Lillian Margaret Bergem, 97, of Watford City, ND died Friday, May 31, 2019. Lillian was born on May 19, 1922, to Norwegian immigrant parents, Peder and Marie (Wenger) Bergem. Her younger brother, Paul, joined the family in 1930. Lillian attended elementary school at Farland School for eight years. She attended Watford City High School, rooming with families who lived in Watford City.
Following high school graduation in 1940, Lillian attended Minneapolis Business College for one year. She returned to Watford City where she began a ten year employment in the McKenzie county Register of Deeds office. In September 1951, she accepted a position as a clerk in the Watford City Post Office. In 1977 she became the post master of the Arnegard Post Office. She greatly enjoyed serving her postal patrons until her retirement in 1996.
Lillian enjoyed music throughout her life. In her youth and as a young adult she took piano lessons. Lillian served as the organist at the Farland Lutheran Church until it closed in 1998. She served as a substitute organist for other churches. She also played piano for the Sons of Norway.
Lillian was proud of her Norwegian heritage. She joined Sons of Norway in 1955. She held a number of offices in the lodge. When her eyesight limited the duties she could perform, she cheerfully took on the responsibility of calling members to remind them of meetings and activities. Lillian had a talent for the Norwegian style of painting, Rosemaling. She demonstrated her work and sold her artwork at craft sales in the area. Many couples were gifted with a Rosemaled plate commemorating their wedding day. Lillian enjoyed seven trips to Norway. She enjoyed touring the land of her heritage and establishing warm relationships with her relatives in Norway. In return she warmly welcomed and enjoyed having relatives visit from Norway.
Lillian enjoyed traveling to a number of states and countries. Highlights included a trip around the world in 1975 and horseback riding to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Her nieces treasure memories of a tour she took them on to South Dakota. In later years, she eagerly joined Paul and his wife, Dorothy, on trips to visit her nieces and families.
Lillian was active in the Watford City and Arnegard communities. She held offices in various organizations such as the Good Shepherd Home Auxiliary, the Heritage Club, the Historical Society, the Arnegard Lioness Club, and the Farland Lutheran Church.
Lillian was a baptized and confirmed member of the rural Farland Lutheran Church. When the church closed, she became a member of First Lutheran Church in Watford City.
Lillian maintained a home in Watford City during the work week and returned to her farm home on the weekends. With help from Paul and Dorothy, she was able to remain in her homes until she was ninety years old. She has been a resident of the Good Shepherd Home for the past seven years.
Lillian was preceded in death by her parents, Peder and Marie, and her brother Paul.
She is survived by her sister-in-law, Dorothy Bergem of Fargo, ND; nieces, Jennifer (Blair) Thoreson and their sons, Christian and Benjamin of Fargo, ND; Lori (David) Kosmatka and their daughters, Sophie and Aubrey of Devils Lake, ND; Paula (Michael) LeClair and their children, Maia, Hudson, and Louis of Maple Grove, MN.