Colleen (Kearney) Niklas passed away March 20, 2020 after a valiant 1 ½ year battle with melanoma. Colleen was born September 17, 1943 in Butte, MT to Thomas and Vivienne Kearney. She attended grade school and two years of high school in Butte, before moving to Helena, MT with her family in July 1959. She graduated from Cathedral High School in 1961. She was hired by the Montana Highway Patrol and worked there until marrying David Niklas on May 11, 1968. In later years she worked at American Federal Savings Bank, the Department of Administration and the Legislative Audit Division from where she retired. She was preceded in death by her father and mother. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, and three daughters Pamela Watson, Tamara (Dave) Lindgren, Laura (Mike) Barrett and her five grandchildren Ashley (Tyrel) and Hunter Lindgren, Tyler, William and Carson Watson all of Helena, brothers Thomas (Mary) Kearney of San Jose, CA, Richard Kearney of Post Falls, ID and James Kearney of Helena, sister Kathy (Rick) Jensen of Helena and 1 niece and 4 nephews. She is also survived by many wonderful friends, including the D of A rejects.
No memorial services will be held due to the current Corona Virus situation. Memorials may be made to the Angel Fund or the charity of the donor’s choice.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Weiner and his wonderful team, and also the wonderful caregivers at Hospice of St. Peters Health.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Nan LeFebvre says
Dave and Family,
I am absolutely heartbroken by Colleen’s passing. None of us were ready. She was such an amazing person and friend.
Over the past 30 years, we shared lots of laughs and good times, as well as being there to support each other during the trying times. Colleen was such a joy to be with and I always knew she was there for me no matter what I needed. I still have the “welcome home” signs she made and hung on our house for each of the girls when we brought them home for the first time.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I hope the love and happy memories you share will help you to endure this unbelievable loss.
Love,
Nan – Proud to be a D of A Reject!
Allen Stenhjem Family says
Dave /Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this trying time God Bless you all……….
Allen / Glenda
Sharlene Stav says
Dear Laura, Pam and Tammy,
We are so sorry to hear about your mother. She raised such beautiful daughters , and please remember that she knows how much you love her. Your are in our hearts and prayers.
Please take care,
Keith and Sharlene Stav
Marci & Steve Lynn says
Dear Dave, Girls and Family of Colleen,
I don’t have to tell you what a classy gal, inside and outside, has left us, and far too soon. When you work with somebody on a daily basis, which I did with Colleen in the early 90s, you get to know them fairly well. What a delight Colleen was – diligent, competent, fun, dependable and just classy. I am so grateful for the great friendship that developed which has lasted for decades! It was obvious how much she loved and cared for her family and her friends. When we DofA ladies gather, Colleen’s chair will always be there.
I pray that God’s peace and love will surround each and every one of you in the coming days.
So thankful to be a part of Colleen’s life,
Marci & Steve Lynn
Neil A Buchanan says
Dave and family,
So sorry for your loss, we lost a real special lady, she will be missed.
Neil
Mary (Mike) Phelps says
Dear Dave and family
Charlie and I are so. so sorry for your loss. Colleen was a great gal and It was a real privilege to have known her.
We send our love to all of you .Dave, take good care of yourself.
Anita Buchanan says
Dave and FAMILY
TRULY SORRY TO HAVE TO SAY GOOD BY TO A VERY SPECIAL FRIEND WHO WAS LIKE A SISTER TO ME. WE COULD TALK ABOUT ANYTHING NO MATTER WHAT THE CAUSE. ALWAYS WAS JUST BETWEEN US. I WILL ALWAYS HOLD HER DEAR TO MY HEART,.
GODS PEACE TO YOU DAVE AND YOUR DAUGHTERS.
ANITA
Gene and Pat Franks says
Dear Dave, Pam, Tam and Laurie,
We are so sorry for you all. Your Colleen was the greatest Irish gal! I have a small story to tell. As you all remember our house was one of the neighborhood high school party houses. One weekend the police stormed the house. Colleen was in her car following the police into our neighborhood, she saw them heading for our home, she followed them right up to the door and stormed in right after them! With her “Irish” temper up she told those policeman that they had no right to break into our home! Colleen came to the first court date but no police showed, she came to the 2nd no police, she came to the 3rd no police, charges dismissed. She didn’t like our kids parties, but she stood up for what was right. What a lady! We loved her, we pray for all of you, and hope that Dave holds you all tight! With the Lord’s Blessings on All of You.
Gene and Pat
Brad Bomar says
Sorry for your loss.
Jenny says
I’m sorry to hear of this loss. My heart goes out to all of you. She was a neat lady and always so kind to me. It was an honor to know her. ❤
Nicole Watson says
Thoughts and prayers go out from my family to yours. Colleen was very much fun to be around and I’m happy I got to know her. Let me know if any of you need anything.
