(Note: this is the final installment of the Olfert’s account of their Montana homesteading experience. I hope it has been eye-opening, interesting and helpful, leading to a greater appreciation for what earlier generations experienced and how the Lord cared for those who are His.)
In 1948 we decided to move to Dallas, Oregon, for the winters. We bought a nice home on Hayter Street and lived there five winters. In summer we always went back to Lustre, Montana, and did the farming, but after five years we got so lonesome and sold our house, moving back to the farm again. We made many trips for sixteen winters, and drove to places such as California, where Ed and Linda lived. To Florida twice, plus to Arizona, Texas, etc. In 1956 we decided to move to Wolf Point. Mr. A. N. Dick built us a nice home, and we moved in November to 306 Indian Street. Many of our pioneer friends also moved to Wolf Point, where we all retired within a few blocks of each other so we could often visit. We joined the Gospel Fellowship Mennonite Brethren Church, and have enjoyed many blessings.
In 1957 I was hauling gravel to the back of the house, and after I was through I was going to load the tractor onto the truck. I got too close to the edge of a coulee and rolled over with the tractor, getting pinned under it with my right arm. Fortunately, the arm was in a little lower place, so it wasn’t entirely crushed. It was a blessing that I had my neighbor along, Mr. Ed Maulam, and he gave me a jack from the truck so I finally could jack myself out of there. I almost lost my right arm but, thanks to God, the doctors could save it. In the process of the years I have had 10 operations.
In 1965 Kathrina was very busy. She helped quilt seven quilts, sewed, baked, had prayer meetings at our home, Ladies Aid, and visited many friends. That year we helped Elvin paint all the farm buildings. By 1980 Kathrina was better than she had been, walked without a walker or cane. In August of that year I kept a record of our visitors, recording 88 visits in 31 days, with only three days with no company. Kathrina could remember each grandchild and great-grandchild’s name, and what they were involved with. She prayed each day for each one of them by name.
Our oldest daughter, Elsie, passed away in January of 1982, and her absence was felt very keenly by the family. On May 16, Elvin took me and Kathrina to Williston, North Dakota, so that Kathrina could have cataract surgery. She had a very strong wish to be able to see better. The surgery seemed to go well, but Kathrina had never liked being in a hospital and became disoriented and could not sleep. When she was released and taken back home, she was exhausted and very weak. Sunday, May 23, Kathrina had an attack at home. The doctor called it a worn-out heart. I was also admitted to the hospital for two weeks due to exhaustion, heart trouble and nerves. Kathrina was taken out to Lustre to Elvin and Selma’s. There she slowly regained her strength. She helped with the dishes and folded the laundry. They took her into town several times to see me. On Saturday, she saw me for the last time and remarked, “I want to give you one last kiss.” That last winter was the best fellowship we ever had together. She also called Linda and Marilyn “just to talk” in these last days. On Monday, June 7, she had another attack, stopped breathing, and they were not able to revive her even through much effort. The doctor released me so that I could go to Lustre for the funeral, even though I was very weak. Kathrina’s wish for better eyesight has now been granted, and she has perfect vision due to the spiritual sight she received as a child when she placed her trust in the Lord. She reached the age of 89 and passed away in 1982. Together we were blessed with five children: Elsie who passed away at the age of 64 in 1982 (three months before her mother), Elvin, Linda, Ethel and Marilyn.
I spent some time with my children, and while visiting Ethel and Frank Wiens in Minnesota, I decided to live in the Eventide Home in Mountain Lake. I entered the home September of 1984 and lived in room 307 for about one year. I left Mountain Lake in 1985 to visit my children again. It was during this time and earlier that I became interested in latch hook rug making. I completed 231 projects and spent many happy hours keeping my hands busy at this task. Many friends and family members were given these colorful wall hangings.
D. M. spent his last days at daughter Linda and Ed Berg’s in Garden City, Kansas. Due to great difficulty in eating, he became very frail, but his mind was very alert. Linda was at his bedside when he took her hand and held it firmly while he gave instructions for his funeral. Then he said, “Oh, I hope the Lord takes me to heaven soon. I’m so tired. Jesus, take me to heaven.” Linda asked to read a Psalm. Instead, he began to quote Psalm 23, but couldn’t finish, so Linda prayed with him. He passed away in 1987 at the age of 93.
