Winifred Osburnsen

Winifred "Winnie" Osburnsen, 87, peacefully passed away March 28, 2006, surrounded by family at her daughter and son-in-law's home in Whitefish.

Winifred was born in Havre on Sept. 2, 1918, the eldest of Martha and Hiram Bickle's five children.

After graduating valedictorian from Havre High, Winnie moved to Great Falls, where she met her husband-to-be, Laurence Osburnsen. They married in Arkansas in 1942 while Larry was in the Army Air Corps. After his discharge, the couple moved often for Larry's employment with the Department of Agriculture and in 1952 settled in Butte.

In 1961, the family moved to Missoula. Winnie quickly became employed at the Hoerner Waldorf paper mill, where she proudly worked until the age of 72, when she chose to retire rather than learn computer skills.

Always interested in journalism, Winnie was editor of both the mill and church newsletters. She also wrote poems that were expressions of deep feelings, especially after the loss of her son Jim. She found great pride in the fact that several of these poems were published.

A faithful Christian, Winnie was ordained a deacon of the Missoula First Presbyterian Church in 1988. She enjoyed assisting with the church Logos program for children and being a Friendly Visitor. An active community volunteer, she served on committees and boards of Habitat for Humanity, the Cancer Society, YMCA, a local credit union and the Secretaries' Club.

She opened her heart and home to people from around the world; Laotian refugees, students from China and Japan, visiting international choir groups and others in need of shelter. She provided room and board for her grandsons and many students studying at the University.

Winnie walked gently in this world — offering words of encouragement and assistance. She will be remembered for her sweet smile, compassion and intense love of family and friends.

Winnie is surely now with her son Jim, who passed over in June 1975.

She will be missed very much by daughters, Diane Osburnsen and Linda Gwiazdon and son-in-law Mike; her six grandchildren, Shane Reese and wife, Tina, Scott Reese and wife, Tricia, Koan Mercer and Staci Hemmer, Matt Gwiazdon, Courtney Gwiazdon and husband, Matt VanVlack, Millie Flanigan and husband, Gardner; and six great grandchildren.

A celebration of Winnie's life will be held at the Missoula First Presbyterian Church in late May.