Thelma Jane Bjorklund, age 87, of Glasgow, Montana passed away at Valley View Home on September 9, 2022.
She was born on February 8, 1935 to Ingvald and Magda (Hartvikson) Leraas. Thelma’s early years were spent on the farm north of Nashua with her older sister Donna and her younger brother Gordon in the grain community. Thelma attended the Bjorklund School north of Nashua for a short time then completed her education from the Nashua school system, graduating from NHS in 1953. While in High school Thelma was a majorette for the Nashua marching band.
Wayne Waarvik and Thelma were married in August 1953. To this union four children were born: Roger, Karen, Daryl and Wayne Jr. They later divorced and she moved the family to Nashua. Thelma’s welcoming home was a gathering place for her children’s friends, and she was highly sought after as a chaperone for high school activities including dances and State Music Festival trips.
Thelma worked as a secretary at United Insurance and Realty until she married the boss, Marv Bjorklund, on September 10, 1975. While married to Marv, winters were spent in Phoenix but they always returned to Montana in the summer dividing their time between Big Fork and Glasgow.
Thelma enjoyed warm weather, golfing and being a hostess to her children and grandchildren on many occasions at her Big Fork home. She was famous for her homemade buns and poppy seed muffins, making sure her grandchildren had plenty. Thelma was the epitome of a classy lady and was dearly loved by her family and all who knew her. She had a way of making those in her presence feel truly special, as if he/she was the only person in the room.
Thelma moved to Prairie Ridge in 2011, splitting her time between Big Fork and Glasgow. She enjoyed her final years at Prairie Ridge being close to family and friends in Glasgow.
Thelma is preceded in death by her husband Marv in 2003; stepson, Randy and his wife Sonja Bjorklund; brother, Gordon and grandson, Karston Waarvik
She is survived by her sister, Donna Tihista; son, Roger (Ruth) children, Kristen (Landon) Holte and Sarah (Russell) Murphy; daughter, Karen Waarvik; son, Daryl (Deb) children, Brendan (Dubraska) Waarvik and Mikayla Waarvik; son, Wayne Jr. (Tracey) children, Amanda (Adam) Powell and Trevor (Darcie) Waarvik; great grandchildren: Tristan Powell, Gage, Mason, and Gentry Waarvik, Arian Bytyqi, Carter, Henry and Baby Holte and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff at Prairie Ridge for the great care Thelma received over the past 11 years and to Valley View for their service the past few months. Memorials may be made to Valley View Home or the charity of your choice.
Steve Armstrong says
My late wife and I met Thelma and Marv in the early 2000s while walking by their house on the Eagle Bend Golf Course. Thelma was eager to chat. Once Marc found out that he knew my father (born in 1923 in Nashua) and uncle from Glasgow, the connection was complete. Thelma was a class act, gracious and kind throughout. We would have brief visits with Thelma after Marv passed away. Then she started spending more time in Glasgow. I did not know when she moved full-time to Glasgow, but thought of her often. My condolences to Thelma’s extended family.
Rose and Blu Funk says
We have such wonderful memories of Thelma. We were always happy to see her smiling face at Showthyme restaurant in Bigfork.
After she moved east she still ordered chocolate truffles from us at Christmas. It was always great to speak to her. Calm, sweet and always
a pleasure. When I asked how she was doing her reply was always “hanging in there”. She hung in there ! Best wishes to her family during this sad time.
Penny Deleray says
Thelma was a wonderful neighbor on Bridger Drive. In the evening she would come out on her deck to chat and she always had a smile for us. Her family was a delight when they came to visit and her great grandson hunted with enthusiasm for golf balls in the pond.
We miss Thelma but are happy that she spent her last years with her dear family.
Terry and Muriel Burt says
Many great memories of our school years going over to visit Rog at the Waarvik home.Thelma was always very warm and welcoming to all of us kids. Then in later years Thelma and her sister Donna would always stop on the streets of Glasgow and talk about how all our families were doing and the latest news of the Nashua community.
Our deepest condolences to all the Waarvik family.
Autumn Underwood says
Oh Mrs. Thelma she used to call me at Albertsons to get a few things for Dennis to come pick up for her. I would always ask how she was doing, I never got to meet her but she was always a delight when she called and had strict instructions not to substitute anything. If we didn’t have it she didn’t need it. We spent 10 mins on the phone one day just talking about the weather and how much she loved all of her children and grand children. I will miss that pretty voice of hers. You all are so blessed to have known her personally. Thought and prayers
Autumn