Shirley Norma (Sorenson) Ledahl passed away on August 5, 2022 at the age of 94. Mom was born in Wildrose, ND on February 22, 1928 to Mildred and Soren B. Sorenson of Appam, ND. She was proud to be a country school teacher after graduating at the age of 17 from Alamo High School.
She met her future husband, Bruce N. Ledahl, shortly after he returned from serving in the Navy in World War II. They married on January 30, 1947. They settled into farming and soon began raising their family of twelve children. As we reflect on childhood memories, we are all amazed at the perseverance of raising twelve kids. Mom got us to Sunday school; always well-dressed, shoes polished and hair clean and styled at East Writing Rock Church, participated in sports and music and all graduated from Grenora High School. We always had delicious homemade meals, chores to do, family gatherings for birthdays and holidays with cousins. She was also an active member of East Writing Rock Ladies Aide and Homemakers Club. Mom was a pro at lefse making, flat brod, buttermilk pancakes, doughnuts, chokecherry syrup, homemade bread, caramel rolls, and rommegrot.
In addition to tending to the needs of raising a dozen kids, Mom worked hard on the farm. She was even known to have milked cows in the morning and given birth to Brian in the afternoon! She milked cows, gardened, hauled grain, and would lend a helping hand wherever needed. Grandkids remember being taught how to play rummy, painting ceramics, coloring, and being read to.
After moving to Williston in 1998, Mom thoroughly enjoyed playing cards, dancing, good music, family, making new friends, volunteering in the community, and was well known for her fine embroidery work and cookies in the cookie jar.
Mom is survived by her twelve children, Rhonda (Bruce) Bauman, Arlyn (Laurie) Ledahl, Jerome Ledahl (Tracy Jones), Peggy (Dan) Schmidt, Blanche (Bob) Marok, Gary (Lori) Ledahl, Rodney (Dawn) Ledahl, Sherrie (Steve) Muse, Lori Ledahl, Brian (Tami) Ledahl, Holly Ledahl and Corey (Jennifer) Ledahl. Mom was the proud grandma of thirty-four grandchildren, fifty-five great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren. Survivors also include her siblings, Jerry, Beulah and Carolyn Sorenson.
Mom was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce N Ledahl; parents, Soren and Mildred; six siblings, Christine Geltel, Ella Skoglund, Mervin (Bud) Sorenson, Art Sorenson, LeRoy Sorenson, and LaRaine Kreiter; and great-granddaughter, Quinn Bartholomew.
Thank you Mom/Grandma for a lifetime of memories and blessings. You are loved and will always be in our hearts. We miss you.
Rick and Debbie Kruckenberg
(Mandan, ND)
Aug 5, 2022
Deb Toppenberg(Hought)
(Lake Havasu City , Az)
Aug 5, 2022
Joyce & Mike Leonard
(Ocala , Florida )
Aug 6, 2022
Diane Hellman
(Stanley , North Dakota)
Aug 6, 2022
Curt Lindvig
(Fargo, ND)
Aug 7, 2022
Jay solem
(Williston, Nd)
Aug 7, 2022
Carol Finkbeiner
(Williston, ND)
Aug 7, 2022
Linda Sorenson
(Osakis , MN)
Aug 8, 2022
Troy Gregory
(Pine River, Minnesota)
Aug 8, 2022
Rob, and, Gaynelle Jorgenson
(Springfield , Oregon)
Aug 8, 2022
Colleen Caliandro
(Cape Coral , Florida )
Aug 8, 2022
Lester O. Ronholdt & Family
(Williston, N.D.)
Aug 16, 2022
Mick Eberle
(Williston , ND)
Aug 19, 2022