Elsa Randine Hjulstad

Elsa Randine Hjulstad, 93, died of natural causes at the Colonial Manor in Whitefish on Sunday, Sept. 4.

She was born May 3, 1912 in Trondheim, Norway, the daughter of Minnie and Arne Nypan. At the turn of the 20th Century, her father immigrated to the United States. In Minnesota, he met Minnie Olson and the two were married. In 1912, the couple returned to Norway and Elsa was born in May of that year. She used to be fond of saying that she was made in the U.S.A. and born in Norway.

Elsa was baptized, confirmed, and attended schools in Trondheim. In the mid 1930's, Elsa married Fritz Dorum. That marriage produced a daughter, Kari. In 1938, Fritz died in an airplane accident. During her marriage to Fritz, Elsa developed a love for motorcycles and would frequently ride her husband's machine.

In February of 1940, Elsa married Arvid Hjulstad and they had a son, Per. Sailing was Arvid's sport and Elsa became an avid participant in this sport. Following World War II, Elsa went to work for a large sporting goods business in Trondheim. Free time was spent at her father's cabin in the country where skiing became a favorite pastime in the winters.

In 1954, Elsa and her parents traveled to the United States for a few months visiting places in Minnesota including where her mother had been born. She also traveled to Montana. That visit intensified her desire to return to the United States to settle as an immigrant. In 1956, Elsa, Arvid and her family immigrated to the United State to settle on a farm in Box Elder. The transition from a big city girl went well as she adjusted to her new life on a Montana wheat farm. For a couple of years, they worked for her uncle, the owner of the farm. Later they would rent the farm until her uncle's death.

In 1962, Elsa and her husband returned to Norway for a visit where they stayed for one month at the site of her birthplace in Trondheim.

In 1963, Elsa went to work for the Box Elder School District. She would work here as a cook until 1975 at which time she retired. Elsa won acclaim for her cooking, especially for her turkey dinners. Teachers, kids and administrators would all partake. While in Box Elder, she made many friends. Special mention must be given to Irma and Ordean Solberg who did so much to help her through her last few years in Box Elder. Elsa was an accomplished bridge player, she liked to knit, do latch hooks and while in Norway, play the piano. Often, she would travel to Great Falls to visit her close friends, William and Mildred Gilstad, and her own daughter and grandchildren.

In 1996, she moved to Columbia Falls where she would reside in the Columbia Arms Apartments. She lived here until July 2004 at which time she became a resident of the Colonial Manor in Whitefish where she would reside until her death.

The family of Elsa would like to extend thanks and accolades to those at the Colonial Manor who gave her comfort and care during the waning moments of her life on earth.

Elsa is survived by her daughter Kari Ray and husband Jim of Irrigon, Ore.; her son, Per and wife Michele of Columbia Falls; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Elsa is preceded in death by her parents, Minnie and Arne Nypan; her husbands Fritz and Arvid; her brother, Ernest Nypan and a grandchild, Michael Ray who died in 1989.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Sept. 10 at 1 p.m. at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls.

Her pastor and friend, Rev. Rich Jesperson will conduct the service.

The family has suggested that memorials be made in her name to Grace Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 536, Big Sandy, MT 59520.