Lela Beth Sigmundstad ran into Jesus’ arms on October 1, 2023, unexpectedly to us, but with no fear of Heaven.
Lela was born in Circle to Jacob and Mildred (Tew) Jensen on February 20th, 1952, she joined an extraordinary family that wouldn’t have been complete without her.
Small in stature all her life, she was a giant in heart and spirit. She was a much bigger deal than she ever knew.
With six older siblings and one younger (Jerry, Neil, Bob, Jack, Karen, Anne and Jim), the stories of the Jensen kids are legendary, and a heritage we all treasure.
Life on a farm suited her personality, and she relished the days of a horseback ride to her favorite spot with a good book and a sleeve of saltine crackers. Spunky and strong, she recalled days of tossing small bales, winning barrel and pole races on her horses, and an occasional round of Indian leg-wrestling! She was a good mixture of fiesty and sweet.
Early on, she showed a special gift for music. More than a few times she’d find herself dragged out of bed by her big brother, Bob, to ‘play a few songs you know’ for he and his buddies. Her brother, Jack, once admitted, “She could’ve made it to Nashville, but we were selfish and kept her to ourselves.” Nashville or not, she was famous in her own right, especially amongst her family. No gathering was complete without her voice and guitar leading the band and lighting the dancing feet of family and friends.
Her talent and beautiful voice captured hearts at dances, weddings, church, and funerals (not to mention a back porch or two), and combined to give us a heritage of song that won’t stop playing in our hearts.
Beyond music, her heart’s desire and passion were for Jesus and her family. She dedicated her life to be a blessing to her devoted husband of 50 years, Dave, and her children Rafe (Melissa), Jason (Elisa), and Erin (Ryan). Her grandchildren (Rachel, Lexi, Blake, Gabe, Allison, Graham, McKenzie, Kimber, and Jace) were extremely precious to her and she cherished watching them grow up.
Lela was a woman who defined selflessness, caring, and unwavering love. There was never a bad time to talk to her, or a problem too big for her and Jesus to help you with. She’d talk you through it, then pray you through it! She always had time for prayer.
We knew her as an encourager and a giver. The Danish side of her provided the stubborn streak that didn’t mind a challenge.
Lela was a homemaker, a teacher, a preacher, a goat herder and a wildflower.
Heaven got even brighter when it gained her beautiful smile and that irresistible twinkle in her blue eyes. Her cousin, Clint, figures they were having a big dance and needed her to lead the music.
We’ll trust Jesus to help us through the dimmer world you left behind, Mom, knowing you’re singing and dancing with Him and the loved ones gone before.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Assembly of God Church in Circle.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Barb Hoover says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
She was a talented and loving friend. Keith and Barb
Tami Strand says
Dave, Erin and family, Our thoughts and Prayers are with you. She was a wonderful lady, had a heart of gold and Loved the Lord. She played many hours of music with my parents(Rob & Marge Schriver and sister Roxann) I was so pleased to get to be in church the beginning of August and worship with Lela, Her singing was from the heart. She will be greatly missed. Jeff & Tami Strand
Bill Turner says
So sorry.
Bradley O. Carlson says
Dave,
So sorry to hear about Lela. Many hours listening to her, Kathy and Ern make music.
Larry and Sheri Schmidt says
Dave, Erin, Rafe, and Jason and families, please know we grieve with you. Lela was a lovely person and great neighbor for the past many years. Her music meant so much to so many.
Kathy Aakre Ruddy says
What a kind and loving Lady – my condolences to the family. Rest in Peace Lela.
Kathy Kuntz says
Sending my deepest sympathy to all of Lela’s family! She was a kind, loving, talented lady who will be greatly missed by all who knew her!
Jessica Schmidt Bradley says
To all of Lela’s family, words cannot express the sadness I feel for your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences, and may you find God’s peace amid this grief.
She was a kind, beautiful lady. I have many great memories of coming and going over “the hill”. She was always so kind and welcoming! She will be missed.
Della Van Horn says
So sorry to hear of Lela’s passing. She sang at our wedding 43 years ago and at my parents’ funerals. She was a godly, humble woman that shared her God given talent. She will be missed.
Jim and Annalise Willson says
Dave we are so sorry to hear about Lela. I was so glad to get reacquainted with you when you were checking the scales at Solaris Feeders in Miles City and Kinsey Feedlots. It was over sixty five years ago that we went to school together at Joliet, MT. Ann always enjoyed the jokes you had to tell her. May Lela REST IN PEACE.
Long time friends
Jim and Annalise Willson
robert says
although did not know her and am myself from circle. sounds like someone i should have known
Condolences to family and frinds….
Bob and Marge Moore says
Dave and family. I send my sincere sympathy to you all. I am totally shocked. LELA has always been there for everyone else. 🫂
Jack Fleming says
Dave Erin and family
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your wife and mom. She was always so willing to share her gift of music
Jackie Boysunp says
What a beautiful voice silenced, but know she is singing in heavens choir. So sorry to Lela’s family for their loss. She truly left a legacy in her faith and music. RIP Lela
Peggy says
Erin,
You’re in our thoughts and prayers in the loss of your mom.
Peggy
Denise (Strand) Stambaugh says
Condolences to Lela’s family. Such a talented lady gone way too soon. She and her talents will definitely be missed. Prayers!
MARIDEL KASSNER says
Our hearts go out to Lela’s family! Hugs to all of you!
Tim Kuehn says
A privilege to have met this extraordinary person.
Jim and Anita says
Dave and family,
Lela had a beautiful soul and will be missed by so many. RIP Lela. Our hearts ache for you all, peace and comfort be with your family.
Channa Clarin says
Sigmundstad’s, we are praying for you all and for God’s comfort to be so present and to surround each one of you! ❤ I love dear Lela and so enjoyed studying the Bible with her. Her quick wit and banter always spiced up our Bible study! She encouraged me so much in more ways than anyone will know. I thank God for granting me the opportunity to meet her and to praise the Lord with her on Sundays. She sure is adding some good music to the choir up there in heaven! I sure do look forward to seeing her in heaven when I get there! ❤❤
Rich Greenwald says
I cherish the times that Lela led us into the presence of Jesus in Worship. Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family in your time of grief.
Joe and Kayla Kiel says
Dave, Erin, Jason, Rafe and families
Our prayers are with you. Praying for comfort and strength in the coming days and weeks ahead! Your mom was very special to us!!
Roscoe and Sharon Schmidt says
Dave and Lela ‘s extended family ,the bells are ringing and I hear her destinct voice……so sorry and yet so blessed to have known Lela for nearly sixty years.
Lana Pawlowski Garpestad says
Dave, Erin and family,
I pray a peace surrounds you knowing Lela is in the arms of Jesus. I have a fond memory of her singing with our dad, Larry. Those kind of memories last a lifetime; she was special!
Patsy & Mike Davis says
Dave & Family,
So, so sorry for your heartbreaking loss of your wife and soulmate, Dave! I never met her, but I always enjoyed our visits and your jokes over coffee down at B & C Oil for many years!
Jontee says
Out thoughts and prayers r with Dave & family and the Jensen family. Lela meant the world to our family, she will be so missed. We r unable to be with u today, but know we will be thinking about each of u. Love u all, from The Ohanesian family
Patsy Kuntz says
My deepest sympathy to your family! Lela sang many songs for many people! God bless all of you!
Roxy Kasten Musser says
My deepest sympathies. Lela had such a beautiful gift in her voice. May God hold you all close and bless you.
Jim Magalsky says
To Dave and family. So sorry to hear about Lela but know she’s in a far better place and we Christians will see her again soon.
Cort and Alicia says
Our prayers are with you