After a courageous fight against colon cancer, Pam passed away on the morning of July 25, at her home in Helena, MT. with her children and husband by her side.
Pam was born February 24, 1951 in McPherson Ks., the first child of Lynn and Patty (Shaw) Engel. She was a 1969 graduate of McPherson High School and 1973 graduate of McPherson College with a B.A. in English.
Pam was a teacher, and most recently did administrative work for Treasure State Development and the Department of Veteran’s Affairs.
The oldest of 5 children, Pam was the strong, silent type. She was the perfect child, perfect student – a precedent Pam set that her younger siblings eventually realized they could never live up to.
Pam had a love of sports from an early age. She participated in softball, volleyball, swim team, and track and collegiate basketball. As a teenager, Pam spent her summers teaching swim lessons and lifeguarding in her hometown. She carried the love of sports forward when she taught school and coached several youth sports. Pam always encouraged her children and grandchildren to participate in sports, and made every effort to be involved in their activities. She even traveled as far as Tyler, Tx to see her grandchildren participate in basketball and rodeo events.
Pam enjoyed spending time with her family, hiking, reading all types of literature, listening to a wide range of music, gardening, working in her yard, sleepovers with the grandkids, and a daily indulgence of popcorn along with a cold Dr. Pepper. Pam had a reputation for making the absolute best and most requested homemade tacos in the world. She was the pianist at her church, helped teach Sunday school and was also involved in several other church activities.
Although quiet and reserved, Pam had a wide range of interests, and locally enjoyed attending Grand Street Theatre, Symphony Under the Stars, and visiting the Farmers Market.
Pam was preceded in death by her parents, Patty (Shaw) and Lynn Engel, and her brother Larry Engel. She is survived by her spouse of 44 years, 1 month and 6 days, Alex “Bud” Dziekonski; children Aubrey (Kyle) Gillin of Van, Tx, and their children Alayna, Try and Kylie; Lincoln (Sarah) Dziekonski of Helena, Mt, and their children Katelyn, Alexandria, Brett, Nathaniel, Grace, Evan, Emma, and Garrett; Alex (Jenny) Dziekonski of Raeford, N. Carolina, and Chance (Kacey) Dziekonski of Helena, Mt. and their children Ethan and Ashtyn. Brother Lance (Lennie) Engel of McPherson, Ks., Sisters Paula (Bill) Oehlert of LaPorte, Tx, and Peggy Brown of Wichita, Ks.
A celebration of Pam’s life will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 30, 2015 at the Fortress of Joy Church, 720 Faw Road. A committal rite will be at the Committal Shelter at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Ft. Harrison immediately following the celebration of Pam’s life. A reception will follow in the 180 building of the Fortress of Joy Church, 720 Faw Road. Memorials in Pam’s name are suggested to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105
Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Pam.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Thursday July 30, 2015
Fortress Of Joy Church
720 Faw Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Inurnment
Immediately following Her Celebration of Life
Thursday July 30, 2015
Committal Shelter of Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heros Road
Fort Harrison , Montana 59636
Rite of Committal
Immediately following the Inurnment Service
Thursday July 30, 2015
180 Building of Fortress of Joy Church
720 Faw Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Thursday July 30, 2015
Fortress Of Joy Church
720 Faw Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Inurnment
Immediately following Her Celebration of Life
Thursday July 30, 2015
Committal Shelter of Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heros Road
Fort Harrison , Montana 59636
Rite of Committal
Immediately following the Inurnment Service
Thursday July 30, 2015
180 Building of Fortress of Joy Church
720 Faw Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Dan and Gilda Clancy says
We loved Pam. A dear person who was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother.! Also, a faithful believer. Praying for the Lord’s comfort for her family!
