Tollie M. Schaumberg

Tollie, daughter of Christ Nielsen and Anna Margareta Christansen, died peacefully on May 17, 2013, at the age of 106. During her final days she was lovingly cared for by her daughter-in-law, Roberta Schaumberg, close friend, Carol Sauer, and Sanford Hospice workers and Comfort Keepers caregivers. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at Trinity Lutheran Church in downtown Bismarck, 502 N. 4th Street, with Rev. Steve Sathre presiding. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Tollie was born on February 13, 1907, in Washburn, ND. She was very close to her eight siblings: Hans, Florence, Leonard, Esther, Gordon, Rose, Anne, and Charles, and much to her sorrow outlived them all. The family lived and worked on several different farms living very modestly off the land. While teaching first grade, Tollie met the love of her life, George Schaumberg, who had come from Jamestown to teach in Washburn. They married in 1930 and had their first son, G. Richard "Dick", in 1933. The family was complete when Robert Simon was born in 1940. Tollie and George were very proud of their boys who both became members of the military; Richard graduating from West Point and Robert from the Air Force Academy. Tollie enjoyed her membership in the Trinity Lutheran Church circle, Mothers Club, and a sewing club. Tollie and George were huge supporters of the Dakota Zoo, as well as influential in its growth and development. She was a charter member of the Bismarck Arts and Galleries Association serving in different capacities over the years. Her love of art was matched by her love of plants. Tollie enjoyed gardening and it was evident she possessed a green thumb, especially when she lived at the house on 6th Street. Her rose garden was the envy of many! Tollie was an avid reader and enjoyed her annual performing arts tickets, and playing bridge. Lots of bridge. Even at the age of 100 she was a member of three different bridge groups! At the age of 103, Tollie was featured in "Beautiful Women of North Dakota", because she continued to be a woman of dignity and poise. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Roberta Schaumberg; grandson, Terry Schaumberg and his family, Sylvia, Jaren and Sierra; granddaughter, Jill Schaumberg Middleton and her family, Robert and Bianca Kay; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. Tollie was preceded in death by her husband, George, and her sons, Dick and Robert. Although their early deaths caused her great heart ache, she continued to be an active community member and a role model for all who knew her. The sadness her family and friends feel about her death is overshadowed by their contentment that she is once again with the men she so dearly missed. Memorials may be given to Sanford Hospice.

Tollie M. Schaumberg

February 13, 1907 - May 17, 2013