Florine Dorothy Hart went to be with Jesus on January 26, 2023. She was born in Morgan, Minnesota in 1933 to Reinhold and Lillian Ziegenhagen. She was raised on a small farm outside of town with her sisters Caroly and Phyllis, and brother, Dennis.
Florine went to the Methodist Viahler Nursing School in Rochester, Minnesota, graduating in 1955. She then proceeded to do what she loved – travel around the country with her nursing friends. She especially loved the southwest and often shared fond memories of her time there.
In 1961, she joined the Air National Guard in Great Falls and was promoted to First Lieutenant during the time that she served. She met her first husband, Garry Wunderwald, while in the Guard, and they married in 1963. They had two sons, Timothy and Randall, and later divorced.
Florine was known for her strength and resilience, not to mention her rebellion and stubbornness. She was dedicated to her sons, always doing her best and putting their needs before her own.
Florine was a caregiver at heart, which made her an excellent nurse. Over the course of her career, she was Head Nurse of Medical at the Tucson Medical Center, Head Nurse of Surgical at Deaconess in Great Falls, and Director of Nursing at the Masonic Home in Helena. After retirement, she continued her nursing skills by taking care of elderly in their homes.
Florine met her late husband, Robert (Bob) E. Hart, while taking care of his mother at the Masonic Home. They were married in 1990 and enjoyed ten years together before Bob’s death in 2000.
Florine had five grandchildren that she loved to spoil, and they cherish memories of her sweetness as well as her cookies. She enjoyed their baseball games, ballet performances, singing recitals, and numerous other activities.
Florine was an avid walker, putting in at least three miles a day, and loved participating in the Governor’s Cup 5k for years with her friend Nancy Clark. Florine continued walking the halls of The Legacy assisted living facility, earning the title of the Walking Queen.
Florine is survived by her sons Timothy (Leslie) and Randall (Kelly), and her grandchildren Leon (Ally), Courtney (Brian), Zac (Taylor), Devyn, and Josie; as well as her sisters and brother.
The family would like to thank the staff at Beehive Homes, Dr. Jessica Bailey, Andeelyn Wardell, NP, and Mickie Simonson from St. Peter’s Hospice for their loving care of Florine over the last several years.
A memorial service will be held on February 4th at 2:30 p.m. at the Beehive North on Ptarmigan Lane.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:30 p.m.
Saturday February 4, 2023
Bee Hive Homes
Ptarmigan Way
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:30 p.m.
Saturday February 4, 2023
Bee Hive Homes
Ptarmigan Way
Helena, Montana 59602
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Barbara Cole says
Florine was a lovely lady that I felt pleased to call a friend. My thoughts and prayers go to her family.
Dave Anderson says
Devyn and family members of Florine.
My deepest sympathies to all of you. During the time I knew her at Legacy I always enjoyed visiting with her and listening to her thoughts.
Please take comfort in knowing she is missed by many and will live in our thoughts always.
Fran says
I worked with Flo many years ago. She had a great sense of humor and was devoted to having fun, no matter what.
Sending HIS loving comfort to her family –
Cliff and Jacki Huff says
Such a great lady. She will be missed. She was such a close friend to have by my side over the years. So much laughter. Prayers to the family. GOD bless.
Lt Col Wendy S. Collins, USAF, Nurse Corps, Retired says
On behalf of the Society of Air Force Nurses, please know we are mourning with you the death of our sister nurse, 1/Lt Hart.. It takes a patriot, willing to give of themselves to other human beings in their time of need, to step forth and join the ranks of our U. S. Air Force Nurse Corps. Your beloved one will be mourned and missed by many who served alongside her. We will include her name in our Memorial Program of the Society of Air Force Nurses in commemoration of her life and service to our nation.
With Sincerest Regards and Gratitude,
Wendy S. Collins, Lt Col, USAF, Nurse Corps (Retired)