Saralda Nathe
Saralda Sophie (Korf) Nathe, 92, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Saturday,
February 23, at the local Sheridan Memorial Nursing Home. After years of dealing with heart disease
and diabetes, she was recently diagnosed with cancer.
Saralda was born on the family dairy farm in Greenwald, MN, December 29, 1915, the third oldest of
eleven children. Along with her siblings, she was born in the parents' upstairs bedroom near the log
cabin where her father was born. Gerhard and Mathilda (Beste) Korf raised their family by instilling a
strong work ethic, while being actively involved in church, community affairs and politics. These
values and responsibilities were passed on to all of their children.
Saralda lived with her maternal grandparents in Freeport, MN during her first school years going to a
Catholic grade school. They were some of the first people in the area to get a radio. She "jumped"
third grade meaning she was promoted from second to fourth because of outstanding achievement.
Fifth through eighth grade was at Public School #61 where her father was chairman of the school
board. It was a 2 Y2 mile walk to school while quite frequently dodging the neighbor's dairy bulls.
Saralda Sophie (Korf) Nathe, 92, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Saturday,
February 23, at the local Sheridan Memorial Nursing Home. After years of dealing with heart disease
and diabetes, she was recently diagnosed with cancer.
Saralda was born on the family dairy farm in Greenwald, MN, December 29, 1915, the third oldest of
eleven children. Along with her siblings, she was born in the parents' upstairs bedroom near the log
cabin where her father was born. Gerhard and Mathilda (Beste) Korf raised their family by instilling a
strong work ethic, while being actively involved in church, community affairs and politics. These
values and responsibilities were passed on to all of their children.
Saralda lived with her maternal grandparents in Freeport, MN during her first school years going to a
Catholic grade school. They were some of the first people in the area to get a radio. She "jumped"
third grade meaning she was promoted from second to fourth because of outstanding achievement.
Fifth through eighth grade was at Public School #61 where her father was chairman of the school
board. It was a 2 Y2 mile walk to school while quite frequently dodging the neighbor's dairy bulls.
Church and social affairs centered around music by the Nathe Orchestra. Michael Nathe played the accordion. Saralda married Michael H.
"Mike" Nathe in May of 1936 in Minnesota. She ventured west with Mike, arriving by train in Whitetail, MT with $17.23 in hand. Not speaking
German to the local folks was the first of many adjustments for Saralda.
Together Mike and Saralda rented and farmed two different places: the Joe Lukovitz place and the Jack Burke place, both near the former Wolf
Creek Hall. The "Dirty Thirties" were difficult with voracious grasshoppers, massive army worms, relentless and sandy winds. Work on the
WPA helped supplement income. By 1943, they bought the Aslakson place 2½ miles south of Redstone. That farming and ranching operation
is known today as Nathe Ranch, specifically the Five Bar Diamond.
Like her parents, Saralda was active in church, community affairs and politics. Involvement included 4-Star 4-H Club, Wolf Creek Club, Home
Demonstration, Cow Belles, Mental Health Association, Sheridan Hospital and Nursing Home Auxiliary, Altar Society, American Legion
Auxiliary, Republican Women, WIFE, American Red Cross, Combined Fund Drive, Blood Drive, Memorial Heart and Gold Star Mothers.
In 1973, she was Montana Mother of the Year. A newspaper at that time said, "She can pull a calf, drive a tractor and set up a tea of home-made
goodies." She was a life long community volunteer and had a well-deserved reputation as a humanitarian. Many groups benefitted from her
time, energy, hard work and dedication. Lending a hand to others was just part of her kind and generous heart. Finding the good in people was
her natural approach.
She leaves behind her daughter-in-law, Della (Dennis) Nathe of Plentywood; sons Gerry (Pat) Nathe of Virginia, Kent (Jeanne) of Redstone,
Craig Nathe of CA, and daughter Diane (John) Larkins of CA. There are eleven grandchildren, all of whom recently rushed to visit their
Grandma while she could communicate. They are: Alycia Nathe, Big Timber; Michael (Kim) Nathe, Redstone; Lisa (Jim) Nutt, ID; Lauren (Chris
Chiacchierini) Nathe, OR; Anne(Eric) Spitz, MA; Joshua (Jenny) Larkins, CA; Michael (Valerie) Larkins, CA; Rachele’ (Karl) Klein, ID; Sherry (Bill
McAndrews) Larkins, CA; Judd Nathe, WA and Tara Nathe, ND. Saralda had 16 great-grandchildren. Number 17 is due now and number 18 is
due in June!
She was preceded in death by her parents, seven brothers, five sisters-in law, two brothers-in-law, her husband who lived in her heart, Mike,
her infant son Duane, her son, 1 st lieutenant Michael Nathe and her son Senator Dennis Nathe.
Thank you to Dr. Kirk Stoner, the extended family at the Pioneer Manor, the caring staff of the nursing home, Fulkerson Funeral Home, and the
angels of hospice. Such compassion and love allowed her to die with dignity.
