Inez Marie Mostrom was born October 18, 1911, in Northwood, North Dakota, to Oscar and Jenny (Runsvold) Engebretson. She was baptized in Northwood and at the age of 7 moved with her family to Kalispell, Montana. She was confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Kalispell and graduated from Flathead County High School in 1929. She received her Bachelor of History degree from St. Olaf College in 1933. Following her education she returned to Montana and taught in the elementary school in Kalispell.

On July 20, 1936, Inez married Rev. Ruben K. Mostrom at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Kalispell. After marriage they lived in Lewiston, Montana, where Ruben served his first church. As an active pastor’s wife, Inez was with Ruben as he then served at Zion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake, Iowa, from 1942-1949, Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Paul from 1949-1957, and Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin, from 1957 - 1975. Upon retirement they moved to Northfield where they were members of St. John’s Lutheran Church. Ruben passed away on March 11, 1995. Inez was first and foremost a preacher’s wife and worked hand-in-hand with Ruben at all of the churches they served.

Inez was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. She was always active in the communities in which they lived and for many years served on the Mt. Horeb Library Board. She was an avid reader, enjoyed crossword puzzles, and was a true wordsmith. She was caring, loving, always had a positive attitude, and had a remarkable ability to communicate and develop lifelong friendships.

Survivors include her sons and their wives: Jon and Jonnie of Eden Prairie, Mark and Becky of Mt. Horeb, Mike and Jan of Chanhassen; 8 grandchildren: Eric, Leif (Angie), Jeremiah (Kelly), Jan (Ralph) Okeson, Kris (Al) Malinowski, Rob (Kira Selser), Rachel, Paul; 10 great-grandchildren; her brother John Engebretson of Kalispell; and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her sister Marcella.

Inez passed away with her sons by her side on Saturday afternoon, January 23, 2009, at the Northfield Hospital, at the age of 98.

Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Wednesday, January 27, 2010, at the Chapel of the Northfield Retirement Community with Revs. Steve Swanson and Diane Goulson officiating. Music will be provided by Lois Burgoyne. Refreshments will follow. Interment will be in Lands Cemetery, Zumbrota. Casket bearers will be her grandchildren. Visitation will be at the Retirement Center Chapel one hour prior to the service.

Memorials are preferred to Mt. Horeb Ev. Lutheran Church, St. Olaf College, or the Northfield Retirement Center Chapel Fund.

Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home.