Hilma Wik Strom

Hilma Hansine Wik Strom, 92, of Polson, MT, passed away on Sunday, July 25, 2010 at home with her daughter. Hilma was born on September 23, 1917 to Norwegian parents, Ole and Johanna Wik in Minot, ND. Joining her sister Olga, brother Melvin, followed by another brother, Odin. The family moved to Kalispell in 1927 where all the Wik children graduated and were wed. Hilma married Bennie Strom on March 28, 1937, Easter Sunday, in Kalispell. To their union, six years later, a daughter Sharon was born and a son Odin the following year. She started her life in nursing in the early 1950's after both children had started school. From the very beginning, neat, tidy and shined shoes were imperative. Nursing was a very fulfilling career for Hilma, which included working at Kalispell Regional Medical Center for over 20 years. In 1984, she and her daughter went on a tour of Norway, which had been a dream of Hilma's for many years followed by another trip in 1986 that allowed her to visit with her mother's family and see her grandparent's homestead. In 2007, Hilma and her daughter sold their homes in Kalispell, which had remained in the family for 80 years, and moved to Polson just five minutes away from her son. Gardening and flowers remained a very special pleasure throughout her retirement. Hilma is survived by her daughter, Sharon Kruse of Polson: son, Odin and wife Chris of Polson: grandson, Robert Kruse and wife Mary and their children, Elizabeth, Odin, and Kijrstjn Kruse, and grandson, Wesley Kruse, all of Kalispell, She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend and will be sorely missed. Services for Hilma will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2010, 11:00AM at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Kalispell followed by her last trip to Conrad Memorial Cemetery to join her husband, parents, and family. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for Mrs. Strom's family.
Read Hilma Strom's Obituary and Guestbook.