HELENA – David G. Twichel, 50, of Helena passed away Saturday, July 19, 2014. He was born November 30, 1963 in Helena to Tom and Marilyn (Miller) Twichel.
Dave was raised and educated in Helena. He loved spending his high school summers with his 2 best friends, Dean and Bill, on Flathead Lake at the Bossler’s cabin. Dave graduated from Helena High School in 1983 and then attended the Phoenix Institute of Technology. After receiving his degree in Auto Mechanics he began his life long career as a Master Technician.
Dave married Kelli Sullivan on August 23, 1986 in Helena and together they had 3 children, John Thomas, Laura Ann and Kathryn Trudy. Dave and Kelli remained in Phoenix until moving their family back to Montana in 1997.
Dave was a very skilled mechanic, was always willing to go out of his way to help others with their cars and anything else they needed. He always had numerous “projects” going on, which to everyone else, might seem like junk or useless, but he was able to give new life by repairing them. Dave was a very good willed individual with a very giving heart and enjoyed helping anyone he could.
He was a well reserved man, but always loved entertaining- for those who knew him he was a total prankster. Dave was a true kid at heart starting back in Livingston, MT at his grandmothers, riding unicycles and building bombs with his brothers and cousins. He loved teaching his kids how to light fireworks, flying kites and not only how to drive cars but also dirt bikes. His greatest love in life was Jesus and spending time with his kids and his new grandchild, Ryan.
Dave was a religious man, strong in his faith.
Dave was preceded in death by his father, Thomas E. Twichel, his grandparents and numerous aunts and uncles. He is survived by his mother, Marilyn Twichel of Helena; his 3 children, JT Twichel of Phoenix, AZ, Laura Twichel of Helena and Katy Twichel of Helena; his grandson, Ryan William Twichel of Phoenix, AZ; his siblings, Dennis (Cathy) Twichel of Milton, WA, Helen (Bill) Kropp of Stevensville, Bob (Tracy) Goetz of Helena, Mary (Peter) Fusaro of Kalispell, Mark (Gina) Twichel of Kalispell and Judy (Bill) Rothie of Hamilton; Aunt and Uncle, Mitch and Linda Kay Miller of Helena; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 24, 2014 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. Sixth ave., Helena, Montana, 59601. Services will be held on Friday, July 25th at 1:00 p.m. at Retz Funeral Home. Dave’s ashes will be placed with his dad in a committal service at Resurrection Cemetery immediately following the services. There will be a reception following the committal services at Anderson, Stevenson and Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave, Helena. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Dave.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday July 24, 2014
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday July 25, 2014
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Immediately follow the memorial service
Friday July 25, 2014
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday July 24, 2014
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday July 25, 2014
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Immediately follow the memorial service
Friday July 25, 2014
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Don Bartsch says
David was my first best friend and always will be. Rest well my friend. Donnie.
Terry frisch says
Oh, my dear friend David. I didn’t see you much lately and I am sorry. I will miss you. Peace.
Teddi Everett says
Very sad to hear. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Teddi Everett
Heather Gooch says
I have such great memories from when we were kids! I’m so sorry I couldn’t be there . I have so much love for the whole family. My condolences
Rich & Bette Munger says
To all of the Twichel family…we personally know the pain you are going through. Our thoughts and condolences are with all of you.
John Sheehy says
I have nothing but fond memories of David, and I’ve thought of him often since leaving Helena. He was a kind and decent man. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Jeanne Naegele Kohal says
So sorry to hear of David’s passing, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jeff Hanson says
I worked with David years ago at the Buick Dealership in Helena, I always considered him a good friend and one fine technician! I am so deeply sorry to hear of his passing.
Kristi Mayer says
I’ve been thinking about David and your family all day. My heart goes out to each of you as you all come together with memories. Remember the good times! Peace Twichels
Paige Thomaa says
I remember when Helen and my sister Janet drove David and I around town, because we were too young to drive. Got my first kiss from him. Then I remember at the 10 year reunion, Mary and I talked into the wee hours at Bovingtons apartment. The 3 of us reminised about David a lot that night, and we ended up trying to call him several times.so many other memories I will never forget.I just wanted you to know how fond of him everyone is, and that he touched many lives. My heart is breaking for the Twichel family. Condolences and prayers.