Nicole Watson and Family
Linda Schroeder says
Dave and family,
I was very sadden to here about the passing of Colleen. It has been many years since I had seen Colleen, but she was a vibrant, spark of light for me growing up. She was always so kind to me. I, being the only girl amongst all those Kearney boys brought out the protective spirit of Colleen and always had my back. She will be a wonderful guardian angel to you all. Love, Linda Kearney Schroeder
Karolyne Redding (Touchmark) says
Dave and family,
I was so saddened to read about Colleen’ passing. I always enjoyed vising with her when she came to visit Charlotte. Hugs and prayers for all of you.
John & Cherie Dahl says
Dave and family, our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Colleen was a wonderful wife, Mother and Grandmother and a friend to many. She will be missed 🙏😢🙏
BOB MARKS says
TO THE NIKLAS FAMILY:
I AM SADDENED TO HAVE LOST A GOOD FRIEND. COLLEEN WAS A CLASSY LADY, A LOYAL FRIEND, AND EXCEPTIONAL EMPLOYEE. I NEVER HEARD A COMPLAINT FROM HER, AND WHEN OTHERS NEAR HER WERE HAVING A STRESSFUL TIME,COLLEEN WAS THERE FOR THEM—A VERY CARING, LOVING LADY.
GOD,S BLESSINGS TO THE FAMILY AND LOVED ONES.
BOB MARKS
David Ryan says
Dave, so sorry for your loss.
Kathy Dreyer says
Such wonderful memories! There was the Scotty Brown Bridge and the “Bear Scare” which turned out to be a cow! Floats on the Big Hole, “Huckleberry Heavens” at Seeley Lake, even the muddy Hebgen Lake experience! And Colleen always had a freezer to bring Larry’s birthday ice cream on the many Labor Day campouts, such as the Crow Creek Falls, where we, luckily were NOT shot on sight for trespassing, with little Princess, going the 5 miles like a little trouper! Colleen’s journal she quoted from always brought back so many memories! Even up to more recent times, like taking us all over to Oatman, Lake Havasu, and the blizzard you guys traveled through to visit us at San Diego! We will be making more memories with you, Dave. Not only in poker but other get-togethers, once this crazy virus thing is over. Hugs to All! Love, Kathy and Larry
Marilyn and Kevin Connor says
We were so sorry to hear about Colleen. She was a wonderful lady and always had a smile. She put up with quite a bit with a few of us rowdy neighbors, but I think she enjoyed us as much as we did her. She was a great wife, mother and friend.
ANDREA ATWOOD says
Dear Dave and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Colleen was such a warm, vibrant person; she will be greatly missed. I always enjoyed conversations with her at the investment club dinners; she was so kind and so much fun. She was always so lively, humorous and always made everyone feel welcome, happy and accepted. She was such a bright light in a dark world, whose flame was extinguished to soon. It was such a privilege to have known her. I am so sorry that her passing is tangled up in the virus requirements, and complicates your families and friend’s goodbyes. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Andrea Atwood and Terry Atwood
VIckie Rauser says
Condolences to all of Colleen’s family. Colleen was a pleasure to have at Legislative Audit Division; I always enjoyed visiting with her. Holding you in prayer.
Marilyn Wine-Olson says
My dearest Ashley, I’m so sorry for the loss of your Nana. She sounds like a beautiful and amazing person, inside and out, just like her granddaughter. My thoughts and love are with you and your family, keep being that positive woman with the beautiful smile that you are, I know Colleen will be smiling with you. ♥️
Janet Riis says
I am so sorry for your loss. Your Mom was such a sweet lady! My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.
Carol Bonner says
Dave and family,
I am saddened to read of your loss. Please know I have thought of you often over the years.
Sincerely,
Carol Bonner & Tam
Donald Boice says
Dave and Gary:
Sorry to hear of Colleen’s passing. You are in my prayers.
Don Boice #117
2196 Lower Afton Road East
St Paul, MN 55129-5034
Donald Boice says
Dave and Gary:
Sorry to hear of Colleen’s passing. You are in my prayers.
Don Boice #117
2196 Lower Afton Road East
St Paul, MN 55119-5034
Lorri Mullen, TOuchmark says
Dear Dave and family,
I am so sorry to learn of the Colleen’s passing. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. God bless you
Viv Hammill says
To the Niklas family:
I just caught up to the very sad news of Colleen’s passing. We spent many fun hours together at work in the 90s. Whenever I filled her in on what I was stressing about at work she was so incredibly supportive backing me with her fiery tenacity and undivided loyalty. Most of all I will miss her smile and laughter. With great personal sorrow and tears, I wish to extend my heartfelt sympathy. It was a privilege to have known Colleen. Viv Hammill
Barbara Lasko Hopper says
Colleen and Diane Kelsh rented an apt in the house where we had an apt. This would have been pretty close to when they graduated from high school…I believe Colleen and Diane worked at the same place as they left and came back together…walking. I am 3-4 yrs younger than Colleen and Diane…I thought they were so cool to be sharing an apt and I would stop by and visit with them…always welcoming and laughing. I haven’t seen either of these ladies in over 50 yrs..I moved to Denver…but I will always have that wonderful memory them. My deepest sympathy.
Barbara Lasko Hopper
Candace Sweet says
I remember Colleen’s loving attention to her mother. Viv was so proud of her and spoke so often.