Margrethe Reep, 97

Margrethe Reep, 97, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2010, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell, where she has been a resident the last four years. She was born on April 6, 1913, in Oslo, Norway, to Hans and Alvilde (Hansen) Lauritzen. She received her education, including nurse s training, in Oslo. She lived through five years of Nazi occupation in Norway during World War II and she worked two and a half years there, with the Resistance Movement. In 1947, she came to the U.S.A. to visit a half sister in Williston, N.D., and worked there as a nurse for five years. In January 1953 she married Albert Reep. She continued her nursing career in Kalispell, working at the hospital, and also did private nursing. She always had a desire to learn and help others; therefore, she took special training to operate the iron lung for polio patients and also was trained for kidney dialysis. Her patients would later nickname her Norsky Nurse. In the early 1960s, out of the spirit of adventure, she accepted a surgical flight nursing position in Nome, Alaska. While there she had the opportunity to take pilot lessons. Her skills were tested and proved to be successful when there was an emergency and the doctor was unable to pilot the plane. Margrethe loved the outdoors and enjoyed skiing, hiking, walking, gardening and fishing. She made many trips to Norway, the highlight being month-long fishing trips. She always enjoyed baking and delivering Norwegian Christmas cookies to friends. Other hobbies included needlework and knitting. She was an actively involved member of Calvary Lutheran Church, leading Bible studies, teaching Sunday school and serving on various committees. She also attended Trinity Bible College in Seattle. She was Lutheran Brotherhood Communicator to Calvary for many years. She also volunteered for 40-plus years at Immanuel Lutheran Home. Margrethe was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Reep; her parents, Hans and Alvilde Lauretzen; her sister, Aagot Normark; an infant brother; five half sisters; and one half brother. She is survived by her sister, Gudrun Sivertsen, and husband, Alf, of Oslo, Norway; niece Jorid Haarvardsholm and husband, Olav, of Oslo; niece Torgun Hovik and husband, Gudmund, of Telemark, Norway; and four great-nieces, one great-nephew, and two great-great-nieces, all of Norway. Funeral services for Margrethe will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 23, at Calvary Lutheran Church with Pastor Kurt Rau officiating. Burial will follow at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to Calvary Lutheran Church, 2200 U.S. 2 East, Kalispell, MT 59901; or to Trinity Lutheran College, 2802 Westmore Avenue, Everett, WA 98201. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Margrethe s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Margrethe s Tribute Wall and offer condolences.