Goldie M. Hjelmen, 80, of rural Blooming Prairie, died Thursday, Sept. 8, 2011, at her home.

Goldie Mae Berge was born Oct. 24, 1930, in Decorah, Iowa, to Paul and Palma (Johnson) Berge. Goldie’s family moved to Austin, Minn., where she graduated from Austin High School in 1949 and worked at Hormel. On June 2, 1951, she married Gordon Hjelmen in Austin. The couple started their family in Blooming Prairie, later moving to the farm in Westfield Township, Dodge County, Minn. Goldie had many talents and interests, including ceramics, knitting, crocheting, gardening, baking, and crossword puzzles. She was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie. She spent several years caring for her grandchildren, who brought her much joy.

Survivors include her husband, Gordon of Blooming Prairie; three sons, Steven Hjelmen of Blooming Prairie, Richard (Renee) Hjelmen of Garrison, S.D., Michael Hjelmen (Tammy Bordeaux) of Blooming Prairie; 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one sister, Marion Strong of Blooming Prairie; one brother, Gordon (Elaine) Berge of Waterville, Minn.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Norma Berge, Betty Enright, and Tevaleen Winger; daughter, Mary Hjelmen Gifford; one grandson, Michael John Hjelmen.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, September 12, at the First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie with Pastor Charles Leonard officiating. Visitation will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at First Lutheran Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.