Mila J. Hornstein

Mila Jean, was born on December 21, 1933 in the small town of Barton, North Dakota, to her very lucky parents Emil and Marion (Dahl) Peterson.  She was born in the doctor’s office as there was no hospital nearby.  Mila had two older sisters and after her younger brother was born, her mother became very ill and passed away. Mila was only two years old.

Emil raised his young family with the help of his parents. Emil’s job with the Soo Line Railroad required several moves so Mila began her elementary education at Rolette Public School until fourth grade. Then the family moved to Bisbee, ND and she attended Bisbee School until the seventh grade. A move to Rugby, ND is where she attended middle school and graduated from Rugby High School with the class of 1951.  Throughout all the moves, the family stayed together, with the love and support of their grandparents and they also learned to cook, clean, and do those many chores to keep a household running.

After high school, Mila worked for a time in the Dietary Department at Rugby Hospital, then later worked at the local dime store. One day at work, in walked a handsome soldier, Frank Hornstein who would be her future husband. While Frank was on leave, they married on December 27, 1951 at Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby, ND.  They moved to Fort Hood, Texas until Frank’s discharge from active duty.

They moved back to Rugby where they started their family and for a short time, they farmed with Frank’s brother until they purchased their own farm east of Crary, ND.  They farmed side by side, raised cattle and milked cows and were the proud parents of five beautiful children. Mila was a devoted farm wife, loving mother and grandmother throughout her entire life. She loved the farm and spent many hours milking cows, haying, and making sure everyone was fed and homework done. She loved watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren in their many school activities and sporting events. She was known to be a bit critical of the umpires and referees but of course that was just being a good grandma.   

They moved into Devils Lake in June of 1991, when their son Todd moved onto the home place, but they never officially retired from the farm.  They enjoyed fishing and time spent with family.

Mila was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Crary until it closed. She was in the choir, taught CCD and after joining St. Joseph Catholic Church in Devils Lake continued with the Christian Mothers Circle she was a part of at Sacred Heart and served as a Eucharistic Minister.

Mila was a woman of great faith, great love for family and a caring, giving heart to her community of Crary and Devils Lake.

Mila is survived by her children and their spouses Karen and Dave Senger of Medina MN, Linda Taylor of Grundy Center, Iowa, Kelly Hornstein and special friend Becky Tripp of Wahpeton ND, Brenda and Todd Christie also of Wahpeton and Todd and Denise Hornstein of Crary; eleven grandchildren Andrea (Ajay) George and Christopher Senger-Aimee Wolff, Jessica Schmaltz and Abby (Jon) McIntire-Amber (Jens) Stokke and Jason (Andrea) Hornstein-Jordan Christie and Jared (Lindsey) Christie-Alyssa (Jacob) Lagasse and Joseph Hornstein; great grandchildren Flora and Twyla George, Landen, Liam and Lennix Wolff, Lily and Logan Stokke, Emma, Easton and Ella Hornstein; brother Maynard (Corinne) Dahl; many nieces, nephews and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Frank on June 14, 2012, step mother Gladys Peterson and sisters Arnell Vicha and Elvina Schaan. 

Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Thursday, July 7, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. led by Reverend Mr. Ken Severinson, Deacon. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, July 8, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with the Very Reverend C.F. Wilhelm celebrating the Mass. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Casket Bearers will be her grandsons Jason, Chris, Jordan, Jared and Joey. Honorary Bearers will be Amber, Aimee, Jessica, Andrea, Alyssa and Abby. Bringing up the Eucharistic Gifts will be the great grandchildren. Reading Scripture will be Dave Senger.