Shirley Herrin says
Bud and Kids: A beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman. I am blessed to have had Pam for a dear friend for decades. There aren’t words to express the sorrow for the loss but knowing we will all be together takes some of the sadness away. The song “When we all get together, what a glorious day that will be – when we all see Jesus – we’ll sing and shout the victory” keeps going around in my head and helps to keep remembering what we have to look forward to. Love you all dearly!! Aunt Shirley
Kathy Rowsey says
Bud and Kids: Your tribute is touching and perfect to your Wife/Mom/Grandmother. These last few days I have been remembering her beautiful eyes and smile. Her strength and passion to serve the Lord is such an example to me. She let nothing stop her from worshiping and serving Her Lord. Her physical presence will be missed. I am glad you included her “tacos” in your tribute. Being invited out to your home and sharing those tacos are part of my early memories of your family from Grace Gospel/Mount Helena…….. God Bless you all! Love you, Kathy Rowsey
Marci & Steve Lynn says
Dear Bud and all,
We were so very surprised and saddened to hear of Pam’s passing. Whenever I think of Pam, a smile crosses my face. She was one of the most gracious, gentle and approachable people I have known. I hope you take comfort in knowing that she is dancing, singing and playing basketball with the Lord. And speaking of basketball, Pam was one of the most graceful and talented basketball players I have known. Blessings to all of you and may God give you grace and strength through this most difficult time.
Kris (Burk) Springer says
Bud and family – I was so sad to hear about Pam. She was a good friend, growing up in McPherson. I have such fond memories of her and the Engel family. Sorry for your loss. You remain in my prayers. Kris Springer
Rachael Bloom says
To the entire family: I am so saddened to hear of Pam’s passing; not only for your family, but for the Helena community. Pam was such a strong, silent pillar of strength who supported those around her. I know I’m not alone when I say that I have beautiful memories of her and am blessed by the contributions she made to my life.
Kimberly Holmquist Warren says
Dear Bud and family,
I’m surprised and sorry for your loss. Pam was an amazing woman. She always seemed to know the right encouragement to get you to practice and work harder. I’m trying hard (crying) to think of her up there with the Lord, singing and being free of all the physical troubles. She was a bright, wondrous, light for the Lord here and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. I have all these memories flashing through my head of her at Mt Helena Christian Academy. Love you, all. In Christ Jesus Who Strengthens Me. Kimberly.
Sharon Holmquist Peterson says
Dear Bud and Family, I’m so sorry and saddened to hear about your loss of Pam. She was an amazing woman who gave so much. I have many wonderful memories of our days at Mt. Helena Church and Christian Academy. May God comfort you as you go forward. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Marigaye Bissell says
Dear Bud and Family: I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Pam’s passing, and my prayers and thoughts remain with you all at this time. Pam was always such a pillar of strength and grace and beauty. Though I hardly ever heard her talk, she spoke volumes with her quiet, serene presence. What a beautiful example of a Godly woman. She will be missed, and I am once again so thankful for the promise of a grand reunion with our loved ones!
Christina Hanson Grooms says
Bud and family,
I loved Pam very much! She was a wonderful teacher and mentor. A quiet, sweet spirit who was always easy to approach. I was shocked to hear of her passing. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers!
Tracy & Janice Long says
Bud & Family – We are so sorry for your loss. Pam was a very sweet neighbor – we will dearly miss her. Wishing you our deepest sympathy ~
Pat (Jarvis) Jones says
I am so sorry for your loss. My first memories of Pam were attending Sunday School and later Jr. High and High School. She was a lovely lady. My sympathies, thoughts and prayers for her family.
Lori Robinson says
Budly and Family,
I have many wonderful memories of Pam and I laughing till we cried, many times at poor Budly’s expense! Her soft spoken demeanor was quite foreign to me but was so calming in the midst of all the storms of life. She was the anchor of your family. She gently guided everyone around her to the Lord Jesus Christ. She was a living example of His grace, mercy and compassion. You will be greatly missed Miss Pam.
Judie & Roger Moore says
It is so sad to hear about Pam’s passing. Judie and I want to send our sincere and deepest condolences to the entire Engel family. Knowing Pam thru school in McPherson, she was a wonderful person and friend. She loved sports from the neighborhood “ash street gang”/family touch football , basketball, softball, and bowling to name a few. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family during this time.
Tom and Melony Bruhn and Family says
Pam and Bud,
Thank you for the time and care you gave our son, Michael, throughout his High School years at Westside. You have remained close to our hearts. We will miss you Pam, but have great faith, like yours, that heaven has welcomed you with open arms.
