Irene Elna Olson was born to Mabel (Johnson) and Ed C Olson on August 27, 1928 in Williston, ND. She passed away on January 7, 2021 while visiting her daughters home in Goodyear, AZ. She was the third of 10 siblings. As a child Irene attended Johnson School near the family farm in Williams County and graduated from Williston High School in 1947. She was a member of First Lutheran Church.

On May 27, 1948 Irene was united in marriage to ElRoy Sundby. They were married for 44 years and were blessed with three daughters, Linda, Brenda and Beth. Irene and ElRoy co-owned and operated Booke Motor Service in Williston for 30 plus years. During that time they enjoyed camping, fishing, flying, dune-buggying and traveling together. ElRoy passed away in 1992.

In 1994 Irene was married to Lyle Hillstead. They made their primary home in Williston and enjoyed spending the winter months in Arizona. Lyle and Irene were married for 23 years, until Lyles passing in 2017.

Irene is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Linda and Craig Modahl of Sisters, Or and Goodyear, AZ, daughters Brenda Modahl and Beth Busch of Beaverton, OR; four grandchildren: Jason (Katie O) Modahl of Amsterdam, Netherlands; Katie (Ricardo) Pina of Gilbert, AZ; Holly (Nick) VanNood of Vancouver, WA; and Kurt Modahl of Portland, OR; great grandchildren London Grace and Willa Sundby Modahl of Amsterdam and Hendrik VanNood of Vancouver, WA; Stepchildren Jim (Patti) Hillstead, Linda (Mel) Cottle and Kathy Magnone and their children and grandchildren; siblings Maxine Nelson and Kenneth Olson, in-laws Pati Olson, Arvine Olson and Duane Diedrich as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers James, Morris, Elvin, Floyd and Clarence Olson, sisters Helene Diedrich and Marion Olson, husbands ElRoy Sundby and Lyle Hillstead, son-in-law Kurt Modahl and great granddaughter Sofia Irene Pina.

Per Irene’s wishes her ashes will be buried alongside Elroy in Riverview Cemetery.

Memorial Contribution