GOLBERG, Florence M. (Myhre) 1936-2015

GOLBERG, MYHRE

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 7/3/2015 at 12:33:13

#1:

Pending Notice: Florence M. Golberg, 78

Florence M. Golberg, 78, born Dec. 5, 1936, wife of Olaf “Ole” Golberg, passed away July 2, 2015, in St. Ansgar, Iowa. Services are pending with Schroeder and Sites, St. Ansgar, Iowa.

Source: Austin Daily Herald website,
Published 10:14am Friday, July 3, 2015
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#2:

Florence M. Golberg, 78

Florence M. Golberg, 78, passed away July 2, 2015, at the Good Samaritan Society in St. Ansgar, Iowa, after a valiant fight with cancer. Her strong faith and will to live each day was her testament as a loving wife and mother.

Florence was born December 5, 1936, in rural Lyle to Conrad and Veta Myhre. She and her three siblings were raised on the family farm east of Lyle. Florence was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Lyle.

After graduating from Lyle High School in 1954, Florence completed business classes in Austin, Minnesota, and accepted a position with First Bank of Austin. She welcomed new technology and took great pride in learning new business skills, often referred to as “ahead of her time.”

On June 27, 1955, Florence married her high school sweetheart, Olaf (Ole) Golberg. They were married in the chapel at Fort Chaffee Army base in Arkansas, where Ole was stationed. After Ole was discharged from the army they returned to make their home in Lyle. Florence and Ole were faithful members of Our Saviors Lutheran church in Lyle. As a member of the choir and often accompanying on piano or organ, Florence embraced a strong spiritual connection with her faith through music. Florence was the church treasurer for many years. She was respected for her financial and organizational skills. The “adding machine” keys could hardly keep up with her accelerated pace.

Florence continued her banking and finance career at Farmers State Bank in Lyle. She enjoyed the social aspect of the business as much as performing the banking tasks. Florence supported the Lyle community serving on the city council; participating as a first responder; and coordinating and contributing with many fundraising events. Florence often facilitated the Fourth of July program announcements in the city park and played the keyboard in the community band with long-time friends.

In the early 90’s Florence and Ole relocated to Tempe, Arizona. Once again, Florence added to her banking experiences while accepting a part-time position with Bank of America. During her “off time” she embraced the Southwest culture. In her early 60’s she learned to swim. After accelerating her skill level she became the water aerobics instructor at the community pool.

In 2007 Florence and Ole returned to the Midwest relocating to St. Ansgar, Iowa, where several family members reside. After retiring with over 30 years of banking experience, Florence embraced the familiar town and new opportunities ahead. When Florence and Ole became members of First Lutheran Church, Florence joined the choir. She volunteered at the Good Samaritan Society Center. Florence entertained the residents, accepting song requests at the piano and helping serve many cups of coffee, offering engaging conversation and her signature smile. She also volunteered with the meals on wheels program.

The eternal optimist even on the most dark, cold, grey winter days, Florence visualized the joys of spring just ahead — preparing the bird feeders, getting the bicycles out of storage from Nels’ garage, daily walks through town and “day trips” exploring Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin with Ole.

Florence’s kitchen: the aroma of fresh coffee and a delicious “surprise” that was ready to emerge from the oven. If you didn’t have room for a second serving she would wrap up a “to go” bag for you. The holidays guaranteed several dozen of the finest Norwegian treats: lefsa, rosettes and specialty cookies. Florence cooked with love, so comfortable in her kitchen often singing and dancing with Elvis and Roy Orbison. She was there for all of us. Kitchen table conversations always included her engaging laughter and if needed, a listening confidential ear.

With a true competitive spirit, Florence challenged most anyone with games including cards, crossword puzzles, board games and bowling. For many years, Florence was a member of a bowling league and earned several trophies while accomplishing many plus-600 series games and high scorer at the state tournament. Her small frame could guide a 16-pound bowling ball with grace and perfect form, often ending with a “fist pump.”

“Get Up, Dress Up, Show Up and Never Give Up,” a quote by Genevieve Rhode best describes Florence’s life journey.

Florence is survived by her husband of 60 years, Ole of St. Ansgar; daughter, Kathy Golberg Santa Rosa, California; sister Alta Joynes, Austin, Minnesota; brother, Eugene (Audrey) Myhre St. Ansgar; brother, sister-in-law, Nels and Shirley Golberg, St. Ansgar; Robert and Karen Cook, Charles City, Iowa; nephews and nieces: Lisa (John) Dockstader, St. Ansgar, Wendy (Chris) Patterson, St. Ansgar, Brent Golberg, Owatonna, Minnesota, Terry Leidall, St. Ansgar, Dennis (Jessica) Leidall, Petoskey, Michigan, Tori Lowe, LaQuinta, California, Debra Shouman, Indio, California, Kevin (Arlene) Myhre, St. Ansgar, Pam Perkins, Northwood, Iowa, Darwin (Swanee) Farlinger, Lake City, Minnesota, David (Kathy) Farlinger, Leroy Minnesota, Diane (Jeff) Korte, Forrest City, Iowa; many cousins, great-nieces and nephews.

Florence was preceded in death by her parents Conrad and Veta Myhre; infant son, Steven; and her sister Loretta Leidall.

Very special thanks to many family members and friends that provided transportation, prayers and unconditional love while Florence traveled to and from medical appointments and treatments; Austin, Minnesota, Rochester, Minnesota Mayo Clinic healthcare team members and Dr. Ross for providing excellent healthcare; Good Samaritan Society Center St. Ansgar team members for all you do every day and for creating the warm, comfortable environment that feels like home when you can no longer be home; St Croix hospice team for providing healthcare with dignity, comfort, spiritual guidance and music therapy. To Pastor Paul Weeg, our deepest gratitude for your prayers and visits.

A memorial service will be on July 8, 2015, at 1 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, Iowa, with the Rev. W. Paul Weeg officiating. Burial will be in the Six Mile Grove Cemetery, Lyle, Minnesota. Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home of St. Ansgar is in charge of arrangements, www.schroederandsites.com .

Source: Austin Daily Herald website,
Published 9:17 am Monday, July 6, 2015

Also see Mason City Globe Gazette for July 7, 2015