Visitation and Rosary will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Friday, February 29 at 7:00 p.m. A celebration mass will be held at 10:00
a.m. on Saturday, March 1 at St. Joseph's Church.
Saralda was a humble person, and she would appreciate your prayers. If you are so inclined, a memorial may be made in her name to:
Mike and Saralda Nathe Scholarship Fund
Assumption Abbey
418 3rd Ave. W.
Richardton, ND 58652
or
Sheridan Memorial Hospice
440 West Laurel Ave.
Plentywood, MT 59254
"Mike" Nathe in May of 1936 in Minnesota. She ventured west with Mike, arriving by train in Whitetail, MT with $17.23 in hand. Not speaking
German to the local folks was the first of many adjustments for Saralda.
Together Mike and Saralda rented and farmed two different places: the Joe Lukovitz place and the Jack Burke place, both near the former Wolf
Creek Hall. The "Dirty Thirties" were difficult with voracious grasshoppers, massive army worms, relentless and sandy winds. Work on the
WPA helped supplement income. By 1943, they bought the Aslakson place 2½ miles south of Redstone. That farming and ranching operation
is known today as Nathe Ranch, specifically the Five Bar Diamond.
Like her parents, Saralda was active in church, community affairs and politics. Involvement included 4-Star 4-H Club, Wolf Creek Club, Home
Demonstration, Cow Belles, Mental Health Association, Sheridan Hospital and Nursing Home Auxiliary, Altar Society, American Legion
Auxiliary, Republican Women, WIFE, American Red Cross, Combined Fund Drive, Blood Drive, Memorial Heart and Gold Star Mothers.
In 1973, she was Montana Mother of the Year. A newspaper at that time said, "She can pull a calf, drive a tractor and set up a tea of home-made
goodies." She was a life long community volunteer and had a well-deserved reputation as a humanitarian. Many groups benefitted from her
time, energy, hard work and dedication. Lending a hand to others was just part of her kind and generous heart. Finding the good in people was
her natural approach.
She leaves behind her daughter-in-law, Della (Dennis) Nathe of Plentywood; sons Gerry (Pat) Nathe of Virginia, Kent (Jeanne) of Redstone,
Craig Nathe of CA, and daughter Diane (John) Larkins of CA. There are eleven grandchildren, all of whom recently rushed to visit their
Grandma while she could communicate. They are: Alycia Nathe, Big Timber; Michael (Kim) Nathe, Redstone; Lisa (Jim) Nutt, ID; Lauren (Chris
Chiacchierini) Nathe, OR; Anne(Eric) Spitz, MA; Joshua (Jenny) Larkins, CA; Michael (Valerie) Larkins, CA; Rachele’ (Karl) Klein, ID; Sherry (Bill
McAndrews) Larkins, CA; Judd Nathe, WA and Tara Nathe, ND. Saralda had 16 great-grandchildren. Number 17 is due now and number 18 is
due in June!
She was preceded in death by her parents, seven brothers, five sisters-in law, two brothers-in-law, her husband who lived in her heart, Mike,
her infant son Duane, her son, 1 st lieutenant Michael Nathe and her son Senator Dennis Nathe.
Thank you to Dr. Kirk Stoner, the extended family at the Pioneer Manor, the caring staff of the nursing home, Fulkerson Funeral Home, and the
angels of hospice. Such compassion and love allowed her to die with dignity.
Visitation and Rosary will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Friday, February 29 at 7:00 p.m. A celebration mass will be held at 10:00
a.m. on Saturday, March 1 at St. Joseph's Church.
Saralda was a humble person, and she would appreciate your prayers. If you are so inclined, a memorial may be made in her name to:
Mike and Saralda Nathe Scholarship Fund
Assumption Abbey
418 3rd Ave. W.
Richardton, ND 58652
or
Sheridan Memorial Hospice
440 West Laurel Ave.
Plentywood, MT 59254
| 1915 - 2008 |
Remembering Saralda
Linda Peterson Zuber
Tigard, OR
lindabean@comcast.net
My sincere sympathy to the Nathe family. Saralda was truly one of the great ladies of Sheridan County and the State of
Montana, and I know she will be missed by many. She's now safely Home.
...................................................................................................................
Michael Korf
Cottage Grove, MN
michaelk@konrdcorp.com
Thank you to the Mike and Saralda Nathe family for carrying on their family Legacy of hospitality, love and friendship as
we celebrated Saralda's move from this life to Life with God forever.
Tigard, OR
lindabean@comcast.net
My sincere sympathy to the Nathe family. Saralda was truly one of the great ladies of Sheridan County and the State of
Montana, and I know she will be missed by many. She's now safely Home.
...................................................................................................................
Michael Korf
Cottage Grove, MN
michaelk@konrdcorp.com
Thank you to the Mike and Saralda Nathe family for carrying on their family Legacy of hospitality, love and friendship as
we celebrated Saralda's move from this life to Life with God forever.
| . . . . in Memory of . . . . |