Kathryn Theodora Peterson Siblerud, 87
Kathryn Theodora Peterson Siblerud "peacefully exchanged her earthly home for her heavenly home" Oct. 2, 2008, surrounded by her children singing her favorite hymns. She was born Oct. 21, 1920, to Theodore and Katie (Selleck) Peterson at their ranch near Fishtail. She grew up during the Depression years with her older sisters Nellie and Nola and younger brother Teddy.
Kathryn's mother instilled in her children a love for the Lord and a love for music which were evident all of her life.
She graduated from high school in Absarokee. In 1940, she received her two-year teaching certificate from Eastern Montana Normal School in Billings. She moved to Bigfork for her first teaching assignment.
In 1942, she married Ellsworth Siblerud and moved to the Siblerud family farm where she lived happily for the past 66 years.
Kathryn and Ellsworth raised their five children, Lonnie, Lu Ann, Janet, Judy and Joyce, and opened their home to countless others. The "farm" was the center of activity for picnics for the extended Siblerud family, 4-H parties and neighborhood gatherings. Kathryn was known for her kindness, generosity, willingness to lend a hand and fried chicken!
As a young wife and mother she gave piano lessons to many neighbor girls. Kathryn gave their own children the gift of music as she gathered them around the piano and taught them to harmonize as well as play the piano.
Kathryn returned to teaching in 1956 at West Evergreen School. The following year she was moved to the new East Evergreen School where she was the first first-grade teacher. She retired in 1980.
A highlight each year for the students and for Kathryn was the annual field trip to the Siblerud farm.
In the early Ô50s, she helped start the Egan Sunday School. In 1957, she was confirmed and has remained a member at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. She found great joy in Bible study and was involved with Bethlehem's East River circle, a neighborhood Bible study and Bible Study Fellowship for over 10 years.
When her health kept her from attending church services, she continued to worship weekly through the radio broadcast ministry.
Kathryn's life was reflected in one of her favorite Bible verses, Micah 6:8, "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God."
Kathryn was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Ellsworth Siblerud; and her parents, Katie and Ted Peterson.
She is survived by her children and their families, Lonnie and Ginni Siblerud (Juleen and Stuart Vogelman, Tammi and Peter Larson); Lu Ann and Bob Borgen (Katie and Cody Borgen); Janet and John Bustad (Jason and Monica Bustad, Jaime and Adam Hestad and Janae Bustad); Judy Siblerud (Deva Siblerud); and Joyce and Alan Schmautz (Will and Jenae, Seth and Sarah and Kadyn Schmautz); and 10 great-grandchildren. Kathryn treasured her family. Kathryn is also survived by her sisters, Nellie Vegge and Nola Gum; her brother, Ted Peterson; her brother-in-law and wife, Don and Jo Siblerud; and her sister-in-law, Buenetta McCown. She had numerous nieces and nephews, all whom she enjoyed and was proud of.
A celebration of Kathryn's life will be held at 1 p.m. Nov. 28, the day after Thanksgiving, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 603 Main Street.
The family suggest memorials be given to Bethlehem Lutheran's radio broadcast ministry, 603 Main Street, Kalispell; Home Health Options Hospice, 175 Commons Loop, Suite 100, Kalispell, MT 59901; or Bible Study Fellowship Headquarters, 19001 Huebner Road, San Antonio, TX 78258-4019.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Kathryn's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Kathryn's guest book.
This paid obituary is being run again at the request of the family.