Irma was born on Nov. 12, 1933, to Albert and Huldah Karge, in Wolf Point, MT. She was raised 20 miles north of Wolf Point on the family farm. She was "famous" for her construction projects as a child. She would build playhouses everywhere - in trucks, the hayrack, grain ins....
Her early schooling was at a rural school, which she had to walk to and from, during the summer months. She attended high school in Wolf Point, where she graduated as salutatorian of her class, and was a member of the marching band. She attended college at Northern Montana College, majoring in elementary education. Irma received numerous scholarships and academic awards during her college career. She was also a member of the NMC Band. Following graduation, Irma taught first grade in Scobey and Wolf Point for a total of eight years. She married Thomas J. Christensen in 1962, and moved to his ranch 20 miles south of Scobey. They raised wheat, cattle and two adopted children: Kay Christensen of Billings and Kent Christensen of Scobey.
Irma always made sure that her children were loved and treated as her own. She attended ballgames, had special birthday parties, spent countless hours with the kids and their horses, made picnics to take to the river, spent many hours helping with her children's education, was a 4-H leader, a Sunday School teacher, and was a surrogate mother to strays - both animals and kids alike. She had a deep faith in God, and tried her best to pass that faith on to her kids. Irma was in a word, a giver. She was always helping anyone who asked or who needed it in any way that she could. Anytime an unexpected guest arrived, she made sure there was enough food to feed them on a moment's notice, and plenty of coffee to visit over. Her cooking was excellent always. In 1986, Irma was blessed with a granddaughter, Alissa (Kay). They were very close, and once again Irma was sewing Barbie clothes, playing dolls, having "tea parties" and reading hundreds of books to her special granddaughter. They spent hours baking goodies, having bonfires, capturing wild kittens, and planting in the garden. Irma also found the time to sew, crochet, knit, do many crafts and write poetry. She was so proud of her poetry books, and she should have been; they are wonderful. She wrote about what she knew - her family, ranch life and her country. Her books include: "Midnight Meanderings," "More Midnight Meanderings" and "Still Meandering at Midnight." She also loved to shop: Woolworth's, Ben Franklin and garage sales were her favorites. Irma was a friend to anyone who needed to talk or a shoulder to cry on. She lived a Christian life, and was not afraid to show it. After many years of failing health, her body was too tired to go on, and God wrapped his arms around her and took her to live with him in eternal peace.
Her time on earth was far too short for those she left behind, and she leaves a void that nobody can fill; but we will meet again one day and our family will once again be complete.
Irma was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Harvey Karge; many aunts and uncles; and a stillborn baby daughter. She is survived by her children, Kay and Kent; husband of 45 years, Thomas Christensen; granddaughter Alissa; brother Kenny Karge, of Seaside, Ore.; and numerous nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts and cousins. We will miss you, Mom, and you will always be in our hearts.
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