Marjorie L. Semmens

Marjorie Lorraine Semmens left our world on January 26, 2013. Margie was born March 28, 1926 to Silas and Otelia Hillstead in Williston, ND. Margie lived and worked on the farm in Bull Butte Township with her sister and brothers until at age 17 moved to town working in clerical jobs and eventually opening her own beauty shop. Margie wed Duane Knudsvig in 1947 in Williston, but later divorced. She moved and lived with her two children in Missoula, where she worked at First National Bank. In 1954, she married Raymond Semmens, and with his son they became a family of five. She and Ray delighted in watching their grandchildren grow. She made special blankets and Christmas ornaments just for them, most of which are still being used today. We'll always remember too, the great dinners with family and friends and the stories and laughter on camping trips.
Margie worked for many years as an Accounting Technician with the U.S. Forest Service while remaining involved in school and community services which included Sunday School Superintendent, choir member, Church Council and President of Lutheran Church Women. She was active on Franklin School Kindergarten Board, Cub Scout Den Mother, City-Council Civil Defense Staff, Atonement Board in Church Society, and volunteered for several years at the Battered Women's Shelter.
Margie joyously celebrated her 80th birthday with family and friends at Alana and Alynn's home in Las Vegas. Her most recent few years were spent in Polson, MT and at Heritage Place in Kalispell, where she enjoyed special friendships and the loving care from the staff. She passed away peacefully with her son John at her side.
Margie has joined and is probably dancing with Ray, as her parents and brothers, Elman Owen (infant), Wayne and Dale Hillstead enjoy the reunion.
Margie is survived by her sister, Opal Mehus; brother, Lyle Hillstead; children, John (Mary) Semmens, Alana Thompson, and Dennis Semmens; grandchildren, Jason Semmens, Alynn Thompson, Rachael (Myles) Heivilin, and Michael Semmens; four great-grandchildren, Aaron Navarro-Semmens, Samantha Semmens, Heidi and Alexander Heivilin; and numerous, dearly loved nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at Atonement Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Margie may be sent to Battered Women's Shelter, c/o YWCA, Missoula, MT. 59802.

Read Marjorie Semmens's Obituary and Guestbook on www.groganfuneralhome.com.