Elsie Loretta Kroetch passed away May 9, 2018 at that age of 83. Elsie was born on the family farm in Lehr, ND on May 28, 1934 to Emma Dollman Kanewischer and William Kanewischer. After high school she set out to see the country and subsequently lived in New York, Long Beach, and finally Chicago where she married James E Kroetch in 1956. She and James moved to Montana in 1957, and settled in Helena in 1959. They had two children, James (Jim) and Joseph (Joey). Elsie and James divorced after 28 years of marriage.
Elsie is survived by three sisters, Martha and Hilma Schweigert of Lehr, ND and Hilda Bergstrom, of Waseca, MN, her son Jim (Marianne) of San Jose CA, and grandchildren Ryan and Rachel, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Elsie was proceeded in death by her son Joseph, brother Otto Kanewischer, and parents William and Emma Kanewischer.
Elsie worked at the 4-B’s restaurant in Helena for over 30 years followed by 7 years at the Park Plaza. She retired in 2001.
As member of St. Helena Cathedral, Elsie was an active parishioner and dedicated volunteer who served as a greeter and helped with funeral lunches and Eucharistic adoration. She also was an active volunteer for the Red Cross and the Civic Center and was very involved in community service as a member of Beta Sigma Phi.
She loved the outdoors and spent many hours walking, hiking, and swimming. When she could no longer share outdoor adventures with her friends, she still kept in touch and always welcomed visitors. Her family and friends will miss her very much and her grandchildren will always remember her caramel rolls as being the best in the world.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 19th at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing St. in Helena with a reception to follow at the Brondel Center in the lower level of the Cathedral. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Elsie.
Mary Kay Bennett says
You can fill my cup of coffee in heaven when I get there, Elsie!
Thanks for taking such loving care of us. ♥️
Katie says
I remember Elsie from my childhood. My grandmother Bettie Lunceford and Elsie were great friends for many years. My family sends condolences to Elsie’s family.
Kathy Fritz says
Elsie and I were in Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, a lot of years ago, in Helena. She was a good friend and I’m sorry I lost contact with her. Rest in peace, Elsie. My condolences to her family.
Colleen nichols says
Elsie was such a nice lady, we always loved seeing her. She was best friends with my mom Ruth O’Connell, they had a morning walking gang Who traipsed all over the streets of Helena. She will be missed, my thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Kevin Collins says
I first met Elsie as a go- fer at the 4-Bs cafe in 1964, she helped me so much! May you rest in Peace
Mitch Crilly says
I remember Elsie w/helping out w/Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts when I was a ravel rouser! She was always very pleasant around me and put up w/her boys and I zipping around on our Motorcycles across the road from her home! We called it Fun Trails! — Those were the days!! :-))
Years later I became a Union Business Agent for H.E.R.E. Local #533 and enjoyed working for her and The Waitresses and staff at 4-B’s Restaurant, she had great dedication to The Customers and The Restaurant.
I’m sure Elsie has said many a Prayer for guys like me in the valley, I would like to express my Gratitude to her friends and family for her consideration over the years and because of Prayers like Elsies’ and others I am still alive and Believer in Jesus as My Only Savior!! May God always be with you Elsie and Family, My Prayers are now with you and yours, Sincerely Mitch Crilly
Mitch says
Posted 4/10/22
Hi, When doing a search for address information Elsie’s obituary popped up.
I’m sorry I didn’t know about her passing, but anyone reading this, please know that Elsie was very kind caring woman.
This is Mitch Crilly and while I didn’t spend much time w/these folks I did get to ride motorcycles at times with the boys. I remember I got in an auto accident across the Street and the car that slammed into us pushed onto what we called Fun Trails back in the day and Elsie came to our rescue making sure we were all ok and I believed she Witnessed the incident to The Officers that arrived on scene. Anyway, Elsie with some other wonderful ladies that assisted w/Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts and neighborhood events. I Pray her family is well and she is smiling upon them from Heaven knowing God Has Everything Under Control. Love Ya In The Lord My Friends, Mitch C