Mildred 'Millie' Newgard, 97

Millie Newgard passed away Dec. 31, 2014, in Kalispell, after living life exceptionally well for 97 years.

Millie was born on April 8, 1917, in Cook, Minnesota, to Fannie and Jalmer Koski. She studied and graduated from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota, as a lab and X-ray technician. She worked her way through college by cleaning for the sisters. Millie married Walfred Newgard in January of 1946. They moved to the Flathead in 1947, and settled in Evergreen where they raised two sons, Bob "BJ" and Ron. She was a charter member of Calvary Lutheran Church. They built a summer cabin on Flathead Lake in 1954, and relocated to a full-time home on Flathead in 1964. She became an active member of Eidsvold Lutheran Church.

Millie was a lover of God, family, friends and nature. Quilting was her passion. She and Waif enjoyed travel, golf, snow and water skiing. Millie lived quietly but her kind words and actions spoke volumes to anyone who knew her. She accepted what life brought, choosing to see and be the positive in all, knowing her life was in the Lord's hands. Staying active with walking (miles and miles), exercising, quilting, volunteering and interaction with friends and family kept her young after retiring from a medical career with Drs. Wildgen and Gould. Millie spent many years as a hospital volunteer where she was chosen "Volunteer of the Year."

Millie will be remembered as a faithful, caring, gentle soul who enriched countless lives. Philippians 4:4-13 is a scripture fitting for Millie's life. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Walfred; son, Ron; daughter-in-law, Susan; grandson, Bradley; and sisters, Eleanor Pearson and Mary Ann Winslow. 

She is survived by son, BJ and his wife, Sue; grandson, Brandon; and many cherished friends and relatives.

The family is grateful and appreciative of the good care Millie received at Buffalo Hill Terrace, Immanuel Lutheran Home and Kalispell Regional Medical Center. 

Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home, followed by a reception at Buffalo Hill Terrace.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Eidsvold Lutheran Church or the charity of choice.