Marilyn Bolstad
Marilyn Bolstad, 82, of Medicine Lake died Jan. 29, 2025, at Roosevelt Medical Center in Culbertson.
Born Nov. 28, 1942, in Plentywood, she was the “baby” of the family of Ernest and Marian Snellman. She grew up in Medicine Lake and attended all 12 years of schooling there, graduating in 1960. She was forever a devoted Honker fan. After graduation, she went to Robinson’s School of Beauty in Minneapolis, Minn., to become a beautician. Although a requirement for her skill set, her father initially forbid her to color her hair, however she did get him to consent to just a “tiny section” so she could pass that test. One month before she was to graduate, she moved home because she “just couldn’t wait to marry the love of my life,” Kermit Bolstad.
They were married at the Bethel Free Lutheran Church located across from the Bolstad farm east of Homestead on May 7, 1961. They lived on the farm and the following spring had their first of three daughters, Vickie Lynn. Susan Joann followed her just 14 months later. In the fall of 1964, they relocated a small building from the refuge and built a new home in Medicine Lake, moving in January 1965, and the renovations never stopped. Together, they added on, remodeled, enclosed and transformed that “shack” into the home it is today. The baby of the family, Sandi Lee, arrived in the spring of 1968.
Besides taking care of the family, she excelled at community service. She was active in the Lutheran Church and Sunday school, Medicine Lake Town Council, Thrivent, Sheridan County Economic Development Corporation, Music Mothers, Christian Women’s Club, Homestead American Legion Auxiliary, Bridge Club and served as a Sheridan County Election official for many years. She was always available to lend a hand.
She was known around the area as the Postal Packin’ Momma when she began delivering mail in December
1978 as a free rural route carrier. She served this route for 17 years and was active in the National Star Route Mail Contractors Association throughout, serving as Montana’s state president before she retired in September 1996. She continued to be a substitute driver as needed for several years thereafter.
Along with community service, she had a passion for family, gardening, sewing and bowling. She bowled on the Blue Moon team of Medicine Lake for over 25 years and carried a 175 average. She competed in many city league, state and national tournaments and has bragging rights with her teammates for taking the State Class A tourney in Helena in 1982 and 35th in nationals at Las Vegas, Nev., in 1983.
She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She and Kermit often traveled to see their grandchildren and loved having them come and spend time in the summers, enjoying the outdoors and yard games. They also loved to travel in their fifth wheel camper to Arizona in the winters. After Kermit’s death in 2012, she continued to winter in their home in Mesa and enjoyed making new friends, welcoming visits from family and friends getting away from the cold of the north, and chairing local block parties.
She is survived by her daughters, Vickie Grimsrud of Culbertson, Susan Fangmeier of Great Falls and Sandi McIntosh of Billings; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and sister, Carolyn Becker of Kearney, Neb.
Funeral services for were held Tuesday, Feb. 4, at Medicine Lake Lutheran Church. Interment was at the Medicine Lake Cemetery.
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