Mildred Gifstad
Mildred Gifstad, 89, of Watford City, N.D., died Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016, at the Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Watford City.
Milly was born to, John A. and Maria Hagen on July 19, 1926. She and her two brothers and two sisters were raised on the family farm 12 miles SE of Watford City, N.D.
She attended Randal School and graduated as eighth grade Salutatorian, then later graduated from Watford City High School.
On Sept. 20, 1943, Milly was united in marriage to Kenneth Odell Sherven in Sidney, Mont. Two weeks later, Kenneth was drafted. Milly stayed in Watford City during his deployment.
After Kenneth returned home, sons Terry and Randy were born. The family then moved to Glendive, Mont. in 1953, where daughters Melody and Cindy were born. Kenneth died in 1957.
The family then moved to Watford City, N.D., where Milly worked as a book keeper at Farmers Union and Mable’s Café. She was also employed at the Post Office, all while raising her four children. During this time, she meet Leif Gifstad. They were united in marriage on Jan. 3, 1962. Out of this union, another daughter, Lori, was born.
Milly and Leif purchased the Watford City Dry Cleaner’s and ran it until 1969. In 1971, the family moved to Mesa, Ariz. Milly worked and later retired from, Motorola; an accomplishment she was very proud of. Leif passed away Jan. 6, 1988 and Milly returned to Watford City, then later Sidney Mont.
Milly enjoyed gardening, canning and sewing. Baking was another favorite activities; making bread, cookies, krumkake & lefse. She was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Watford City and Spring Creek Church, was a lifetime member of Ladies Auxiliary and enjoyed dancing at Singles Club. Her biggest joy of all was spending time with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her two sons, Terry (Cathy) Sherven, Williston, N.D.; Randy (Amy) Sherven, New Leipzig, N.D.; her three daughters, Melody Sherven, Sidney, Mont.; Cindy (Ben) Van De Mark, Mesa, Ariz.; and Lori Kleineck, Apache Junction, Ariz.; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Milly was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Kenneth and Leif; brothers, Manuel Hagen and Orville Hagen; sisters, Doris Johnson and Della Johnson; and grandson, Aaron Kleineck, Jr.
Visitation Service was from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016, at the Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home in Watford City. Funeral Services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 19, 2016, at Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home in Watford City.
Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home in Watford City has been entrusted with arrangements and services. Friends may sign the on-line register and give their condolences at www.fulkersons.com