Fern Bernice Hilstad, age 90, of Circle, MT passed away Saturday, November 6, 2010 at the McCone County Heath Center in Circle.
Fern Bernice was born on December 10, 1919 in Kenmare, North Dakota to Ole and Emma Eliason. She attended Kenmare Public Schools, where she graduated from high school in 1939.
Fern was married to Melvin Hilstad of Circle, Montana in September of 1941. They lived on their farm/ranch 3 miles south of Circle from June of 1942.
Fern lived on the farm with Melvin until the fall of 1989 when they moved into Circle and lived in the residence where Melvin’s parents had resided for years. She was preceded in death by Melvin in 1991.
She loved her life as a homemaker and farmer’s wife, delighting in cooking, and was a fine seamstress. She actively and enthusiastically supported her 3 boys in all they were involved with, particularly encouraging them in all academic pursuits.
Fern was very active throughout her life in the First Lutheran Church, loved music, especially singing in the church choir for many years, teaching Sunday school, and actively worked in various church groups.
Fern is survived by her sons Maynard Hilstad of Sandy, OR, Gordon Hilstad of Kirkland, WA, and Lee Hilstad of Kenmore, WA; 6 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; and many friends who were blessed by her life and faith.
The funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, November 11, at the First Lutheran Church in Circle. Interment will follow at the Riverview Cemetery in Circle.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.stevensonandsons.com. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.