Solveig H. (Pedersen) Lenhartzen went to be with her Lord and Savior on July 2, 2010 after a short illness. She was 93 years old. Solveig was born to Bjarne and Fanne Pedersen in Oslo, Norway on December 4, 1916. She was the oldest of five children. From an early age she had a desire to serve Her Lord, That desire was realized when she was led to be a missionary in the Belgium Congo. At Ebenezer Baptist church, in Oslo, she met Arne Lenhartzen, who also felt lead to be a missionary in the Congo. They were Married on August 24th 1940. They had planned to go to the mission field right away, but their plans were put on hold with the German occupation of Norway. While they waited a daughter, Heidi, was added to the family on September 10, 1944. In 1946 the Lenhartzens finally left for their first mission station at Monga, Congo. They went out under the Norwegian Baptist Missions. Solveig was captivated by the feel, sights and sounds of her new country, but what touched her heart were the people. They were to become not only her mission field, but also her friends and her love. On October 3, 1947, they added another member to the family -- Terje(Terry). With the addition of Terje, the Norwegian Baptists could not afford to the support the Lenhartzen family, and the mission board requested that the family come back to Norway. An American mission station in Nyankunde knew the Lenhartzens and asked if they would come and work with them, and said the Christians in the states would be willing to support them. In 1953, the family moved from the western part of Congo to the northeastern part to begin yet another adventure in their lives. Solveig had been trained in Norway as a book binder and her talents were of value to the publishing house in Nyankunde. In 1960, with the independence of Congo, all missionaries were told to leave the country. Arne and Solveig were not sure what they were going to do. They were Norwegians, but their children were educated at an American boarding school. It was decided the they would immigrate to the United States. Thus another adventure was added to their lives. Knowing some missionaries in Forest Grove, Oregon, the Lenhartzens moved to the area and set up yet another home. Solveig, as before, was in awe of her new country. Although she did not know English very well, she quickly learned the language and the customs of the United States. Solveig was so proud the day she stood before a judge in Portland, answered all of his questions, and was received as an American citizen. Even thought she was now an American and raising her family in the "American Way", her heart was still with the friends and workers she left in Congo. Arne and Solveig returned to Zaire in 1969 where they worked and made their home at the mission station in Lolwa and later at the Mbulanzabu mission station. In 1987, Arne and Solveig retired from mission work and made their home in Nampa, Idaho. Arne passed away at home in Nampa on February 5, 1994. Solveig enjoyed traveling -- she traveled extensively throughout Africa, Europe, and the United States. She was deeply moved by her trip to Israel and was in awe that she could say "Today I walked where Jesus walked". Solveig also enjoyed crocheting and tatting. She crocheted afghans for all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and also donated many of her afghans to local nursing homes. She is survived by: her daughter Heidi Gump and her son and daughter in-law Terry and Valerie Lenhartzen of Nampa; seven grandchildren -- Raechel Gump, Eric Gump, Megan Gump, Kristi (and Jesse) Nelson, Terry James (TJ) Lenhartzen, Jennifer Woolum, and Jeremy( and Nicole)Lenhartzen; daughter-in-law Shannon Conklin; three great grandchildren -- Jayden Lenhartzen, Taylor Lenhartzen, and Jeffrey Nelson. She is also survived by a sister -- Helena Haga, a brother -- John Pedersen; a sister in-law Liv Lenhartzen, brother in-law Kaare Lenhartzen, and many nephews and nieces, all living in Norway.

The family would like to thank Treasure Valley Hospice for their understanding and compassionate care, not only for Solvieg, but also for the family. They have been a source of comfort and strength. The funeral service will be held at 10:30, Saturday July, 10th , at the Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel, located at 415 12th Avenue South, Nampa, Idaho, with a short graveside service following at the Kohlerlawn Cemetery in Nampa. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made in Solveigs name to your local church, mission program, or a charity of your choice.

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