March 14, 2012

Solveig Okland

Solveig Jeannette (Aasen) Okland, 82, of Polson, Mont., formerly of Alexander, N.D., passed away on Sunday, March 4, 2012, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Polson, Mont. In her passing, Solveig was surrounded by her children and grandchildren.
Funeral services for Solveig J. Okland were held on March 10, 2012, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Alexander, N.D., with Pastors Tim Swenson and Dave Nelson officiating. Interment was at the Alexander Cemetery, Alexander, N.D., under the care of Fulkerson Funeral Home of Watford City. Memorials may be sent to The Alexander Museum or to the donor’s choice. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.fulkersons.com.
Solveig was born Sept. 25, 1929, in Alexander, N.D., to the late Ole and Ragna (Heringen) Aasen. She was the only daughter amongst four brothers. She attended Alexander schools and later attended the Trinity School of Nursing in Minot, N.D. Then on March 17, 1950, she married Theodore Bernard “Ben” Okland, also from Alexander.
Her fondest memories of youth and early motherhood included penny candies at Onsager Drug, winning the state basketball championship, sledding down the Water Hill, snowmobiling from farm to farm and supporting both community and church activities.
Solveig was a homemaker and mother, raised seven children and welcomed many others who called her home their home. Homecoming was always met with the smell of fresh caramel rolls in the making. Holidays were graced with her touch of love, linens and special accompaniments. Like her name, her Norwegian heritage and lineage would suggest her audacious nature.
In 1972, Bismarck, N.D., would become Solveig’s new home after Ben accepted the role of Administrator for the Missouri Slope Lutheran Home. The family would reside there until Ben’s retirement in 1982. The call of mountains, a fruit orchard, Flathead Lake and family would take them to Polson, Mont., where she lived until her death. When asked, Solveig was quick to say Alexander was always her true home. In September, 2011, Solveig, along with her family, hosted and was also honored at Alexander’s 66th Annual Old Settlers picnic.
Solveig, a woman who lived life fully, leaves with abundant blessings. She called her family the greatest of all. She is survived by her brother, Carson (Marilyn) of Rapid City, S.D.; her children, Dirk (Kathy) Vergas, Minn., Carolyn (Roger) Friesz, Idaho Falls, Idaho, Marilyn (Wade) Frame, Polson, Mont., David, Polson, Mont., Debbie, Alexander, N.D., and Chris (Andrea), Anchorage, Alaska; grandchildren, (Dirk) Drew and Elliot, Fargo, N.D., (Carolyn) Matthew (Maho), Braden, Landon, all of Moscow, Idaho, Callyn, Sidney, Mont., (Marilyn) Marete and Monika, Polson, Mont, (Debbie) Bernie, Billings, Mont., (Chris) Jordan, Anchorage, Alaska.; daughter-in-law, Pam, Stevensville, Mont.; along with many nieces and nephews; and her two loyal K-9 companions, Chip and Dip.
In addition to her parents, Solveig was preceded in death by her husband, Ben; son, Bennie; brothers, Lynn, Ronald, and Charles Aasen; and sister-in-law, Mary (Lynn) Aasen.
 

WATFORD CITY WEATHER