Natalie 'Inge' DeSteunder, 86

Natalie “Inge” DeSteunder passed away Sept. 8, 2017 at her home in Columbia Falls. She was born Oct. 1, 1930 in Nuremburg, Germany to Otton and Albertyna Renn.

She came to the U.S. at the age of 23 to live with family in San Francisco, later moving to Lake Tahoe, California to work at the Swiss Chalet as a waitress. Inge would help a regular customer named Ralph and the two fell in love and married in 1957. They built the first home together by hand and started their family in Lake Tahoe. In 1975, they moved to Hungry Horse after purchasing the Crooked Tree Motel. The business was operated by the whole family participating. After retiring the couple moved to Columbia Falls.

This gave Inge time to enjoy what she loved best. She made fabulous dinners for family and friends and always had coffee and “something sweet” for any friends stopping by. She had a large garden that was tended daily with care. Knitting beautiful blankets and sweaters always looked easy watching her needles fly — she gave theses treasures with love in each one. During the winter a good book was usually close by.

Inge is survived at home by her husband Ralph; her sister, Alma Szamocka, in Poland; her daughter, Vickie, and her granddaughter named in her honor, Natalie.

At the request of Inge, there will not be services held.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Home Options Hospice, 275 Corporate Dr. Suite 600, Kalispell, MT 59901

Darlington Cremation and Burial Service is caring for Inge’s family.