Jenny Sahinen Faure says
I am very saddened to hear of David’s passing. I have so many great memories of David and the Twichel family. I spent alot of time at your house and it was always fun, warm and welcoming! I have especially fond memories of of 4th grade in Mrs. Thomas’ class where I sat behind David all year. We were scolded many times because of our constant talking and laughing. David was my 1st crush and on Valentine’s Day (in 4th grade) was hopeful that my Valentine from him would say: “Will you go with me”. Just thinking of that makes me smile. Please be assured that I will hold your family close in my daily prayers!
Lynn Solomon says
Was talking to a colleague yesterday about the Twichels and what a special family they are. Warm thoughts to Marilyn and deep peace to David …
Julie (Stinchfield) DeMars says
So, so sad to hear of David’s passing…keeping all of the Twichel family and David’s friends in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace David.
Mark Huber says
So sad to hear of David’s passing. I have many fond memories times shared with the Twichel and Huber families. Lots of love and prayers to Marilyn and all the Twichel kids.
Fernando Santana says
Marilyn
My deepest sorrow to hear of David’s passing
I will always feel part of your family as you and Tom always made us feel
I’m certain that all the Cuban kids from Brondel hall (next to your house) feel the same sorrow
I will never forget babysitting all your kids and both your and Yom’s kindness
God Bless You may David rest in peace
And remember you are loved by many
Fernando Santana
Brondel Hall 62-67
Jorge J. Perez says
Marilyn and family,
I was very sad to hear the news about Davi’s passing. One of my fun memories in Helena was babysitting the kids and playing hide and seek. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family in this time of sorrow. May God bless you all,
Jorge
Damaso Santana says
Marilyn,
My heart breaks, I offer my deepest sympathies and my prayers for you and your family. Tom, you and the kids had such a great impact on us as kids and I believe I speak for all when I say this.
I will have you in my prayers and Tom and David in my prayers.
May God bless you and your family, as Freddy says you are loved by many and we carry you in our hearts.
Damaso
Leo,Pat, Kathy, Maureen, & Terry Sax says
Marilyn and all the Twichels Holding you all in love and prayers…So many happy memories and laughs with the Twichels. Rest in peace …Love Sax Family
Fr. Tony Marti says
Dear Marilyn,
I am terribly saddened by the news about David. Yourself, Tom and all the children were so kind and good to us when we were at Brondel Hall. I have so many fond memories of those years and living next door to your family was also very comforting during that time when were away from parents and relatives.
David’s passing gets us closer as we remember him, pray for him and offer you our love. Please know that I will celebrate Mass for David . Please accept my deepest sympathies and please convey them to his family. God is merciful and has taken good care of David. May The Lord comfort you with His Love.
Fr. Tony Marti
Jeff Owens says
David was a great friend and I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
Bill Huber says
So sad and much to young to be called home. My thoughts and prayers are with the Twichel Family. I have many great and wonderful memories growing up with Tom, Marilyn, and family. The Huber Family mourns with you and for you. May David rest in peace! God bless you all.
Amaro Taibo says
My deepest sympathies to the Twichel Family for the loss of David. May he rest in peace.
I lived next door to Tom and Marilyn’s Funeral Home from August 1962 to August 1963 as
I was one of the Cuban refugee kids (then 17 years old) picked up at Helena’s Airport and transported to Brondel Hall by Tom Twichel, who did this as a favor to Mgr. Harrington. Catholic Charities was the Sponsor of the “Peter Pan kids” who found refuge in Helena Montana. I will always be grateful to Catholic Charities and the people of Helena Montana for the support and love they gave us during the toughest period of our lives as it set the base for us to educate ourselves and our children. I am now 69 1/2, retired in Miami, Florida from the Engineering Profession. My two daughters live in the State of Colorado where my oldest Angela is Professor of Medical Sciences at Bel-Rea Institute of Veterinary Science. My youngest daughter, Alisha is an Attorney at Law.
A big Hug for the Twichel family
Karen Long says
Praying for the family in this difficult time. Cherish the memories.
I only knew David for a few years but came to love him as a brother. He was a very kind and caring man. He was always willing to help whenever and however he could. I called him “my” mechanic, even though he never asked for or expected any payment for his work, only for parts. David suffered from many physical ailments and fought against many demons but would not even mention a word unless asked directly. He was always concerned about others, asking for prayers for friends and family. I will remember David as a kind and loving friend. I will miss you my dear friend. Rest in peace in the loving arms of your God and Savior.
