Hjordis M. Bratsberg, 104
Hjordis M. Bratsberg, 104, passed away at her residence in Buffalo Hill Terrace in Kalispell on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007.
She was born on Sept. 5, 1903, in Oslo, Norway, to Harold and Margaret Kjar. Her family immigrated to Grand Forks County, N.D., in 1905. With homesteads still available in western North Dakota, her father decided to take his family, consisting of his wife, their son Erling and their daughter Hjordis. They also took one bred heifer and eight chickens on this adventure in 1907. Hjordis attended grade school and graduated from Reeder High School in 1924. She attended Dickinson College and taught in rural schools for five years.
Hjordis and Edgar Bratsberg were married on June 28, 1929.
The year 1930 brought about a double whammy with economic collapse and a 10-year drought. Disillusioned with farming, Edgar chose for them to take up a healing profession. They enrolled in the National College of Chiropractic in Chicago. This was a four-year course, shortened somewhat by eliminating vacations and taking evening courses. With odds and ends of furnishings from both parental families, they established a practice in Hettinger, N.D.
They moved to Kalispell in 1934. They were especially drawn to the Flathead Valley because of a favorite aunt who lived here. They managed to attend the World's Fair in San Francisco in 1939.
In the 1940s, a government project, the Hungry Horse Dam, was started which was a sizable business stimulus, plus the rains finally came. Age and failing health caused their aunt, Marie, to move to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, because there were no nursing facilities in Kalispell. They visited her once a month for four years in Idaho. It became Edgar's ambition to encourage the building of a nursing home in Kalispell. Deserving or not, Edgar received recognition for starting the Immanuel Lutheran Home. Immanuel opened its doors in 1957 and now houses 150 residents.
From time to time Hjordis and Edgar took refresher courses in California, combining study with sightseeing. In 1954, they had a surprise silver wedding celebration put on by Edgar's two sisters, who lived in Polson. On Pearl Harbor Day, they couple purchased a home at Second Ave. East in Kalispell. They did some traveling and had a great time with two other couples while in Hawaii. In 1968, they had their first airplane ride with a trip to Norway and followed by a second trip in 1973. At that time they visited Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Through the years they traveled by car over most of the United States.
They became members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church soon after moving to Kalispell. They were active members, with Hjordis serving in many women's groups and committees. She also belonged to the Business and Professional Women in the '50s, serving as president for two years. They belonged to the Sons of Norway for many years and they were members up to their deaths. Hjordis was also a member of Eastern Star, serving as chaplain for several years. She was a very special person; a gracious lady in every way and an inspiration to all who knew and loved her.
Hjordis was preceded in death by her brother, Erling, who drowned in 1922, and her husband in 1977.
She is survived by many dear friends including Lorraine Wagnild, Polly Nikolaisen, and Theresa and Don Morton.
A graveside urn burial will be held for Hjordis at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 24, at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery with Pastor Peter Ramseth officiating. The services will be immediately followed by a coffee hour in the Buffalo Room in the Buffalo Hill Terrace.
Memorial gifts may be given to the Immanuel Lutheran Home or to a charity of the donor's choosing.
Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Hjordis' family. You are invited to go to www.johnsonmortuary.com to offer condolences and sign Hjordis' guest book.