It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister on September 7, 2015.
Dorothy was born February 26, 1927 in Cascade, Montana to Carl and Ingrid Alm. Dorothy lived life to the “fullest” and with great zest! She was raised on a ranch south of Augusta, where her father was a foreman for the George K Reeder Ranch Company. She attended grade school in a one room country school until sixth grade. When the school closed, Dorothy came to Helena and boarded with a family and attended Central Grade School and graduated from Helena High School in 1945.
Initially, Dorothy went to work for the State Highway Department as a keypunch operator for a year and then attended Dillon College for a quarter returning to Helena where she went to work for the State Unemployment Commission. On June 15, 1958 Dorothy went to work for Blue Shield of Montana as a machine operator retiring June 1, 1988 as Director of Administration with thirty years of service.
Dorothy met William “Bill” Koepp at the Augusta Rodeo dance on June 29, 1946. Three years later on April 16, 1949, Bill and Dorothy were married at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Helena. Together they built their family home, doing most of the work themselves. They had two daughters, Marcia and Karen.
Dorothy and Bill enjoyed their cabin up at York and spent much of their time out there. They also enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting and traveling. They traveled to Norway, Denmark, Carribbean, Alaska, Canada and throughout the United States. Bill passed away on July 4th, 1991 after 42 years of marriage.
She loved to dance, cook for friends and family, and visit friends that were “shut-in”. Dorothy was not someone to sit and stare at four walls. She was spontaneous and whenever her good friends Pam and Carl called and offered to go on a road trip, she would absolutely say “YES”. She especially enjoyed the holidays and always found time to “entertain the young people”. No matter what holiday it was, Dorothy decorated her house.
Dorothy was the matriarch of the family and she has big shoes to fill. She was “mom” to many people she hired at Blue Cross Blue Shield. She was a “strict but fair manager” and she believed in working hard and playing harder. Dorothy managed her work and family life with grace and ease. She cared for her parents and in-laws as they aged. You could ALWAYS count on Dorothy for anything.
She was a lifetime member of Jospehine Hepner Chapter #89 OES, Sapphira Temple #79, Daughter of the Nile where she was active in the Oriental Band for many years. She served on the Rainbow Board and was a member of the Grand Cross of Color and a member of Elks Lodge #193.
The most important thing in Dorothy’s life was her family.
Dorothy is preceded in death, and now reunited, with her loving husband Bill, her mother and father and two brothers. Surviving is one brother, George Alm of Salt Lake City, Daughters Marcia Hannay (Bill), Karen Rowan (Frank), Grandsons Kevin Rowan (Megan), Brian Rowan (Andrea), Heather Lievers, and Sara Gerrie. She adored her great grandchildren and loved them dearly. Austin, Quentin, Aubrie, Ashlyn, Mia and Madison were very precious to great granny. She also had a very dear friend Jon Jensen as well as several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. today September 13, 2015 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. A funeral service celebrating Dorothy’s life will be 1:30 p.m. Monday, September 14, 2015 at the funeral home. A reception will follow in the social center of the funeral home. Interment will be approximately 3:45 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 7100 N. Montana Avenue. Memorials in Dorothy’s name are suggested to the Transportation Fund C/O Algeria Shrine P.O. Box 1174 Helena, Montana 59624 or to the NAMI Montana, 555 Fuller Avenue #3 Helena, Montana 59601. Our entire family wants to thank everyone who has touched Dorothy’s life in so many ways. We are blessed for your friendships.
Service Schedule
Visitation
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday September 13, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Celebration of Her Life
1:30 p.m.
Monday September 14, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the celebration of her life
Monday September 14, 2015
Social Center of the funeral home
,
Burial
Approximatley 3:45 p.m.
Monday September 14, 2015
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
7100 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Visitation
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday September 13, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Celebration of Her Life
1:30 p.m.
Monday September 14, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the celebration of her life
Monday September 14, 2015
Social Center of the funeral home
,
Burial
Approximatley 3:45 p.m.
Monday September 14, 2015
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
7100 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Leona Zaharko says
I am so very sorry to hear of Dorothy’s passing. I knew her well from the store I work in as a clerk. She came in often to print pictures of the family that she so loved. What a great, beautiful lady we have lost.
