Elizabeth (Betty) Helen Serdahl, 95, entered Heaven’s gates on July 16th, 2020. She passed away of congestive heart failure while living at Open Arms Elder Care in Belgrade, MT.
Born in Fargo, ND on October 16, 1924 to Dirk Johannes Geiken and Sophie Uchytil Geiken, Betty attended school in Fargo and graduated in January of 1943. Betty developed a love for the piano at age 9, and she coaxed her parents into buying a piano and lessons. While in high school, she added the violin and French horn, giving her a great foundation in music. Her high school piano teacher pushed for her to audition with The Juilliard School of Music in New York; however, God had other plans as Betty felt the calling to go to Bible college and prepare to be a missionary.
In 1944, while attending Central Bible College in Springfield, MS, she was introduced to Walter Serdahl of Columbus, ND. In the summer of 1949 after college graduation, Betty and Walter’s paths would cross once again at Lake Geneva Bible Camp at Alexandria, MN. Shortly thereafter, Walter was asked to be the assistant pastor at Betty’s church, the Fargo First Assembly of God. Walter and Betty were engaged in January of 1950 and married on April 8th, 1950. They pastored at churches in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Montana. While at their first church in Roseau, Minnesota, they welcomed their son, Daniel Charles Serdahl and three years later in Springfield, MN, a daughter, Beth Eileen Serdahl Pickthorn was added to the family.
In August of 1970, they moved to Wolf Point, MT to minister at the Assembly of God church. They went on to minister at other church locations in 1975 and traveled as evangelists for many years. They returned back to Wolf Point in 1988 to semi-retire from the ministry. Over the years, Betty gave piano lessons to so many wonderful students. She was fortunate to give lessons to many generations within the same family at times.
After 44 years of marriage, Betty had to say goodbye to Walter on February 13, 1994, when he passed away of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease).
Betty moved from Wolf Point to Poulsbo, WA in the summer of 2002 to be closer to her son, Dan. She enjoyed the Pacific Northwest for 14 years and was a member of Gateway Fellowship Church. In October 2016, Betty moved back to Wolf Point to live with her daughter, Beth, and then moved into a private assisted living home in Belgrade, MT in February 2019.
Betty is preceded in death by her husband Walter Serdahl, mother Sophie Geiken, father Dirk Geiken, and brother and sister in law Don and Millie Gieken. Betty will be forever remembered by her son Daniel (Laurie) Serdahl of Sisters, OR, daughter Beth Serdahl Pickthorn of Wolf Point, MT, Granddaughters Danielle (Joe) Prewett of Belgrade, MT, Carly (Whit) Rush of Wolf Point, MT, and her great grandchildren, whom she adored, Hannah Prewett, Ayla, Cannon and Hope Rush.
Family graveside services will be held on Thursday, July 23rd, 2020.
Virginia bitterman says
It’s hard to lose a loved one but knowing that Betty is healthy and enjoying the beauty of heaven and united with Walt brings comfort to a grieving heart.
Pastor Steve Berry says
In 1985 and in later years Betty and Walter held revival services at Alston’s Corner Assembly of God in Rainier, Oregon. They were so encouraging to us as younger pastors. Her sweet spirit and gift of leading worship playing the piano was such a blessing.
Valerie G Boyd says
Heaven has gained a wonderful woman of God. Sister Serdahl’s life was such a wonderful example and testimony to me as a young woman. I knew God was real through faithful people like Brother and Sister Serdahl, along with my parents. I loved Sister Serdahl’s piano playing so much that I took lessons from her for several years. What a patient woman. Love you dearly Sister Serdahl. You will be missed.
Rev'd Canon Dr. Joe Eyison says
A mighty oak has fallen on earth and surfaced in heaven! When my wife and I joined the Assembly of God in Wolf Point, we were the only Africans in the congregation and also in the reservation. For those who may not know, anyone in our position needed to be made to feel at home. Mama Betty would call to find out why we missed church and to find out if all was well with us. The periodic supply of pastries made us feel someone was always thinking about us. I served with her on the Board of Deacons and as secretary, she made work look so easy. She had a very sharp memory and just by looking at members in attendance, she could note all those who were absent for that day and send them copies of the day’s programme.
Mama Betty was such a sweet sweet gentle lady, soft-spoken but firm in her convictions. We thank the dear Lord for making our paths cross and for the lessons in life that she taught us. Mama, rest from your labour and rise in glory.
Judy Ferdina says
Beth, since I don’t seem to have your email address, I will send my thoughts and prayers to you via this. Many nice memories of dinners with you and the family after church. Nice memories of you and Lane while living in Wolf Point. Thinking of you at this time. Love, Judy and Marvin
Joanne King-Williams says
I can only imagine what it will be like, meeting my family and friends who have gone before us to heaven.—It may be soon!
My thoughts and prayers are with Daniel Charles, Beth, and the rest of the family.
Love, and hugs.
Joanne
Faith Vanover says
We were so blessed to have Betty with us at Open Arms. She became a dear friend and left us with many wonderful memories. Thank you for sharing her with us!!! Rod and Faith
Michelle Barsness says
Mrs. Serdahl was my piano teacher when I was in grade school. I learned a lot from this wonderful woman who had a lot of patience especially with a child that had a hard time keeping time to the music. My condolences to the family. Prayers.