Vicki Lee (Hagen) Offerdahl, 74
As the train to the afterlife departed Kalispell on May 13, 2022, a new passenger, Vicki Lee (Hagen) Offerdahl, 74, had been warmly welcomed aboard.
Born to proud parents James and Marjorie (Thorp) Hagen, Vicki grew up in Clinton and Evaro, with railroads an ever-present part of her childhood. Living next to the railway helped anchor a vivid memory of exploring the wreckage from a derailment in Clinton that had thundered into the family’s front yard.
Vicki was a lifetime resident of Montana. After meeting and marrying husband Einar Offerdahl Jr., they embarked on a journey of raising four children. Stops along their route included various locations in western Montana, with Kalispell being the final stop.
Temporarily suspending operations on the public workforce track to concentrate on raising her children, she resumed service in the early 1990s as a part-time receptionist for Northwest Montana Human Resources. Twenty-two-plus years later, she had engineered her high school diploma into an IT network officer for the organization, frequently assisting other agencies across the state with their networks.
A lifelong sewing enthusiast, she crafted treasured quilts for her family, gifting them for graduations, weddings and births. She cherished her chances to travel, with San Carlos, Mexico, securing a special place in her heart after swimming with wild dolphins in the Sea of Cortez.
Unique memories were created by her constant battle with gophers occupying her backyard lawn. Her impatience with nature creating snow outside the official date for winter garnered wide support. The consternation of her shoes causing her to trip always provided fodder for humor within the family.
Vicki is survived by husband Einar Jr., daughters Kristy and Erika, sons Gary and Einar III, nine grandkids, and one great-granddaughter.
The family entrusted Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home with her cremation. Her ashes will be scattered in a private gathering on a future date.
A celebration of life is scheduled for Saturday, July 23, 11:11 a.m., at Glacier Village Greens Community Center, Kalispell. Please bring stories, photos, and memories to share with the family.