Stephanie Jensen says
I am so sorry for your loss. Dorothy was a wonderful lady, and I’m thankful that I had the opportunity to meet her a few years ago when we were in Montana visiting my father-in-law, Jon Jensen. She was such a kind and compassionate lady, and was a great friend to Jon over the years. We really appreciated that Jon had her to watch out for him and support and care for him. She did an amazing job. We are so sad that she was taken so soon, but now heaven has another angel.
Mary Faseler says
Cannot express how sad we all are to have heard of Dorothy’s passing. She was an angel on earth….so kind and caring. She was a loving, loyal, true friend to my father, Jon Jensen. He will miss her immensely. Dorothy always welcomed us whenever we had the opportunity to visit her…she had a way of making us feel like family. Our hearts are broken, we will miss her. We are sending healing prayers and comforting hugs from Texas.
Linda Grady says
I knew Dorothy through my Aunt Shirley Reinig and I adored her so my deepest sympathies for your lost. I am also glad I had the pleasure of meeting both of her daughters. I would go the senior citizen center on Thursdays for rolls and coffee with her friends and gave Jon a bad time about his lack of hugs for Dorothy, so I made up by giving her two.
God Bless you all as her move forward thru the days ahead.
Therese Jensen says
I’ve never had the opportunity to meet Dorothy in person, but we’ve spoken on the phone multiple times, and I’ve enjoyed her cookies every Christmas!
She has been a wonderful friend, and supportive presence to our father, Jon Jensen. Her loss will be immense in his life! We are so thankful for her kindness & friendship! I’m so terribly sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. May time help ease your grief!
Therese Jensen
Laura Fix says
God’s Speed to Dorothy…..I always appreciated her kindness when she visited The River Grille. She was a Great Lady and the world was a better place with her in it. My sincere condolences to Karen, and all of her family.
Tom Erving says
Marcia and Karen and families, your mom was such a special person. I always enjoyed seeing her out, even though I had to remind her who I was, then she would remember. Then we would have so much to talk about. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Tom (your old friend)
Mike murphy says
I’m going to miss our talks
Mike murphy says
I’m going to miss talking to you
Darlene Abeyta says
I was saddened to hear Dorothy passed away. I worked with her at Blue Cross Blue Shield. We did a business trip together to Denver. She had so much knowledge and taught me many things. She was active, even in her retirement. I so enjoyed knowing her. I remember her sharing stories about her daughters. She was a great lady.
Beth Cocchiarella says
My sons and I were shocked and saddened to hear of Dorothy’s passing. She was so full of life and energy that we really can’t believe she is gone. We feel very fortunate to have known her. Recently we were in Helena and were lucky enough to have had lunch with her at Applebee’s where I insisted that lunch be my treat. She agreed only when I promised her that I would use her 10% off coupon which was so like her thoughtful ways. We picked her up at her home before lunch and she couldn’t wait to give us a tour of her darling cabin ( with the antique cook stove that she was so proud of) and introduce us to her sweet chickens.
Dorothy was a great example to all of us and her kindness and thoughtfulness will be missed not only by my father Jon Jensen, whom she was a wonderful friend to, but by our whole family. Losing someone as wonderful as Dorothy is difficult for all who knew her, but it must be especially hard for her family. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and we will be there in spirit for her funeral and the celebration of her life. Love to you all.
Carol Kelleher says
I was so shocked to hear of Dorothy’ a passing. She was a great lady. Over the years we have crossed paths and always had great visits . I use to see her at the Senior Center. (especially on cinnamon roll day). She worked with my Pat at BC/BS for years and she was a special friend. She and Pat will carry on their friendship in God’s hands.
Love lives forever in the memories and in the hearts of all whose lives have been touched by this very special person. With deepest condolences.
Carol Kelleher
deb stansberry says
I was shocked to hear of Dorothy’s passing. She was always my favorite lady to come into CVS. I grew to know her as a very loving mom and gramma. We always chatted about our Norwegian heritage and at Christmas she would bring Norwegian cookies. She will be deeply missed. She always was so beautiful and kind. My love, thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Frank Flatt says
orothy was one of the finiest people i have ever met . She always had a smile and a how are you ready . i went to work at bc/bs as janitor ( 79 – 2012 ) and she always teated me with great respect . She never forgot me even years after she retired . Rest in peace Dorothy you will be missed.
