Lorene Mae Dyrdahl, 83

Lorene Mae Dyrdahl of Kalispell, passed away on March 7 at the age of 83.

She was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother. She is proceeded in death by her parents and husband Lee.

Lorene was born and raised in Cut Bank Montana to Andrew (Andy) and Laura Stjern. Andy and Laura emigrated from Norway eventually settling down in Cut Bank. Both Andy and Laura came from large farming families of 10 and 11 children. Andy was a talented finish carpenter, Laura a thrifty homemaker with a large garden. They raised Lorene and her two sisters Annette and Vivian in a quaint little white house. Andy built the single-room house, adding rooms and a basement in his spare time.

Lorene met her sweetheart Lee Dyrdahl in high school. After attending trade school in Spokane, she and Lee married and began a family in Cut Bank. For several years they lived next door to her parents raising Lance and Lynn, their two oldest children. In 1966 they decided to move West, away from the “breeze” to Kalispell, settling in the Northridge neighborhood. In Kalispell, they had their third child, Link. Lorene worked for DMV most of her working life, rising to the management level before retiring.

Lorene had many talents, she was an avid seamstress, tole painter, potter and watercolor artist. She loved animals and had a special soft spot for her two poodles. Lorene also loved to garden flowers in her peaceful backyard with her puppies. With a little sweet tooth, she enjoyed baking which she shared with her friends and family. There were many favorites but her holiday treats, Norwegian rosettes, lefse and Christmas cookies were always in high demand.

Lorene was a hardworking and talented person full of grit and perseverance. Despite challenges she always remained positive and found a way. No doubt her grit came from her Norwegian heritage. She maintained lasting relationships with her high school and work colleagues. Lorene will be missed by her family and many friends.

Lorene leaves her son Lance and wife Jami, three granddaughters— Tailyr, Brianna and Elle; daughter Lynnette and husband Doug, son Link and wife Tracy — grandchildren Jack and Sacha. A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring with the time and place to be announced later. To send a note of condolence to the family please visit www.buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.