Bergit Telnes

Bergit Straume Telnes was born on June 26, 1931, in Fjell, Norway. She was born to parents Jakob and Nilsina Straume and grew up on the family farm. She was one of eight children in the Straume family.

Bergit met Magne Telnes at a dance, and they got engaged before eventually marrying on July 17, 1954, at Dom Kirke in Bergen, Norway. Their marriage lasted for 62 years, setting a wonderful example for their family.

They had four children. Their first child, Lillian, was born in 1956. Afterward, they immigrated to Seattle, Washington where they had three more children: Rodney, Linda, and Anita.

Bergit was a homemaker, and she worked as a bookkeeper for her husband's business, contributing to their family's livelihood.

During their life in the United States, Bergit and Magne came to know the Lord, and faith became an essential part of their lives. It played a vital role in shaping their values and beliefs. Second to her faith was her family. She prayed for each member of her family daily. Bergit’s gift was making things with her hands. Her hands were not just skilled; they were a source of comfort and love. Her creations were not just objects; they were expressions of her care and affection for her family and friends. Bergit’s recipes are loved and often made by her family still today. From Friday pancakes to Christmas Eve, the memories created in her home will be forever cherished.

In her later years, Bergit and Magne would take daily walks which often ended in Edmonds at Starbucks for coffee. She loved being a grandmother and had a close relationship with her grandchildren. Bergit was blessed to know her great-grandchildren as well.

Bergit Telnes went home to be with the Lord on Monday, September 11, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Bothilde; brothers, Hans, Nils, Bernt and Jakob; great-grandson Isaac and her husband Magne Telnes.

She is survived by her children; Lillian (Rolfe) Sunwall, Rodney (Karen) Telnes, Linda (Brad) Thompson, Anita (John) Hardy; her grandchildren; Trisha (Nick) Heck, Caleb (Whitney) Sunwall, Brandon (Kendall) Thompson, Krista (Nick) Sheldon, Megan (Bryan) Ayers, Lauren (Scott) McGough, Jessica (Matt) Lowe, Nicholas (Reisa) Hardy, Robert Thompson, Amanda (Jeromy) Blomquist; great-grandchildren Lilliana & Addisyn Heck, Cecelia & Morgan Sunwall, Bennett & Charlie Thompson, Georgia & Marshall Ayers, Dakota & Griffin McGough, Gwynevere, Madison, Cohen & Desmond Lowe, Hansen & Halle Hardy, Asher Blomquist; brothers, Alf (Gunlaug) Straume and Gunnar (Solfrid) Straume; numerous in-laws and nieces and nephews. Blessed be her memory.

A memorial service will be held October 7th, at 11:00 am at Rock of Ages Lutheran Brethren Church, Seattle, Washington. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Samaritans Purse.