Obituary - Valborg 'Vicki' Freyholtz

Valborg "Vicki" Freyholtz of Gildford passed away at her home Monday, April 11, 2022, of natural causes. 

Vicki was born June 20, 1939, in Havre, Montana, to Luvina (Raun) and Christian Klemetson. The youngest of three sisters, Vicki spent the majority of her youth on the family farm south of Rudyard, Montana, attending Rudyard schools.

Upon graduation, Vicki completed her teaching certificate at Concordia College. She returned to Montana, working as the primary teacher at the one-room Faber Schoolhouse south of Havre in the Bears Paw Mountains.

During this time, Vicki met a dashing young Minnesota man named Merten "Mert" Freyholtz, and the couple were married in 1960, spending 57 years together until Mert's passing in 2017. Together, the couple raised two bright and beautiful daughters, Laura Jean and Faye Colleen.

Vicki's kind and quiet demeanor sometimes disguised her quick wit and humor, but anyone who knew her well knew that Vicki was both very sharp and highly passionate. She spent many years advocating for environmental protection alongside Mert, writing letters, speaking at events, and protesting harmful practices.

Vicki was also a longtime dedicated member of the Lutheran Church, participating in Bible Study, Circle, Sunday School, and more. 

Vicki spent many years selling antiques, second-hand goods, and collectibles. As the co-owner of Mert's Antiques and Mert's Second Hand, Vicki learned the ins and outs of resale, often participating in local flea markets, gun shows and auctions, making many friends and acquaintances along the way. As times changed, Vicki learned how to sell online, making many successful sales to customers from around the world.

She was innovative and creative, and this was reflected in all her hobbies which included sewing, baking, reading, hiking, and gardening. 

The fondest memories of Vicki revolve around her family. As a wife, sister, aunt, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Vicki had the unique ability to make everyone feel heard and understood. She celebrated others' successes with genuine joy and was never one to steal the spotlight. She was a great conversationalist, confidant, and cheerleader, and truly saw the best in everyone. From board games to lefse-making, shopping trips to Sunday dinners, Vicki's light will continue to shine on through the memories and traditions of her family.

A proud Norwegian, lifelong Montanan and devout Christian, Vicki touched many lives in her 82 years. She is survived by her sisters Ruth Horinek of Hingham and Mary Ann Adams of Fort Benton; brother-in-law Bill Freyholtz of Minneapolis, MN; daughters Laura Federspiel of Gildford and Faye Erickson of Hingham; grandchildren Crystal (Mike) Glade of Schertz, TX, Michelle (Garrett) Clawson of Gildford, Ethan Federspiel of Havre, Kaleb Freyholtz of Havre and Christopher Hammond of Havre; great-grandchildren Aleah, Roman, Caius, Gavin, Cooper, Kynzie, Faith, Gage and Aiden, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association, Montana Environmental Information Center, or the charity of your choice.