Gertrude Evangeline Rognlie, 93

Gertrude Evangeline Rognlie, 93, of Somers, died Sunday, July 2, 2006, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. She was born Nov. 12, 1912, near Bisbee, N.D., to Berthina Lee and Ernest Jacobson.

In 1917, the family moved to the Swan Valley, then to Somers in 1919. Gertrude attended grade school and high school to the 10th grade in Somers.

Upon graduation, Gertrude helped deliver milk from the family cow to neighbors. That is how she met her future husband, Forrest Rognlie. The two were married Feb. 28, 1931. Despite the Depression and hard economic times, they made their home in Somers. They had three children: Inez, born Dec. 17, 1931, Ellen, born Jan. 24, 1933, and Paul, born July 24, 1940.

Gertrude was a faithful Christian and at the time of her death was the longest surviving member of Eidsvold Lutheran Church in Somers. She enjoyed the fellowship of Eidsvold and spent many years volunteering her time four years as Sunday school superintendent, and six years as president of the Ladies Aid.

She was active in the Somers community as president of the Home Demonstration Club and president of the Somers PTA, for two years each.

She was an avid reader and loved books on all subjects, but particularly anything historical.

In 1950, she and husband, Forrest, purchased what is now known as Rognlie's Island from the Somers Lumber Company. The island, located in Somers Bay, was shared by she and Forrest with Eidsvold Church, holding the annual church picnic; the Somers Fire Department still holds its annual picnic on the island every Fourth of July; family from as far as Norway come for a family reunion.

In 1973, Forrest passed away. Gertrude continued to live in the family home until 1986, when she moved to Catherine McDonnell's house on Juniper Bay Road in Somers, to assist with housekeeping. She continued to live there until 1998, when she moved to Brendan House in Kalispell. Gertrude was very active at Brendan House participating in exercise classes, going to "movies" night, playing bingo, participating in presidential trivia, visiting and, of course, reading. She said the key to her longevity was keeping busy and "talking to God."

She was preceded in death by her parents, Berthina and Ernest Jacobson; her husband of 43 years, Forrest; a daughter, Inez; a grandson, Stanton Poier; and one brother, Basil Jacobson.

Gertrude is survived by her daughter, Ellen Poier, and husband, Stan, of Kalispell; son, Paul Rognlie, and wife, Lamoyne, of Boise, Idaho; one sister, Sylvia McKenzie, of Libby; a brother, Arnold Jacobson, of Missoula; seven grandchildren, Michelle Ahern and husband, Todd, of Somers, Don Poier and wife, Deb, of Kalispell, Howard Poier of Kalispell, Dawn Monroe and husband, Ken, of Boise, Candice Rognlie of Boise, Shauna Howell and husband, Dick, of Kirkland, Wash., and Jeff Records and wife, Kolleen, of Boise; 14 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Gertrude Rognlie will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 6, at Eidsvold Lutheran Church in Somers. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday at Johnson Mortuary. Burial will be after services at Lonepine Cemetery in Bigfork.

The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to Eidsvold Lutheran Church, 5935 Hwy 93 S., Somers, MT 59932; or to the charity of the donor's choice.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Gertrude's family.