Arlene Helen Skjervem Burdick, 86, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 23, 2011 at the Big Sky Care Center in Helena, MT. Having been a caretaker all her life, Arlene was especially grateful to those who took such good care of her in her last years. The family wants to thank Big Sky Care Center for the wonderful care and attention given to Arlene.
Arlene was born on February 2, 1925 to Henry and Alma Skjervem in Bottineau, ND. In 1946 Arlene graduated from the Trinity School of Nursing in Minot, ND. She moved to Seattle, WA and worked as a registered nurse in the U.S. Marine Hospital. She married Daryl Burdick on June 10, 1948 and together raised five children. In 1959, Arlene and her husband started Burdick’s Locksmith in Seattle, which exists to this day.
Arlene’s greatest joy was her family as a loving and caring mother to 5, grandmother to 14, great-grandmother to 2 and aunt to numerous nieces and nephews. Arlene will be remembered for her kind, nurturing, optimistic, and peaceful spirit. Her faith and love for her Heavenly Father and his creation sustained her. She always saw the good in people and the beauty and value in each new day.
She is survived by her children and their spouses, Dan and Claudia Burdick of Helena, MT; Tim Burdick of Seattle, WA; Lynda and Gary Bujok of Helena, MT; Arlan and Krista Burdick of Bozeman, MT; two daughters-in-law, Karen Burdick of Bellevue, WA and Susi Burdick of Seattle, WA; her sister and brother-in-law, Anna and George Houle of Lynnwood, WA; thirteen grandchildren, Dustin, Kip and wife Sunny, James and Paul Burdick, Stephanie and Sydney Burdick, Jordan and Noa Burdick, Kelsey and husband Scott Bailey, Robbie and Troy Merriman, Kole and Joss Burdick; and two great-grandchildren, Lily Burdick and Addisyn Bailey.
Preceding her in death are both parents; brother Harold and his wife, Ann Skjervem, brother Marvin Skjervem, sister May Hagen and her husband Don Hagen; son Kenneth Burdick; three infant children Harold, Robert, and Karen; and Grandson Joseph Burdick.
Services will be Saturday, April 30, 2011, 1:00 p.m. at Retz Funeral Home, 315 East Sixth Avenue, Helena, MT 59601. A reception will follow at 2703 Gold Avenue in Helena. To offer a condolence to the family or share a memory of Arlene, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com.
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Carlye says
There?s a secert about your post. ICTYBTIHTKY
Stacy Bourquin says
Dan, Claudia and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Janice Skjervem Hanson says
To all my cousins I wish to express my sympathy in the lose of your mom, grandma, greatgrandma. I remember all the fun trips to Seattle to visit Aunt Arlene. My thoughts an prayers are with you.
Love Janice
Cathy White says
Arlene was a sweet lady and it was an honor to care for her. Her sweet smile and gentle way will always be remembered.
Arlys Hanson Velebir says
Arlene was a very special cousin to my Mom, Lillie Hanson. I have many beautiful memories of her. My deepest sympathy to you all.
Arlys