Midge Sjordal Thysell, 95

Midge Sjordal Thysell died peacefully in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on March 2, 2016, at the age of 95. Midge was born on Sept. 19, 1920, in Ada, Minn., to Jarl and Anga Sjordal and was the second of four daughters.

She graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., where she was a member of the choir and loved choral music throughout her life. During World War II, Midge was a member of the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service — the World War II women’s branch of the U.S. Naval Reserve). She married Harold Thysell on Aug. 6, 1945, and moved to Crookston, Minn., where Harold was a General Practitioner. Over the next four years, Harold and Midge welcomed three children into their home. The family moved from Crookston to Coeur d’Alene in 1967.

Midge had a very active life as a volunteer with Kootenai Medical Center for 40 years, and for more than 15 years as a “Grandma” at Sorensen Elementary School and as a reading tutor at North Idaho College. She was part of the group that started the First Presbyterian Church food kitchen, was an active member of the philanthropic organization PEO, and participated weekly in quilting and knitting groups, which made items to send overseas. She was also an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Midge took great pleasure in reading, gardening, walking, birding, playing Scrabble, watching PBS, listening to NPR, and attending concerts and plays. She loved music, especially classical, opera, jazz, choral and sacred music.

Midge lived an exemplary life characterized by giving to others and by connecting with people of all ages in her community. Of utmost importance to her were living simply and enjoying nature, family and friends.

Midge was preceded in death by her daughter, Jane Groth and her husband Harold. Midge is survived by sisters Ruth Pearson and Joyce Arntson; sons Fred and Dave Thysell; son-in-law David Groth; Ellen Cantor; grandchildren Belle Cantor, Will Thysell, Emily Groth, Kristofer Groth, Seth Glossen, Sydney Thysell and Jarl Thysell; and great-grandchildren Chloe Groth and Nele Holstein.

A celebration of Midge’s life will take place at 2 p.m. Monday, March 28, 2016, at Trinity Lutheran Church, with a reception to follow. Memorial contributions may sent to the Tubbs Hill Foundation at P.O Box 3061, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83816. The family would like to thank the caring staff of The Garden at Orchard Ridge, where Midge spent her last two years, and Hospice, for guiding her final days.