Gilma Sporre, 78, Coeur d'Alene, ID

Gilma Bernice (Olson) Sporre, 78, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, died peacefully Thursday, April 3, 2008, after a brief illness. She resided at her daughter's residence in Coeur d'Alene and will live forever in the hearts of her family.
Gilma was born on May 22, 1929 in Hillsboro, N.D., the daughter of Henry and Francis (Smith) Olson. The young family soon moved to Dalton, where she was raised on the family farm until moving to Fergus Falls in 1945.
As a teenager Gilma was employed as a waitress at the Red Owl Cafe working hard to save enough money to purchase a refrigerator and a water heater for her mother after the untimely death of Francis' husband, Henry.
Later, Gilma worked as a psychiatric technician for several years at the Fergus Falls State Hospital. After her marriage to Clarence O. Sporre on Aug. 24, 1951 in Aberdeen, S.D., Gilma remained at home to raise their five children.
She then returned to work as a finish carpenter building kitchen cabinets at Medallion Kitchens for 10 years before retiring. Later she worked as a personal care attendant at the hospital in Fergus Falls.
During the last three years of her life she lived with her husband, Clarence, and her daughters, Kay McReynolds of Boise, Idaho, and then Clare Erickson of Coeur d'Alene.
Gilma was a very unique, creative woman who loved people, socializing with her family and was always thinking of others, anxious to help if anyone needed assistance.
One of her special talents was her great sense of humor, and her ability to tell hilarious stories about her life to everyone's delight. She had interests including rug weaving, refinishing furniture, gardening, and reading.
She was a member of Stavanger Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, and participated in many Ladies Aide activities.
Survivors include her husband of 58 years, Clarence; a sister, Corrine Biksen of Fergus Falls; two brothers, Thomas (Carolyn) and Herbert Olson of Fergus Falls; children, Kay McReynolds (Bob) of Middleton, Idaho; Sandra Sporre(Randy Boyll) of Salmon, Idaho; Clare Erickson (Les) of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; Alan Sporre of Fergus Falls and Kurt Sporre of Hayden, Idaho; grandchildren, Justin McReynolds, Brian Plum, Todd Plum, Curt Plum and Thomas Erickson; and great-grandchildren, Jenna and Mason Plum.
A memorial service is planned at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 22, at the home of Bob and Kay McReynolds, Middleton, Idaho, on what would have been Gilma’s 79th birthday.
Yates Funeral Homes was in charge of arrangements.

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