Valarie Manolovits says
i am so sorry to hear about your mom/grandma. I worked for her at BCBS many years ago. I had to smile fondly when I read the part about her being a strict but fair boss. She had many tricks up her sleeve when it came to keeping me quiet. She will be greatly missed as she touched so many lives.
Erv & Carol Kent says
We were sorry to hear of your mother’s passing, We haven’t seen much of her since BC/BS days but, she was always smiling and friendly when we did. Our sympathy to her family.
Joy Novota says
Although I didn’t know Dorothy well, remembering her quick smile & the sparkle in her eyes comes quickly to mind when I think of her. We’d see each other in church occasionally or maybe at the Elks Club for a musical function, or at the grocery store. Several years ago she volunteered with a project or two in preparing for our Sleeping Giant Jazz Jubilee. She was eager to help, & she pitched in with zest & got the jobs done in record time. Blessings to her memory & her enthusiasm of life with sympathies of her passing to all family members & friends – she was a sweet lady.
Vicki Willert says
Marcia, Karen and family, so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Vicki Kaiser Willert
Donna Mix says
My late husband and I thought the world of your mom and dad–we lived just a few blocks from you on Wilder in the late 60s and early 70s. Hard to believe your dad’s been gone so long, and even harder to believe that Dorothy has now joined him. I often ran into her at the Lundy Center, coming or going from one of the stores there, and we always talked for a few minutes. She was such a kind person, always busy, interested–and interesting I’ll miss our short visits, and know I’ll catch myself looking around for her every time I go to Van’s.
Carol & Kevin Anderson says
Marcia, Karen and family, we were so sad to hear of your mother’s passing. Aunt Dorothy was a wonderful person. She will be missed by many. We will never forget the wonderful memories we have of visiting family in Helena. Our thoughts are prayers are with you.
Love, Carol & Kevin
Londa Routzahn Burns says
Karen and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Londa
Loren Davis says
My condolence to the family. Dorothy was a lady that everyone respected and loved to have as a friend. I first met Dorothy in 1962. I use to call on Harry Reinig, who was the purchasing agent for Blue Cross and Dorothy was his assistant. When Harry retired Dorothy took over his job. These later years I seen her many times at the Elks Hamburger Nights and Dances. I have no doubt she danced her way through the pearly gates.
Jeff Meyer says
I was so very sorry to hear of Dorothy’s passing. It was always enjoyable to be around her, especially during the holidays. I was lucky enough to join in with her “girls” from BCBS (as a spouse) for the after Christmas parties she would throw at her house with all the lovely decorations and wonderful food and drink. They would always have so much fun. She was always up to do snow angels in her yard if the snow was right, no matter how cold. Through the parties we got to know her fascinating history and the family she was so involved with and proud of. I will miss her smiles and hugs.
Mary Dolan says
I was so sorry to hear of Dorothy’s passing – she was my boss in the keypunch
section at Blue Shield in the 70’s. No, Dorothy, you weren’t too strict a boss –
rest in peace.
Patricia & Dan Maness says
Dorothy was a good neighbor and friend. I’ve known her for many years and she will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.
Mike Gresh says
Dorothy was a dear friend of my parents, Warren & Peg Gresh. Here friendship and positive, outgoing personality had a positive affect on them and us that we will never forget. May she rest in peace. God Bless.
Joanne and Mike Archuleta says
I was with my dad yesterday, and he wanted me to look at his birthday cards and there was one from his sister Dorothy. It is hard to believe, that my dad talked to her on Sept. 5 and she was gone three days later. We were so shocked. We thought she would live way into her nineties because she was so active. I have such great memories visiting, staying at Dorothy’s house and having fun with my cousins Karen and Marcia. We use to play in the play house and dress up their siamese cat and walk down the street to the candy store and buy penny candy. I remember having Thanksgiving at Dororthy’s house and we would dress up in our Sunday best and have a feast. I know she visited many people and went almost every day to visit my aunt Margaret when she was so ill. She was a compassionate person who cared for others and her family deeply. I guess she was needed on the other side. I am sure it was a joyful reunion with all the people who have passed before. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Thanks for all the wonderful times and memories that we will hold in our hearts forever. Thanks also Marcia and Karen for all the wonderful memories that we had when we were younger. Much Love, Joanne and Mike Archuleta
Fred & Betty Curtis says
Karen & Frank & family
Our sympathies are with you. Sorry, we were out of town for your Mom’s service.
We were friends forever.
Our Love
Fred & Betty