Scott and Jo Cruse says
We are completely shattered over the loss of this outstanding man. We loved him, and respected him so much. He fought a very hard battle every day. He was so very gentle and kind. We depended on him so many times, and he never disappointed. He always was willing to help out whenever he could. We got to know him thru Celebrate Recovery. He was a face we always sought out, and a person we knew we could count on for wise advice, and fervent prayer. You always felt better after being with Dave. He loved his friends, and his family so very much. He was anxious to help others steer clear of the mistakes that he made in his life. He would still want that. He would want his family and friends to know Jesus Christ, to trust Him and to stay sober…he would want that for his enemies…if he had any! He was a one of a kind irreplaceable man, and we are so sorry the world no longer has him. Our heavy hearts are in constant prayer for his friends, his children, and his Mother. He really did love you all so much…”the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak”…
Ron Lukenbill Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the Twichel family during this sad loss of David. Please know that your love and support for one another will help each of you make it through the difficult days ahead. Love and hugs.
Shannon Zierolf says
I’m shocked and saddened. In the few months I knew him, he proved to be a gentle and loving soul who constantly prayed for and cared for others even when he was hurting in so many ways. Rest now, Dave. Thank you for sharing part of your journey with me.
Diane and Mike Langenfus says
Marilyn and family,
Mike and I were so very saddened when Chrissy told us of David’s passing. I remember the last time I saw him last summer when he came over to the old Brondel Hall hoping to hook up with some of the Cuban boys (now men) who were back here in Helena that weekend. The photo is just how I remember him. Please accept out heartfelt condolences and trust that David now walks with the Angels where there is no more pain, only peace.
God Bless you all at this time of loss and grant you strength and peace. And Marilyn, know you have a bunch of “foster” sons who love you very much and are grieving with you. You gave your love and home to young men here from another country without their parents. They have never forgotten the love and kindness you and Tom and your children gave them.
Karen Bossler says
So very sad to hear of David’s death. I’ll always remember the “wrecking crew” and the summers we spent together at the lake— working and playing and getting everything together before the boss arrived for the weekend.
David had a pixie spirit and gladdened everyone around him– rest in peace, David, and say hi to Mom and Dad!!!
Monica Lukenbill says
Oh my heart hurts right now for the passing of David, and my thoughts and quiet prayers are with all of you. Its been awhile since I last saw David, but my memories with him make me smile and laugh. There was a big, loud, happy crowd of us in junior high and high school and David was always there in the middle. Sweet guy, great smile, amazing family! Everywhere with his friends…….. We were ALWAYS hangin out at the Twitchell house, in the kitchen and Marilyn was ALWAYS in her apron fixing us something to eat, Tippy going crazy at our feet!! I remember it all like yesterday. I am sending a HUGE hug to Mary, Helen, Dennis, Mark and Judy…..And to Mrs. Twitchell, you sweet sweet lady! I am so sorry. You are all in my prayers and David, rest in Peace Love you guys! xoxox
Terry Lee Kerby says
So sorry to hear of David’s death. Such a fun cousin he was from childhood memories. Praying that the family finds a peace that only God can provide. So sorry we are not able to attend the services…but our love and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Stacy Huber says
Dear Twichel’s, I can only imagine what a tough road this is for all of you. My heart is breaking for all of you as you say your goodbyes, learn to let go and draw strength from God. I am so sorry mom and I couldn’t be there with all of you. Know that we are praying for David and all of you. Take comfort knowing that he is going into the loving arms of his earthy father Tom to live forever in the glory of our Heavenly Father. You are an amazing family and will find your strength in God and each other as you always have. May David rest in peace and may all of you rest that he is in peace.
Ruth Jones says
I just today heard about your loss minutes ago I want you to know You are in my prayers . You and Tom were such good friends to me. I now live in Sun City AZ. Please know I send my LOVE.Ruth Jones
Jody Pace says
I was so sorry to hear of David’s passing….He was such a sweet boy, I am sure he grew into a fine man! I don’t think I saw him after my years of babysitting your brood, but I can still picture his face and feel of his kind spirit. Know that others care about David and prayers are being said for your family during this time.
Brett Dearing says
I am very sorry to hear of David’s passing.
My thoughts go out to to the family in this difficult time.
Nancy Lukenbill Blessing says
Monica just called me about David’s passing. So many fabulous memories of the Twichel family and all the fun times Monica had with David and Mary. With a heavy heart, yet warm wishes for the future, I am sending prayers for your family and peace for David. Love, Nancy Lukenbill Blessing
Dan Clark says
Dave was indeed a good man and a good friend. My life is all the richer for having had his friendship. My deepest condolences to Marilyn and Robert, who I was fortunate enough to meet, and to the rest of the family.