Norma Kathleen (Mjolsness) Thiesen

It is with sadness but gratitude for a well-lived life that the family of Norma Kathleen (Mjolsness) Thiesen announces her passing on June 24, 2023.

Norma Mjolsness was born the fifth of nine children on July 16, 1925, in Perley, Minnesota, to parents Nels and Alma (Borgan) Mjolsness. She was baptised at the Lanstad Lutheran Church which had been founded by her father and other Norwegian immigrants. Norma attended school in Perley and Felton, Minnesota. She graduated with a teaching degree from Moorhead State University, Moorhead, Minnesota, and a Bachelor of Arts in Education Degree from Eastern Montana College (MSU-Billings). Though Norma and her siblings grew up during the Depression, she believed they were fortunate as they all worked together on the farm to provide food for the table and care for each other.

Norma began her professional career in the 1940s. After earning her teaching diploma, she quickly secured her first teaching job in a country school in Ashby, Minnesota. She spent her second year of teaching in Ada, Minnesota, where she saved her money to buy a fur coat, one of many of her fashion statements, as she had a reputation for being a very stylish dresser. Her next plan was to move to California. She and a teacher friend planned to buy a car and head west. That plan changed when Norma met Robert Thiesen.

Norma and Robert were married on June 25, 1950. Following their wedding, they moved to a small town in North Dakota. Norma was a housewife, as married women were not permitted to teach in the 1950s. Two years later, they moved to Lakefield, Minnesota, where their daughters were born.

Norma did head west with Robert and their three daughters, but it was to the wild west of Forsyth, Montana, in 1957. They spent 27 busy and happy years in the Forsyth community. Robert was the bank president and Norma returned to teaching. In 1985, they moved to Billings, Montana, building a beautiful home on Magnolia Place, where they enjoyed tending their yard and golfing and socializing at Hilands Golf Club. They eventually retired to St. John’s United Mission Ridge, where they developed many friendships.

Together, Norma and Robert were the ultimate entertainers, setting the perfect table for their carefully prepared meals for many special occasions, or just for fun. The finishing touch was often a centerpiece bouquet of roses from Norma’s well manicured rose garden. Norma led an active life. She and Robert raised three daughters and loved taking their seven grandchildren on summer and winter adventures. She was a golfer, cross-country skier, avid walker, traveler, painter and spirited bridge player. She enjoyed reading to herself, perhaps by a mountain stream as Robert fished, and reading aloud to her treasured grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Norma could sew anything from doll clothes to prom dresses, and her chocolate chip cookies and marshmallow brownies were family favorites.

Norma was a career woman for over 25 years, dedicating her time to teaching hundreds of second grade students. It was not uncommon for Norma to meet her former students as adults. They were elated to see Mrs. Thiesen, once again. This spoke volumes for the impact she made on their lives.

Norma passed away in her home surrounded by family on June 24, 2023, at St. John’s United Vista, Billings, Montana. She is predeceased by her husband of 69 years, Robert Thiesen; her parents; and several siblings. She is survived by her three daughters, Sandra (Paul) Clavadetscher, Billings, Montana; Debra (Mark) Melle, Regina, Saskatchewan; Roberta (Joe) Ginalias, Billings Montana; seven treasured grandchildren, Christopher Clavadetscher, Los Angeles, California; Eric Clavadetscher (Johnna), Denver, Colorado; Jess (Renae) Melle, Warman, Saskatchewan; Kyle Melle, Martensville, Saskatchewan; Jill (Bryce) Melle-Aschenbrenner, Regina, Saskatchewan; Britta (Matthew) Smith, Shepherd, Montana; and JoAna Ginalias, Great Falls, Montana; and seven wonderful great-grandsons. Norma is also survived by her brother, Daniel Mjolsness, Naples, Florida; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 29, at First Presbyterian Church, 2420 13th St. West, Billings, with burial at the Yellowstone National Cemetery, Laurel, Montana.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Norma’s name to the First Presbyterian Church, Billings, Montana or Federated Church, Forsyth, Montana.