Minnie E. Mahlen

Minnie Eva Mahlen was born at Anamoose, ND on December 30, 1914, the daughter of
James and Tillie (Vandeberg) Vannatta. She was raised on the family farm 10 miles NE of
Bainville, MT and educated in a rural one-room school. In those early years when they had
to make their own entertainment, the Vannatta home was the place to gather and join in
music and dance. She was introduced to her future husband, Syvert Mahlen by Syvert's
older brother, Joel, who was also courting Minnie's sister. Minnie and Syvert, along with
Minnie's sister, Mabel and Syvert's brother, Joel, were united in a double wedding
ceremony celebrated by Father Barry at Sacred Heart Catholic Chuch in Bainville, MT on
April 27, 1935. the Mahlen's made their home in Bainville, MT where Minnie made ready
her home for six children and Syvert worked for Great Northern Railroad.

In 1945, Minnie and Syvert moved to Williston and have continued to make Williston their
home. Having a deep faith life and holding close to their roots, Minnie and Syvert
continued to farm in the Bainville area. They purchased the Mahlen farm in the mid 1940's
and in 1957 acquired the Vannatta farm, a mere four miles apart. Together they farmed
hand in hand as partners and raised six wonderful children. They were blessed to have
recently celebrated in April of this year, 68 years of marriage.

Minnie was a happy person. She always had a positive outlook on life, though life's
challenges were not always easy. She enjoyed sharing herself with others and volunteered
where she thought she could be of help. She and Syvert opened their home to all who
needed. She cared for aging parents, in-laws, children and their friends. She was devoted
to her husband, children, the Catholic Church, the Catholic Daughters and her Altar Band.
She loved music and loved to entertain. She enjoyed cooking and baking, and admired
those who helped themselves to seconds at the table, that was a compliment to her
cooking. The smell of homemade cinnamon rolls and breads will always be a happy
memory for her family and friends. Dancing, playing cards, laughter and having fun with
family and friends is one way Minnie would like to be remembered. She was a member of
St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Catholic Daughters, Altar Band, Cursillo, Altreya,
Birthday Club, Sons of Norway, and Lady Trainman.

Minnie died at the Mercy Medical Center on May 12, 2003.

She is survived by her husband Syvert, one son, Syvert and his wife Brenda, all of
Williston, ND, five daughters; Janice Ostberg, husband Charles, of Selma, CA,
Jean Christianson, husband, Chris of Chandler, AZ,
Darlene "Cricket" Olson, husband, David of Lake Metigoshe, ND,
Mona Ziegler, husband, Ken of Bismarck, ND,
Kim Doll, husband, Harold of Mandan, ND,
21 grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren; 8 great great grandchildren and one sister,
Ethel Fitch, of Sierra Vista, AZ.

She was preceded in death by loving parents, two brothers, Leonard and Ed, four sisters,
Pearl Higgins, Mabel Mahlen, Maime Diseth, and Helen Hobby.

Funeral Mass: 10:00 AM, Saturday, May 17, 2003
Interment: Riverview Cemetery, Williston, ND
Arrangements: Fulkerson Funeral Home of Williston, ND

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