Obituary: Wanda Delia Storm Knudsvig

Our beautiful, supportive mother and grandmother, Wanda Delia Storm Knudsvig, lived to the age of 99 and was a role model for everyone.

She went to be with the Lord March 16, 2017, after a short stay at the Gallatin Rest Home in Bozeman, Montana.

Wanda was born Oct. 12, 1917, in Ambrose, North Dakota, to Aileen and William Storm. She attended school first

through 11th grades in Hanks, North Dakota, where she played basketball. Her team won the state championship, where she shot the winning basket from the center court. She graduated from high school in 1936 in Williston, North Dakota.  

Dec. 21, 1938, she married Martin C. Knudsvig in Glasgow, Montana. They started their life together in a small bunk house at Fort Peck Dam where their first child, LeRoy, was born. From there they moved to Centralia, Washington, where their son Robert was born. 

In 1943, they moved to Williston, where Martin began working for the Great Northern Railroad and Marlys, Elaine and Bill were born. They built a house by joining two granaries together. They eventually built another beautiful home. Martin and Wanda's home was a host home for many extended family members where family and friends were cherished. They traveled to the family farm every Sunday where kids played baseball, horseshoes, and spent time with Grandma Eva and family.

Many tears were shed when Wanda left their new home, friends, and family when Martin was transferred to Havre, Montana. But being such a strong family, they were able to start again. It was hard to find a home with five kids and a dog; eventually they purchased a house and stayed 48 years. On Wanda's 40th birthday, Michelle was born. Wanda's family of six was now completed - three boys and three girls.

Mom enjoyed cooking and teaching us how to make bread and lefse. Our favorites were chocolate cake and cinnamon rolls. As a family we went boating and fishing at Fresno Dam and trips to the family farms in North Dakota. She sewed our clothes and knit blankets for the grandchildren. She loved to play pool at the senior center, pinochle and travel south in the motor home.

She worked as a nurse's aide at the rest home and in the lunchroom at Havre High School. She proved her salesmanship skills by selling insurance and Willox products.  

After being married for 62 years, Martin passed away in 2002. She then moved to Bozeman to live with her daughter Marlys and her husband, Gene. She was able to spend time with all her children and their families. There was never a family event missed, and there were many family vacations. When she was 97, she went with Bill, Laura, Michelle and Marlys to North Dakota in an RV to see family (and oil). She was an amazing person, instilling values and traditions to all the generations and friends. She will be deeply missed by all.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Aileen Storm; husband, Martin; daughter Elaine Vogel; brother Ray Storm; and three grandchildren.

Wanda is survived by sons LeRoy (Rhonda) of Whitefish, Montana, Bob of Seattle, Washington, and Bill (Laura) of Marysville, Washington; daughters Marlys (Gene) Cook of Bozeman and Michelle (Clifford) Nepil of Midlothian, Texas; and 25 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren, and 25 great-great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will take place at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 25, 2017, at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Havre. Fellowship is to follow the memorial service at the church. Interment of the urn will be at the Highland Cemetery in Havre at 9 a.m. Monday, March 27, 2017.

Memorials in Wanda's honor made to Shriner's Hospital for Children, PO Box 2472, Spokane, WA 99210-2472; or Messiah Lutheran Church, 417 20th St. Havre, MT  59501.

Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service, www.dokkennelson.com.