Clancy, Montana. Lorna Marie Bowen Tanberg age 76, died at her home in the Clancy area in the care of her loving husband of 55 years, Carl, following a short courageous battle with cancer on September 16, 2014.
Lorna was born January 14, 1938 in Chinook, Montana to Marie and Floyd Bowen, long time Chinook educators. She earned family fame by causing her father the Biology teacher and FFA advisor to be late to school every day of high school for the 4 years she attended. In her youth she excelled at piano and art. She enjoyed the Blaine County Fair and Rodeo of which her father served as secretary.
Lorna had an older sister, Floy and younger brother Larry. The Bowens attended Chinook schools through high school. Lorna graduated in 1956 from Chinook High School. She attended a year of college at Montana State College in Bozeman studying Art. And then attended Northern Montana College and completed a certificate for medical secretary.
She married Carl Tanberg June 7, 1959 at the American Lutheran Church in Chinook. She worked for The Western Montana Clinic in Missoula while her husband attended business school at the University of Montana, Missoula. Upon completion of his education the couple moved to Great Falls in 1963.
Carl and Lorna had two children: Mark Bradley and Kirsten Marie. Her children remember her as ‘swim team mom’ for Gus’s Guppies and with the rest of the swim team family traveled extensively throughout the State. The family camped on weekends and family holidays with longtime friends. She devoted her life to her children, and later when the time came, to her grand children
Lorna was a student of piano as a child in Chinook and she taught Great Falls children during the 29 years she and Carl lived there. Her other talents included water color painting, ceramics, sewing and doll houses. She and her husband were members of Faith Lutheran Church where she taught and played piano for Sunday school and served on the church council.
In 1992 Lorna and Carl moved to Clancy, Montana for Carl’s work at Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Montana. They built Lorna’s dream home on a mountain in the woods and she filled it with all the memories and things about which she loved and cared. It is a reflection of her. Lorna played piano with the Rejoice Team for Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Helena. Her role as a church musician set the tone for her church and social activities.
Travels to see grandchildren and travels with family filled her summers. Cooking with Carl and sharing her Norwegian holiday traditions along with decorating her house for Christmas filled her holidays with joy. Lorna’s house was a year-round Christmas house filled with the beautiful Santas (both on and off-duty) and angels she sewed each month with her special sewing friends.
Lorna is survived by her husband Carl Tanberg, son M. Bradley Tanberg (Michelle) and granddaughters Maren and Grete Tanberg; daughter Kirsten Conrad (Richard) and granddaughter Brianna. She is also survived by her nephews Jeffrey and Stephen Weidner sons of her sister Floy (Bill) Weidner; and by nephew Brent Bowen son of her brother Larry (Judy) Bowen. Lorna is also survived by the many friends she touched through her arts, music and open heart.
She was preceded in death by her parents Floyd A. “Stub” and Marie Bowen of Chinook. Sister Floy Weidner and her husband William of Grandview, Washington and Brother Larry Bowen of Chinook.
A memorial service celebrating Lorna’s life will be on Saturday, September 20th at 11:00 a.m. at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church. A reception will follow in the social center of the church immediately following the memorial service. Memorials can be given in memory of Lorna to Our Redeemers Lutheran Church memorial fund, the American Cancer Society or to a charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday September 20, 2014
Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church
3850 N. Benton Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the memorial service
Saturday September 20, 2014
Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church
3850 N. Benton Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday September 20, 2014
Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church
3850 N. Benton Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the memorial service
Saturday September 20, 2014
Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church
3850 N. Benton Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
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Mike & Judy Wagner says
We know Lorna and Carl from the extended Blue Cross Family. From the start it was obvious that to Lorna her family always came first. When she talked about Carl, their Children and later the Grand Children, you knew where her heart resided. Lorna’s musical talent and teaching abilities impacted thousands of lives. She will be greatly missed.
Mike & Judy Wagner
Jim & Carol Jacobsen says
Carl-Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family. I will always remember Lorna and you as the most wonderful dancers. We are on a trip to Oregon so will miss the service but we will be there in spirit.
Jim and Carol Jacobsen
Roche & Teri Juneau says
You picked a beautiful picture of Lorna. She was such a sweet, caring, loving person. You have been part of our lives for so long. She will always remain in our hearts and you will continue to be in our prayers in the future. May the many wonderful memories you have help you through the tough times.
E.L. & Caryl Luckett says
Carl Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May she rest in peace. The
picture is just beautiful. E.L. & Caryl
Greg Thielman and family says
Lorna, All of the memories spent with you and your family will never be forgotten and forever charished. I have known you all my life and while growing up you were my “mom away from mom”. You taught me to tap, you taught me the piano…I was un-teachable and always tried to get out of a lesson…my ploys never worked… yet I still can play a tune you put in front of me over thirtey years ago. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your life. Carl, Brad and Kirsten (and Kids), I can only begin to express my deepest sympathy. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you all. She is flying with the angels…
Until we meet again, we love you and will miss you…
Amy Townsend Sullivan says
Kirsten,
My heart hurts for you. I remember your mom’s loving kindness during our sleepovers in high school! She has found rest. Give yourself lots of grace, grief is so hard. I will be praying for you and your family.
Love,
Amy
Jacquie Matchett Gossack says
Am thinking of you and your family, Carl. Lots of old memories. It leaves such a big hole in your heart to lose Lorna.
Randall & Sue Stevenson says
Carl, Brad, Kirsten & families, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Lorna was such an
amazing lady. Her obituary is beautiful as is the picture. So many memories are still with us, from all the piano recitals, dance programs and just fun visiting. Rhonda and Ryan stayed in a music program through high school because of Lorna’s piano lessons. Rhonda and Kirsten are life time friends after their dance lessons and programs. The dance costumes of Rhonda’s are still in a closet, because I can’t let them go. Lorna had to help me sew sometimes besides teaching the girls. Thanks for sharing your love & laughter
Lorna! Rest in peace beautiful lady.
Dale and Patty Bimler says
Carl and Family
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time.
Dale and Patty Bimler