Gloria Ann (Stenmark) Brevik

Gloria Ann (Stenmark) Brevik, 91 years of age, passed away July 10, 2017. The youngest of three children, she born on September 16, 1925 in Plentywood, Montana to Anna and Emil Stenmark. Gloria graduated from Plentywood High School where she enjoyed being a drum majorette in her school’s marching band. After high school she fell in love with Donald Kenneth Brevik of Zahl, North Dakota. On April 7, 1945 they married in Minneapolis following Don’s return from active duty with the army in Europe. Their marriage lasted 62 years until Don’s passing in 2007. At their wedding Don’s widowed father met Gloria’s widowed mother and a year later they too were married. This made Knut not only Gloria’s father-in-law but also her step-father. Oddly enough it also made Gloria and Don step-sister and step-brother.

Soon after being married they moved to Missoula where they had two sons. As a young family they spent nearly every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day at Flathead Lake. Boats, RVs, and kids on the beach made Gloria truly happy. If not at the lake, the family was on the road vacationing in their camper and traveling from state to state. Gloria was part of a hiking group and explored a new trail every week with fellow hiker and good friend Shirley Braxton. Gloria was a wonderful wife, proud mother, excellent homemaker, baker and cook. She made all the holidays very special. Whether it was her lefse, krumkaka, or extensive use of butter, the holidays were always an exceptional event!

Gloria excelled in math skills and worked as the bookkeeper for Nash Garage in Missoula. Later, she worked for Principal George Blakeslee as the Rattlesnake School secretary. There she met Phyllis, a young 2nd grade teacher. In time, Gloria became a long-term employee of Dennis and Phyllis Washington and was called “The Governess” for their sons Kyle and Kevin. She retired from work after many years in the men’s departments of Hennessy’s and Dillard’s. In their retirement Gloria and Don spent winters as Snowbirds traveling south in their motor-homes. Later in life Gloria became a grandmother and great grandmother - which she enjoyed immensely. She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Missoula for over 70 years.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents; brother Lloyd; sister Helen; father-in-law Knut Brevik and husband Don. She is survived by sons Dale (Candyce) of Polson; Ron (Kathy) of Bigfork; granddaughters Kari (Brett) Sproull of Missoula; Kimi Brevik (David Hernandez) of Great Falls; and great grandchildren Quinn and Emma Sproull.

Gloria was a special lady, she will be missed.

Interment took place Monday, July 17 at 11 a.m. in Missoula’s Sunset Gardens Mausoleum.