Kathryn Joan Ellman Lundstrom
Kathryn Joan Ellman Lundstrom was welcomed with open arms by the Lord and the love of her life, Darvin Lundstrom on Feb. 3, 2010. She was born in Hinsdale on Oct. 22, 1928, at the age of 3, the family moved to Columbia Falls. Being the second to the youngest of 12 children, there was always love, laughter and family around.
While working at the Park Theatre, she met Darvin Lundstrom. They were married on June 30, 1950. Two years later came Darvin and Kate's pride and joy, daughter Karen.
Nothing brought Katie more joy than to have a big back yard barbecue. If it was family, friends and the entire neighborhood, it always made her happy to see others around her enjoying life. Many fond memories were made camping out at Swan Lake or Apgar. It did not matter where you were, but there was bound to be lots of singing and dancing.
Through the years she worked for Bob and Josie Maranette at the Park Merc and the V Store, retiring in 1978.
Katie was a longtime member of St. Richards Catholic Church. She was involved with the Altar Society and always willing to help others. In later years, she and Darvin were very active with the North Valley Eagles 4081 and both of them were charter members and very instrumental in getting the Eagles started in Columbia Falls.
Kate is survived by her daughter; Karen Huston and husband Mike of Columbia Falls, grandson; John Huston and wife Erin of Helena, granddaughters; Michelle Huston and Tom Vanek of Kalispell and Angela Huston of Columbia Falls. She was a very special Grammie to great grandson; Michael John Huston of Kalispell, sisters; Frances and Dale Gardner of Valley Springs, CA, Marje and Stan Sklodo of Aberdeen, WA, brother Sam and Frankie Ellman of Columbia Falls, sisters in law; Margaret Ellman, Marylou Ellman and Evelyn Lundstrom of Columbia Falls, Doris and Ross Robinson of Billings, very close and dear friend; June Brooker, numerous wonderful nieces and nephews and extended family.
She is preceded in death by her adoring husband; Darvin Lundstrom, sisters; Mary Schoenberg Bertino, Lorene Sallee and Donna Nadeau, bothers; Jack Ellman, Pat Ellman, Bud Ellman, Ray Ellman and Jim Ellman, sisters in law; Mary Ellman, Sara Ellman, Ada Ellman, Mary Lundstrom, Donna Lundstrom, and Francis Lundstrom, brothers in law; Boots Schoenberg, Louie Bertino, Hob Sallee, Vick Nadeau, EJ Lundstrom, Cliff Lundstrom, Boyde Lundstrom and Frank Lundstrom.
A visitation was held at Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls on Sunday, Feb. 7. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Richards Catholic Church in Columbia Falls on Monday, Feb. 8.ÊA reception followed with burial services held at Glacier Memorial Gardens in Kalispell.
In lieu of flowers, make donations to WINGS, Columbia Falls Fire Department or Three Rivers Ambulance.