Dorcas Victoria Soderstrom

Obituary

Dorcas V. Soderstrom

January 3, 1935 – June 9, 2025

Dorcas V. Soderstrom, 90, passed away on June 9, 2025, in Billings, Montana. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, nurse, baker, and friend, Dorcas will be remembered for her strength, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family and community.

Dorcas was born a twin on January 3, 1935, in Finley, North Dakota to Winford and Ruby (Lindgren) Gilbertson. She spent her early childhood attending country schools near Blabon, North Dakota. From third grade through graduation in 1953, she attended school in Hope, North Dakota where her family farmed the land using horse-drawn equipment and lived in a home without indoor plumbing. These humble beginnings shaped her resilience and independence—traits that defined her throughout her life.

Following her graduation, Dorcas attended St. Luke's Nursing School, earning her Registered Nurse certification in 1956. She began her nursing career in the emergency room of an inner-city hospital in Chicago. In 1959, she married, Conrad "Sody" Soderstrom, and together they raised their three children—Dale, Doug, and Dyan—starting their family in Glendive, Montana.

The Soderstrom family moved several times before eventually settling in Worland, Wyoming. Dorcas continued her service in various medical offices until 2014, drawing her fifty-eight-year nursing career to an end. Her dedication to caring for others extended well beyond the workplace and her nursing career.

Dorcas was famously known for her cookies, her legendary mixed nut bars, and her boundless hospitality. From 1977 to 2016, she prepared hearty game-day meals for her sons, grandsons, and their teammates before every home football game. She loved to bake, cook, and garden, and always had treats ready for her beloved dogs. She was known for always having her hair and makeup perfectly in place, and for her independent spirit.

Active in her church and community, Dorcas was a long-time member of the Grace Lutheran Church Women (GLCW), Today's Homemakers, and the New Hope Humane Society in Worland. Her caring nature and generous heart touched countless lives over the decades.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, service, gratitude and strength for her family, friends and all who knew her. She will be deeply missed.

Dorcas was preceded in death by parents, Winford and Ruby; husband, Conrad "Sody" Soderstrom; and sister-in-law, Karen Gilbertson.

She is survived by her children, Dale (Cheryl) Soderstrom, Doug (Shannon) Soderstrom, and Dyan (Lane) Johnson all of Worland, Wyoming; brothers, Donald Gilbertson, Ernest (Bonnie) Gilbertson, of Fargo, North Dakota, and Dennis (Jean) Gilbertson of Hope, North Dakota; sister, Linda (Bill) Paape of Ottertail, Minnesota; grandchildren, Scott (Katie) Soderstrom, Steven (Shelby) Soderstrom, Shayna Soderstrom, and Dylon White; great grandchildren, Charlie, Dane, Tate and Wynn; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Grace Lutheran Church in Worland, with Pastor Tim Trippel officiating. Memorial donations in honor of Dorcas may be made to New Hope Humane Society, GLCW (Grace Lutheran Church Women) in care of Grace Lutheran Church, or Worland Senior Center for their transportation services. Donations may be sent to PO Box 524, Worland, WY 82401. Online condolences can be shared at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.