Geraldine K. Schmolke (“Gerri”/ “Grandma Griz”) passed away on Saturday, September 27th, 2025 at St. Peter’s Hospital surrounded by her loved ones. She had been battling cancer since 2016 – was in remission earlier this year, but unfortunately the cancer returned.
Geraldine was born in Billings, MT to Nellie Effie Pond and Gerald Dean Treible on November 22nd, 1946. Gerri was the 5th of 10 total children including Janice who sadly passed away at birth. She spent most of her childhood in Musselshell, MT and graduated from Musselshell High School in the class of 1965.
She had worked summers in Helena, MT at the RB Drive In from the age of 14 until she graduated high school. It was at the RB Drive In that she met her loving husband, Donald Schmolke, whom she married in 1967. This year marks 58 married and 61 together.
Gerri and Don spent time living in Conrad and Boulder and eventually settled in Helena with their three children – Dawn, Lori, and Jason. Geraldine had a career with the City of Helena in the permitting department from 1975-2005 when she retired after 30 years.
Gerri enjoyed hobbies such as ceramics but mainly enjoyed the company of family and close friends. She could be found playing card games such as Pinochle and Rummy and having a sip or two of Boones Farm and a good laugh.
Gerri could be heard cheering on her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren from the sidelines of ALL their events – whether outdoors or in- we always knew their cheering section by the sound of her voice echoing their names in celebration and encouragement. She would never be caught in the opposing team colors on game days or without the closest spot to the action.
Gerri had a knack for style and decoration and finding the very best deal. She lived and loved loud. She bragged about her family’s achievements and milestones and would tell anyone who’d listen just how much she loved her family and what they had been up to.
While Geraldine’s time with us was not long enough, those that knew her can attest that the impact of the time we did have is far greater than a short 78 years. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother and she will be deeply missed.
Geraldine was proceeded in death by her sister Janice Treible, parents Nellie and Gerald Treible, sister Judy Mcaffree, and brother Merlin Treible.
She is survived by:
Joann Sanderson (sister), Marla Thompson (sister), Julie Laughery (sister), Butch Treible (brother), Elton Treible (brother), Orville Treible (brother), Donald Schmolke (husband), Dawn Lebahn (daughter and spouse Rob Lebahn), Lori Hilbert (daughter and spouse Ken Hilbert), Jason Schmolke (son), Mathieu Lebahn (grandson), Marissa Lebahn (granddaughter and spouse Tylor Tomsheck), Donavan Hilbert (grandson and spouse Jenna Hilbert), Antone Hilbert (grandson and spouse Allison Hilbert), Mackenna Schmolke (granddaughter),Koner Schmolke (grandson), Robert Tomsheck(great-grandson),Hayley Hilbert (great-granddaughter), Carrie Tomsheck (great-granddaughter), Maximus Hilbert (great-grandson), Blaize Hilbert (great-grandson), and Cruz Hilbert (great-grandson)
Geraldine’s wishes were to be cremated and buried in Helena with her husband Don Schmolke as well as buried with her family in Musselshell.
A Catered Celebration of Life will be held on 11/22/2025 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz Funeral home at 12:00pm for those that would like to share thoughts and memories and well wishes to the family.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
12:00 p.m.
Saturday November 22, 2025
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
12:00 p.m.
Saturday November 22, 2025
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Vanessa Tolson says
Don and family, I was saddened to hear of Gerri’s passing my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. I am glad we were able to get together a couple months ago, we had lots of memories throughout the years starting at working together at the RB Drive In. Such good memories! RIP dear friend