To view the Sharing of Memories service, click here: https://youtu.be/SG9hJ5vdIvM?si=Ag6b1HhwhqjjZSL9

To view the Memorial Service, click here: https://youtu.be/phkzINNYLP4?si=o4FZPZHKj0u4HZI2

MOHALL – Thelma Irene Gates, 97, Bismarck, formerly of Mohall and Loraine, died Friday, March 29, 2024, at a Bismarck care center.
Thelma Irene Engh was born April 18, 1926, on the family farm near Kramer, to Adolph and Thora (Sorlie) Engh.  She was the fourth of seven children, making her the "peace-keeping" middle child, a trait that would follow her throughout her life.
The family moved to Souris when she was three, and in 1935, they relocated to a farm west of Sherwood where she attended country school through the eighth grade.  She went to high school in Sherwood, graduating with the Sherwood High School Class of 1944.
Thelma worked several jobs throughout high school, including the grocery store, creamery and movie theater.  She spent one summer in Seattle, working in parts inventory for Boeing Aircraft.  She stayed with her oldest sister, Amy, and brother-in-law, Harold, during this time.  It wasn't all work however, as she recalled many fond memories of the fun she and her best friend, Byrle (Hanson) Stewart, had in 4H, roller skating and going to area dances.
It was at one of those dances where she met Wilfred "Bill" Gates of Loraine, whom she began dating and would marry on September 22, 1945.  They spent the first several years on the "home quarter" west of Loraine, where they had their first three children.  They moved into Loraine and completed their family with two more children.
Thelma was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Mohall, the Hurley Homemakers, Mohall Study Club and a bowling team.  Thelma was the epitome of a farm wife and mother.  She raised a large garden, sewed clothes for the girls, took meals to the field, and was always "on call" to make a grain sample or parts run.  She was very involved in her children's activities, and later on, enjoyed following and supporting her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
Once their family was raised, she and Bill enjoyed traveling and spent many winters in Lake Havasu, AZ.  They moved into the Mohall nursing home in the fall of 2016.  After Bill's passing in November of 2018, Thelma remained there until October 2023 when she moved to Baptist Health and Rehab Center in Bismarck.  She spent those final months surrounded by family who provided her with much love and countless opportunities.  Thank you Lisa, Kim and families!
Family: Those left to mourn her passing, but forever grateful for her faith and love include her children, Sally Moberg, Billie (Emmet) Moberg, Jack (Susan) Gates and Tammy Swenson; grandchildren, Peter (Michelle) Moberg, Penny (Mark) Mathews, Eric (Leah) Moberg, Brad (Shannon) Moberg, Jami (Hans) Burbidge, Llonna (Cory Heath) Burbidge, Lisa (Lance) Trihub, Kim (Ryan) Melin, Matt (Lexi) Gates, and Emma Swenson; 14 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Thelma was preceded in death by:  parents, Adolph and Thora Engh; husband, Wilfred "Bill" Gates; daughter, Julie Burbidge; sons-in-law, Kenneth Moberg and Fred Burbidge; and siblings, Amy Lehn, Arnold Engh, Nora Gahn, Earl Engh Sr., Robert Engh and Karen Haskins.
Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 7, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church, Mohall.
Burial: Loraine Cemetery, Loraine.
Sharing of Memories Service (Open to the public): 7:00 p.m., Thursday, June 6, 2024, at the church.
Visitation: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, at the church.  Friends may also sign the online guestbook at brosefuneralhome.com.
Memorials: Memorials preferred to Zion Lutheran Church, Mohall, or the Loraine Cemetery, Loraine.
(Brose Funeral Home, Mohall)