Marjorie Marian Moos Bolstad, 91

Marjorie Marian Moos Bolstad, 91, died from natural causes on Saturday night, Dec. 24, 2011, at WEL-Life Assisted Living in Kalispell.

She was born in Kalispell on Dec. 16, 1920, the fifth and youngest child of William and Wima Moos. She spent a happy childhood on the family’s homestead along the banks of the Swan River in Ferndale. She and her siblings helped with an abundant garden of many fruits and vegetables, especially with the business of raising and selling strawberries. She attended Ferndale Elementary School and then attended Flathead High School, graduating in 1937. Her parents believed in the value of a high school education and sacrificed much to make sure all five children graduated from high school. Marge and her siblings boarded with families in Kalispell during the school year. Weather permitting, their dad would bring them home for the weekend using his only mode of transportation, a horse and buggy.

On Dec. 18, 1938 she married David Bolstad in Bigfork at the home of the presiding minister, Reverend Boade. They had four children, Sandra, Sue, William, and Kent. The family lived in several towns in eastern Montana and western North Dakota until they moved back to Bigfork in 1947.

Marge was a longtime member of the Ferndale Sewing Circle and was well-known for the embroidery and cross-stitch items she provided for the annual auction. Many people across the country have been recipients of her needlework. She was the clerk of the Ferndale School District for many years and was instrumental in starting the hot lunch program there.

She was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church since the early 1950s. She taught Sunday School, served on the women’s board, belonged to the same Bible study group for years, and studied and trained to be a leader for the Bethel Series Bible study. She fondly remembered helping with many annual lutefisk dinners, especially those held when Bethany Lutheran Church was located in the Swan River community and had no running water. They served over 500 people, hauling all the water they needed in cream cans.

Dave and Marge’s home was always open to family, friends and whomever they met throughout the day. Everyone was warmly welcomed, the coffee was brewed, and many times a meal prepared. Marge was known for her mouth-watering homemade hamburger buns, so over the years many a guest requested and enjoyed grilled hamburgers with homemade potato salad. She was also known to whip up a delicious pie in a moment’s notice.

Marge delivered mail between Bigfork, Swan Lake and Condon for many years and developed many friendships that continue to this day. After Dave retired in 1976, they spent winters in Borrego Springs, Calif., and summers in Ferndale. The Bolstad Homestead in Ferndale was called Borrego North because each summer they invited Borrego friends to park their motor homes at their place and enjoy the beautiful Big Sky Country. After Dave’s death in 1993, Marge continued to spend her winters in the sun and warmth of Borrego Springs until the last two years. She and her sister, Dorothy O’Flynn, were forever grateful for the gift of sharing a home in Kalispell for ten summers during that time.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Sue Bolstad, in 1983; her husband of 54 years, Dave Bolstad, in 1993; and her daughter-in-law, Nan Bolstad, in 2010. Also preceding her in death were her parents; sister, Gertrude Tykeson; brother, Fred Moos; and sister, Willie Saverud.

She is survived by her daughter, Sandy and Larry Walker of Seattle; son, Bill Bolstad of Jefferson, Ore.; and son, Kent and Mae Bolstad of Bigfork. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Jeff Walker, Muffy Walker, Erika Bolstad, Stephanie Vermeulen, Kyle Bolstad, and Melissa Armstrong; and seven great-grandchildren, Chase and Siever Walker, Elliott, Amelia and Samone Vermeulen, and Maya and Sofia Armstrong. Also surviving is her sister, Dorothy O’Flynn of Hamilton, N.Y.

Marge lived a complete life filled with faith, gratitude and love.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.

The family suggests memorials to Bethany Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 398, Bigfork, MT 59911.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Marjorie’s family.