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Marvel 'Margie' Dornfeld, 94

| September 8, 2024 12:00 AM

Lovingly, we remember our mother, Marvel "Margie" Dornfeld, who passed away on Aug. 27, 2024, at the age of 94. She was born June 30, 1930, in Wabek, North Dakota, to Selmer and Gurine (Huus) Flom, the sixth of 11 children. She received her education in Minot, North Dakota, and graduated from Minot High School.

Margie had her eye on Donald Dornfeld, a handsome friend of her brother’s. After he finished his tour of duty in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Don and Margie were married on Feb. 15, 1949, in Minot. Their three boys, Greg, Scott and Steve, were born while Don completed his teaching degree at Minot Teachers College. Margie packed up the boys in 1953 and followed Don to Whitefish; the location of his first teaching and coaching job at Whitefish High School. Daughter Peggy joined the family there. Don’s decision to become a State Farm Insurance agent took the family to Kalispell in 1959. When Peggy begged for a little sister, Margie obliged, and Mary completed the family. The proud parents saw all five children earn college degrees.

Don and Margie enjoyed sports and were ardent fans of the Flathead Braves, Kalispell Lakers and, eventually, the Columbia Falls Wild Cats. They followed their kids, grandkids, and great grandkids participation in football, basketball, baseball, soccer, track, cross country, wrestling, motocross, and music and drama performances. They celebrated baptisms, graduations, and weddings and traveled to many Flom family reunions and the Norsk Hostfest in Minot. Margie was a fiercely competitive dice and card game player; she hardly ever lost a game of Farkle when she was wearing red.

Golf was a central activity in the Dornfeld family. Don and Margie traveled with their clubs in their motorhome, playing courses around the country and spending many winters in Arizona. Margie shot a hole in one, not once, but twice! They finally settled in their dream home in the Village Greens community on the fifth hole, proudly owning golf membership #1.

Margie was a kind, caring, and giving person who always put the needs of her family and friends before her own. Proud of her Norwegian heritage, Margie was famous for her perfect lefse and taught scores of family and friends the fine art of rolling and frying. She was a woman of strong faith and a longtime member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, active in Bible studies, women’s groups, the funeral committee and quilting. When their children were small, a group of ladies formed "The Sewing Club." They met one evening a month to socialize and do handiwork while their husbands took care of the kids. As the kids grew up and left home the club members traveled together with their husbands. Their bond of friendship lasted over 60 years. Margie was the last remaining member. Margie was also a beloved member of Montana Chapter C, P.E.O. for 34 years. She was a source of inspiration to all and will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her parents, eight siblings, several nieces, and nephews, and one great-granddaughter. 

She is survived by her children, Greg Dornfeld (Deann) Pocatello, Idaho; Scott Dornfeld (Barb) Billings; Steve Dornfeld (Holly) Spokane, Washington; Peggy Vickhammer (Daryl) Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; and Mary Grilley (Bill) Columbia Falls; twelve beloved grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren (with another due in September), and three great-great grandchildren.

A memorial service for Margie Dornfeld will begin at 11 a.m., on Thursday, Sept. 12, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 603 S. Main St., Kalispell. Margie’s favorite color was red and would love to look down upon family and friends clothed in bright colors! The family suggests memorial gifts be given to Bethlehem Lutheran Church Trust.

Mother, you will always live in our hearts. We love you so much. Rejoice in God’s hands.