She was born January 4, 1930, in Carson City, Nevada, the only child of Dee Vissing and Evelyn Wessel Vissing. She grew up in Idaho Falls and graduated from Idaho Falls High School.

On April 30, 1949, she married Henry James "Jim" Wartchow in Idaho Falls. They lived in Idaho Falls until 1967 and then moved to Howe, Idaho. She and Jim owned and operated Jim's Little Lost Store until 1973. They moved to northern Montana and a short time later to Moscow, Idaho, and then returned to Idaho Falls in 1976.

She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church.

She loved oil painting and was an extraordinary artist; she enjoyed playing the organ, decorating, fishing, boating and camping with her family. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

She is survived by her husband, Jim Wartchow of Iona; daughter, Debby Penske of Iona; son, Brent (Leanne) Wartchow of Arco; son, Lance (Kari) Wartchow of Idaho Falls; 7 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, June 9, 2007, 11:00 a.m. at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St. Idaho Falls.

The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation at www.parkinson.org or by mail to the National Parkinson Foundation, Inc., Office of Development 1501 NW 9th Avenue/Bob Hope Road, Bob Hope Road, Miami, Florida 33136-1494 or by phone at 1-800-327-4545.