fairview while attending high school and for two years following graduation. Irma and Ordean Solberg were married in Fairview on March 7, 1954. They made their home on the Solberg family farm south of Gildford, Mont., until moving into Box Elder, Mont., in 1959. Irma was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Box Elder, serving on the church council, a Sunday school and Bible school teacher. She was a charter member of Faith Circle, serving as an officer. She was also active in circle activities. She was a current member of Messiah Lutheran in Havre. She was a Girl Scout leader and substitute teacher. Family and friends knew her as a cookie maker and a sewing master. She enjoyed all types of crafts including knitting, crocheting, needlework and oil painting. Her grandchildren were her source of joy. She spent many hours with them. She loved to dance especially the waltz. Her children recall the dance lessons around the kitchen table and her singing while making a meal or baking. Gardening and yardwork were not work but they were fun and relaxing for Irma. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Cathy Brodhead; her grandson, Josh Rambo, her husband, Ordean in December 2008; brothers-in-law, Richard Sundhiem, Bradley Evanson, Claire Mathiason; and sister-innlaw, Mable Nelson. She is survived by her four children, Randy (Anita) Solberg of Box Elder, Brian Solberg of Chinook, Sue Ellen (Pat) Bahnmiller of Great Falls and Jennifer (Jeff) Johnson of Havre; brother, Leon (Myrna) Brodhead; sisters, Audry Sundhiem and Renee (Bob)Sundhiem; in-laws, Helen (Bob) Leete, Alice Evanson, Mildred Mathiason, Lyla (Louis)Krone, Irene (Ben) Askelson, Gene Nelson, Larry (Marilyn) Solberg, Roy (Betty) Solberg; seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.