Hazel Bjornstad

Hazel F. Bjornstad, 99, passed away Aug. 13, 2007, at the Village Health Care Center in Missoula.

She was born March 10, 1908, in Muskogee, Okla., the daughter of Joe and Julia (Long) Deviney. She was raised and educated in Clarksville, Texas.

She worked in the shipyards during World War II, where she met her husband, James M. Bjornstad. They were married on Nov. 23, 1943, in Long Beach, Calif.

She, Jim and their son, Joe, moved to Whitefish in 1945, where they built and operated the Whitefish Motel. Jim passed away in 1980. Then in 1982, Hazel moved to Missoula to be closer to her son, where she resided until her death.

Hazel was an excellent cook, seamstress and gardener. She was a life member of the VFW Auxiliary of Whitefish. She was also a life member of the Order of Eastern Star in Whitefish and, while living in Whitefish, was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Jim; brothers Elmer and Leon Deviney; sister Sybil Storm; and nephew Richard Flurry.

Hazel is survived by her son, Joe Bjornstad, of Missoula; and daughter-in-law Patricia, of Kalispell; grandchildren Shari Goodmanson and husband Dan, of Missoula, Susan Anton-Hruza and husband Steve, of Whitefish, and Mark Bjornstad, of Kalispell; and great grandchildren Jered and Airiell Anton, of Whitefish, and Stephanie, Shay and Shannon Sweeney, of Missoula; cousin June Parks, of Clarksville; and nephew Kenneth Flurry and wife Arlene, of Highlands Ranch, Colo.

Graveside services were held Aug. 15, 2007, at Glacier Memorial Gardens in Kalispell, with Pastor Jeff Teeples officiating.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be sent to the Christ Lutheran Church Building Fund, 233 Kalispell Avenue, Whitefish MT 59937.