Lola Mae Huwe

Lola Mae Huwe, 72, Bismarck, died peacefully in her home on March 12, 2011, with her family by her side, following a brief struggle with brain cancer. Lola did not want a funeral. A celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 AM at Bismarck Mandan Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and Church, 818 E. Divide Avenue, Bismarck. Lola was born on October 20, 1938, to Joel and Ida Mae Ramberg at Mrs. Minover's Maternity Home in Bismarck. She was raised, along with her older sister Jean, in Tioga, Nesson Valley, White Earth, Welock, and Ray. They moved to Bismarck where Lola graduated from high school at age 15. After graduation, she attended Minot State Teachers College for two years. On August 17, 1957, Lola married the love of her life, Clair Huwe. They raised three children. At age 50, Lola went back to school and got her first paying job as a legal secretary. She enjoyed camping, traveling, fishing, reading, music, spending time with her family, and laughter. With a passion for justice and equality for all, Lola founded the Central Dakota Chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays PFLAG. She was an active member of the ND Peace Coalition, the Bismarck Human Relations Committee, the Bismarck Mandan Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and Church, and the ND Association for the Blind. She was also a beloved performer with Dragon Jane Theatre Company. Lola was a recent recipient of the Arc of Justice Award from the ND Human Rights Coalition. She was a frequent volunteer at the Ruth Meiers Hospitality House. Her final wish was to die in the home Clair built for her. She was able to do this. Lola is survived by her husband, Clair of Bismarck; her son, Terry Renae Huwe of Bismarck; her daughters, Ella Huwe Carlie Carow of Fargo, and Julie Huwe of Bismarck; her grandchildren, Kristi Rasmussen Steve Henrich of St. Paul, MN, Joel and Eric Huwe of Bismarck, and Cody and Brandee Huwe of Fargo; her sister, Jean Carl Bartels of Anchorage, Alaska; daughters of her heart, Diane Markel of White Bear Lake, MN, Kris Kitko and Karen Van Fossan of Bismarck; sister of her heart, Donna Kahl of Darby, MT; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and all her "PFLAG kids". Memorials may be given to Bismarck Cancer Center, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, or the Trevor Project.

Lola Mae Huwe

October 20, 1938 - March 12, 2011