Thelma Dangel, a longtime resident of Soda Bay in Lake County, Calif., passed away on April 13, 2016, due to natural causes.

She left us in comfort and peace just shy of her 91st birthday.

Thelma was born to Norwegian immigrants John and Clara Johnsen and raised in Oakland, Calif., graduating from Fremont High School in the class of 1942.

Soon after, she met Bob, the love of her life, through a Nordic folk dancing group and they were married in 1943.

After Bob returned from the War in the Pacific, they settled in the Oakland hills and raised their two children, Gene and Jackie.

Bob joined the Oakland Fire Department in 1947 and not long after Thelma became a charter member in the Oakland Fireman’s Wives Club, the purpose of which was to provide charitable support to the less fortunate in times of disaster. She would serve as the group’s secretary and president which likely started her on a lifelong path of community service. Thelma also volunteered in the Oakland Camp Fire Girl’s Council and was president in 1959.

Norwegian heritage would become a central part of Thelma’s being. Her mother Clara was an early member of the Daughters of Norway, joining in 1914 and Thelma in 1945.

Both mother and daughter were members of Gjoa Lodge 18 in Oakland, dedicating decades of service to the organization. Thelma was a trustee, secretary and past president from 1957 to 1958 of the lodge. She attended every DofN convention and served as secretary, vice president from 1964 to 65, and was elected to the honor of Grand Lodge President, serving from 1966 to 67.

After Gjoa 18 was disbanded in 1996 she joined Crown Princess Martha Lodge. Thelma initiated her granddaughter Cari into the Daughters of Norway, which continues the tradition as a member of Aase Lodge 33.

Summer vacations spent boating at Larsen’s Resort in Soda Bay in the early 1950s resulted in the acquisition of a nearby lot a few years later. This purchase would be the beginning of many years of water skiing, sailing and family fun.

When Bob retired from the Oakland Fire Department in 1973, the old summer shanty was torn down and a new home was built where they both enjoyed many happy years of retirement.

It did not take long for Thelma to immerse herself in the community, giving countless hours of service for charitable and social groups.

She volunteered for the Kelseyville, Lakeport and Clearlake senior centers. She was co-chair for several years of the wine and food events at the fairgrounds. Known for her culinary talents she placed scores of entries in the Lake County Fair, earning mostly blue ribbons. She was involved with the Chamber of Commerce, concentrating her efforts on what was best for the community's common good.

Bob and Thelma joined the Lakeport Yacht Club and were very active members, both being past commodores. The LYC led to participation in the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and supporting the Sea Scouts. She was very involved in the Lake County Historical Society and a volunteer docent at the State Park.

Her cake decorating skills produced wedding cakes second to none that eventually led to her teaching classes on the subject. Thelma took up painting and her artistic talents were expressed in beautiful works of traditional Norwegian Rosmaling.

Many locals refer to her as the “Mayor” of Soda Bay for her many years on the Soda Bay Homeowners Association Board as secretary, treasurer and president.

The Trowel and Trellis Garden Club, the Buckingham Ladies golf group, Red Hats Society, and helping out at the Gleaners were just a few more of the activities that occupied her days.

In 2007, for recognition of her dedication to community growth and development, Thelma was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Stars of Lake County Community Awards Celebration.

In 2005 Thelma became a charter member of the Sons of Norway Vikings of the Lake Lodge 6-166. The lodge met at the Galilee Lutheran Church and the congregation became a big part of her life after being predeceased by her husband Bob in 2001.

The family wishes to thank her caregivers, neighbors, and others for the loving support and rides so she could remain in contact with the many organizations and friends she so dearly loved.

For the past several years Thelma resided in Walnut Creek to be near her family. Being able to see her two little great-granddaughters, Hannah and Emma, made her very happy. She appreciated the cards, letters, and bits of news from her friends in Lake County and always looked forward to receiving mail.

Thelma is survived by her son, Gene [Sue]; daughter, Jackie [John]; grandson, Shawn; granddaughter, Cari [Andrew]; and great-granddaughters, Hannah and Emma.

A celebration of life will be held at the Galilee Lutheran Church, 8860 Soda Bay Road in Kelseyville, on June 12 at 1 p.m.

If you never had the pleasure of meeting her in person, perhaps you encountered her along the stretch of Soda Bay Road between Gaddy Lane and Soda Bay wearing an orange vest … she was Thelma, of “Thelma and Louise,” making it a better place.