Melony Johnson-Bruhn and Tom Bruhn
Dick and Melanie Kline says
Hi Bud- I am so saddened to hear of the loss of Pam. We have fond memories of Pam as a good classmate, friend and wonderful human being. I remember her being the quiet leader in sports. My friend Doug Wedel and I would coach the girls from our class in the annual high school Powder Puff football games. Pam was always the go-to person when we needed a big play. Pam came from a great caring family and she carried that on throughout her life. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Rick & Marnie Mowles says
Mr. Bud & Family : We are very sad to hear about the loss of Mrs. Pam. She was a very special lady and loved y’all dearly. We are blessed that we were able to know her. She is now in Heaven with the Good Lord . We know deep in our hearts that she is an angel and will be watching over y’all.
Y’all are in our prayers.
Love ,
Rick & Marnie Mowles
Carol Bridge says
Pam was a wonderful woman and I was truly an honor to be of service to her in the Cancer Treatment Center and St Peters Hospital. We visited at times an she shared how proud she was of her children an grandchildren. Blessings, Peace and Love to her family. Carol Bridge
Becky & Jerry George says
Bud and Family, We were so very deeply saddened by the news of Pam’s passing. It came as such a shock to us. Pam was such a sweet and caring soul. We will miss her very much. It just won’t be the same in the neighborhood, without being able to chat with her as she took her walks or wave at her as she mowed the lawn. Our “boys”, who can be a real handful, will miss her as well. I know she’ll be watching over you Bud, and telling you to behave, in her quiet way :)…as well as her children and grandchildren who she was so very proud of. ♥
Bud, you and your family will remain in our prayers and Pam will live on in our memories.
Rest in peace, dear Pam…
Donna Lundstrom says
Pam was one of my best friends in grade school at Lincoln School. I had some of the best times and memories at the Engel home ie Friday night sleepovers, TeenTown. Movies, and general craziness in a home with 5 kids!! How cool to sleep over on the upstairs screened-in porch!!!!! I loved Patty and Lynn, like my own parents! I hope yo always keep in touch with the family!!!!!!
I remember Pam as extremely intelligent, poised, a great listener, creative, LOYAL friend, and obviously stoic to the end. I send my love and prayers to my dear friend’s family!
Chuck and Terri Paske says
Dear Bud and family, we were very saddened to learn of Pam’s passing. May our Lord comfort each of you and provide strength for the days ahead. We were blessed to have Pam cross our path when our son, Mike, was at Mount Helena Christian some 20yr ago. Time passes but the memory of kindness expressed by one remains…that was how we remember Pam. May you find comfort at this time, knowing others are praying and caring. Go in Faith!
Beverly (Gibson) Kavouras says
Dear Bud and Family,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Pam was one of a kind. I’ve never known anyone else quite like her. She could be fun and boisterous when she wanted to, but mostly she was the quiet, observing one. She was a great role model for us as kids growing up together. She and I were in High School together and together we were the McPherson County May Queens our senior year, reining over the three days of activities and the big parade. It was quite the honor, as our entire class voted for US! We had many slumber parties with the SB’s (our group of friends). There was always laughter and fun. Her folks were great to all of us kids too. It just doesn’t seem real that she’s gone. What a keep telling myself is that she had a very full life, with wonderful family and friends. I know it will be hardest on you all, who knew her best. You will be in our prayers…………all of you! And your tribute to her, in the obituary you wrote, was just perfect.
Don and Rosie Shaw says
Pam was a favorite niece being Pat and Lynn’s first born. Always a lady and a caring niece. God’s blessings to the family
David and Debra Owen says
We were thankful that our trip back home to Helena allowed us to attend Pam’s funeral. She was an amazing women and it was a blessing to attend the celebration of her life. I came to know Pam as my basketball coach for Grace Gospel Academy. She taught me many things about the game but more importantly she taught be a great deal about being a strong team member.
Prayers for you and your family.
Kayla Stringer says
I am in shock. I was looking at the Helena IR and saw this. My heart is just broke to see this as I had no clue. I worked with Pam and several of her family member at Treasure State Development for awhile. Pam was always the so happy, cheerful and always had a smile on her face. There was no one day that went by that she did not ask me how I was or even just saying Hi when I worked with her. Even after we no longer worked together when I saw her in the store we would sit there catching up and seeing how one another was doing. I had no clue she was even sick. I know I will miss seeing her, thank god I will see her another day. I send prayer to her family and her boys and there families. RIP Pam you will forever be missed.