Darleen Effie Isakson Nordhagen of Glasgow, Montana, formerly of Opheim and Billings, age 84 passed away on June 24, 2024, at Valley View Nursing Home in Glasgow, Montana.
Darleen was born in Glasgow, Montana on September 27, 1939, to Melvin and Vivian Vick Isakson of Opheim, Montana. She spent her childhood years on the family farm north of Opheim and graduated from Opheim High School in 1957. She was employed as a nurse’s aide at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital from 1957 through 1960.
She married Darrell Phillip Nordhagen on August 15, 1959, in Fairview, Montana. They honeymooned in Yellowstone Park, experiencing, first-hand, the famous earthquake that occurred there at that time. They lived in Glasgow for two years, moved to Plentywood for two years, then moved back to the farm that she was raised on in Opheim in January 1965. In 1989, Darleen and Darrell retired and moved to Billings, Montana.
Darleen was a 4-H leader for a number of years, co-chaired the North Valley County History Book committee, and served on the Opheim Farmers Union Oil Co-op Board and the Valley County Fair Board. She was a proud member of the Opheim American Legion Auxiliary and was President of the Montana American Legion Auxiliary in 1993, served on Girl’s State Committee where she was a director for two years. She also served on the ALA Girls Nation committee for five years. She co-chaired the 75th Anniversary Celebration of the town of Opheim. She was instrumental in helping to get the North Valley Ambulance Service started and became a registered EMT, working and managing the ambulance service in Opheim for 10 years. She was a baptized and confirmed member of the Community of Christ Church.
Survivors include her three daughters and one son. Darla (Jeff) Larson of Glasgow/Opheim, Montana, Darlis Nordhagen of Glasgow, Montana, Darcie (Tim) Knight of Keller, Texas, and Daren (Shelby) Nordhagen of Elgin, Arizona. Eight grandchildren, Kayla Larson, Jayme (Mark) Iddins, Bryan (Rachel) Larson, Azia Smith, Dayne Smith, Reeve Smith, Braden Knight and William Knight; her sisters, Joyce Devoy of Glendive, Montana and Marlis Ziskin of Albuquerque, New Mexico; sister-in-law Arlee (Dick) Chamblin of Mesa, Arizona, six great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Darleen was preceded in death by her husband Darrell of 60 years, parents, Melvin and Vivian Isakson, one sister, Carrol Isakson, foster brother Chet Munger, brothers in laws Steven Ziskin, Walt Devoy, Thomas Nordhagen, sisters-in-law Marie Ann Nordhagen and Delores Nordhagen, and grandson Michael Church Nordhagen.
A memorial/celebration of Darleen’s life has been set for Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Opheim Community Church in Opheim, Montana.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday July 23, 2024
Opheim Community Church
Opheim, Montana 59250
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday July 23, 2024
Opheim Community Church
Opheim, Montana 59250
Share
Roger Vick says
One grand lady. She is going to be missed.
Sandi Nelson says
I am so sorry to hear this! I did not know her for very long but she was a lovely lady! I will miss our visits.
Mark Jensen says
I never knew Darleen until this last year even though I was raised in Opheim! I believe the chain of events that led to that connection was Divine intervention! She was beautiful in ever way, shape and form! It was like I knew her for a lifetime when we visited! She put a smile on my face everytime!:) She is greatly missed! My condolences to all the family!
Brother Bede Baldry says
I was so surprised to hear about Darlene. What a wonderful person she was. I talked to her not long ago and she always seemed upbeat. Blessings to all of you.
Margaret Edland says
Darleen will forever be in our hearts & souls. There are countless times we, as a family, would come back to see everyone back home where my parents grew up & we would always visit Darrell & Darleen. She was someone who left an imprint on everyone she met. Hugs & prayers to all of you.
Cathy Nordhagen(Randy was Darrell's cousin) says
Darleen got me involved in Girls State and I was a counselor the 2 years she headed it up. I really enjoyed working with the girls. When we moved to Billings we spent a lot of time with Darrell and Darleen –Darleen and I gardened together, we went out to eat at fun restaurants, and we played lots of cards. After Darrell passed, we introduced Darleen to twin sisters, Gloria and Glenda, and they played LOTS of cards! Darleen was a very special person, loved God very much, enjoyed life, loved to decorate for the holidays, entertain, especially enjoyed having her family come for visits, had a beautiful smile, and kept very busy. She really enjoyed doing things for others and was wonderful to be around. Randy and I will truly miss her but know one day we will see her again. We know her family will really miss her but feel blessed to have had her in their lives! Our love and prayers are with all of them!!
kelly says
Sorry for your loss, Darleen was a beautiful person and community member, leader. God Bless Kelly Donovan
Ted and Netty McIntyre says
Prayers and blessed thoughts for your family at this difficult time, sorry for your loss.
C P says
My condolences to the family. When losing a loved one it can be unbearable. In the Bible book of Isaiah 25:8 Jehovah God promises soon to “swallow up death forever.” He also promises to bring back those who have fallen asleep in death (Acts 24:15). In a little while longer this kind of pain will be a thing of the past (Revelations 21:4). May these scriptures bring you comfort in this difficult time (jw.org)
Greg and Debi says
Darleen was such sweet lady.She will be missed. Our condolences to the family. Sorry for your loss.May Our Lord Jesus Christ comfort you all.