Elaine Solheim

Elaine Solheim, 91, Jamestown, North Dakota died Tuesday, December 2, 2003, at Valley Elder Care, Grand Forks, North Dakota.

G. Elaine Dokken was born in Elverum Township, near Silva, ND on May 10, 1912 to Olaf and Pearl (Romine) Dokken. She attended school in Silva and graduated from Sherwood High School on June 3, 1929. She obtained a Teachers Certificate from the State College in Minot, ND, in 1932 and taught in several one-room schools throughout North Dakota.

She married Oliver Solheim on December 29, 1941 at Silva, ND. They were the first couple to have the ceremony performed at the Lutheran Church in Silva, ND and celebrated 61 years together. They farmed at Orrin, ND before moving to Woodworth, ND, in 1945. After retiring they made their home in Jamestown.

She was an avid gardener and many enjoyed her flower and vegetables. Her pastimes included cooking, ""simple country meals"", sewing, collecting family histories, piecing quilts and traveling through all the states, except Alaska, in their motor home. Until last year she was still gathering excess garden produce to take to the ""old folks"". She was active in the Methodist and Lutheran Churches in Woodworth. She was a group leader for many youth activities for Farmers Union, 4-H Club, Luther League and Woodworth Public School. After moving to Jamestown, she was involved with the Sons of Norway, the Historical Society, Atonement Lutheran Church. She enjoyed the fellowship with her friends in Ruth Circle and her quilting group.

She assembled and pieced numerous quilt tops which were later finished and sent to missions by her church. She felt it was important to give back to others and in her need to be busy she pieced her final quilt just last month that will be finished for her as her final gift.

She is survived by her husband Oliver, Jamestown, two daughters, Cheryl Murray (Fiance' Don Tangwall), Maryville, TN and Claudette (Tom) Zimney, Grand Forks, ND; three granddaughters, Traci Colvin and Stephanie Jo Murray, Maryville, TN, Nichole (Sean) Stanfield, Denver, CO and one grandson, Michael Zimney, West Fargo, ND, a brother/sister-in-law Ted (Ann) Solheim, nieces LaDonna (Chuck) Colbert, Shirley (Dean) Sanders, Korina Solheim, Aryee Solheim; nephew Jay Solheim and one grandniece, Dona Rae Colbert.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Cora Iverson and Maxine Dokken.

Memorial Service: 11:00 AM Friday, December 5, 2003 at Atonement Lutheran Church, Jamestown with Pastor Steve Berntson officiating.

Visitation: 10:00 to 11:00 AM, Friday, December 5, 2003 at Atonement Lutheran Church.

Burial: Priscilla Watts Cemetery, Rugby, North Dakota.

Memorials are preferred to Atonement Lutheran Church, Jamestown, ND.