Jennifer L. Massman, age 53, of Helena, passed away September 19, 2022.
Jennifer Lynn Massman, born December 6, 1968 at Tripler Hospital in Hawaii, passed away September 19, 2022 at age 53. She is survived by husband David Schnittgen, sons Andrew Kaiser, Tyler Kaiser, and Zachary Kaiser, stepdaughter RaeAnna Schnittgen, mother Carole Massman, and brother Joe Massman. She is also survived by Tamara Jackson, Janet Skeslien Charles (lifelong friend), Julie Bir (bonus sister and Joe’s partner), and myriad cousins, aunts and uncles, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her father Joseph Roy Massman and her first husband L. Randall Kaiser.
Jennifer attended Helena K-12 schools and received her bachelor’s in psychology and juris doctorate from the University of Montana. She was an attorney for the State of Montana in various departments for 22 years. She and her family were members of First Presbyterian Church in Helena.
Jennifer was, to her family and friends, a force of nature. Her wit, intelligence, insight, generosity, strong will, profound honesty, and deep loyalty to her family and friends made her an unforgettable and extremely rewarding person to be around. She discovered a love of sports through her children’s sports extracurriculars and could daily be found driving her children to sports practices and games in town and around the region. She was known for her love of 80s rock music, Griz football, Mel Brooks movies, coffee, and chocolate.
She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2017 and throughout the years, made as much time for being with her kids and new husband as possible. Her sense of humor and fighting spirit endured through the last days in the hospital. She was an inspiration to many others for her devoted parenting, strength in her decisions, and fortitude. She is so loved and will be deeply and dearly missed.
“Your life is a work of art, and in the end, the underlying theme of great art is bravery and hope and love.” Garrison Keillor
A Celebration of Jennifer’s Life is scheduled for 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave., with a coffee and cookie reception to follow in the Social Hall of the funeral home. Inurnment will be held at Forestvale Cemetery following the reception.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m.
Wednesday September 28, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 n Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Coffee and Cookies
Following the service
Wednesday September 28, 2022
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Inurnment
Following the reception
Wednesday September 28, 2022
Forestvale Cemetery
690 Forestvale Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m.
Wednesday September 28, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 n Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Coffee and Cookies
Following the service
Wednesday September 28, 2022
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Inurnment
Following the reception
Wednesday September 28, 2022
Forestvale Cemetery
690 Forestvale Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Tonna Strasko says
Carole and boys, My heart hurts for all of you. I am so sorry you are all having to go through this again.
My prayers are with you all.
God be with you all during this most difficult time.
Tonna Strasko
Margaret Woo says
Dear Carole,
I am so sad to see this. If I could be be with you next week, I would. You have all remained like family to me. Sending you and all the boys (Joe, too) all my love and sympathy.
Jennifer Maichel says
Peace, prayers and blessings. Words cannot even begin to express my sorrow. She was an amazing person to work with.
Jennifer Billman says
To All her Family, Friends , and Fellow Co-workers:
She was such a bright light and so very caring. I am sad for us all.
May the Lord bless each and everyone of you and may you find the peace knowing that she is gone from this Earth, but NEVER forgotten and loved. We will all meet again.
To her Family and children. So Sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you.
Jen Adkins says
My heart is broken for all of Jen’s family and friends, specially her boys. You boys were the light of her life and she was so very proud of you! I hope that you always remember that. Prayers for peace in your hearts as you navigate this tough time and begin the process of healing. May God wrap his loving arms around all of Jen’s family. I am beyond blessed to have known Jen. So terribly sorry for your loss.
Drew & Lexsey Carpenter says
Carole & boys,
Our hearts are broken. We are so sorry. Jen’s world revolved around you boys. She was such a proud mama. Praying for you all and sending all our hugs and love. May the God of hope be with you during this time.
All our love
Joslyn Hunt and Family says
Jennifer had a unique ability to put you at ease as though she had known you for years, even upon first meeting you. She was beautiful and kind and so incredibly smart. She was a fighter, an ever-faithful friend, and an amazing mother. We shared laughs and tears, and I am blessed to have known her. To her family, please know she touched the lives of so many. Thank you for sharing her with us. She was a true gift. You will always be in my prayers as will memories of Jennifer always be in my heart.
April Fife says
Drew, Tyler, Zachary, and Carole- I was so saddened to hear of Jennifer’s passing. I’m just shocked because I just talked to her a couple of weeks ago at our office building. She was such a fighter for you boys. When we caught up with each other, all she talked about was her boys and filled me in on you guys. She was so strong, so smart, had such a witty sense of humor, and was so insightful on life in general. May God wrap his arms around all of you. She will always be with you. My thoughts and prayers are with all of her loved ones. Jennifer, you and your beautiful smile will be missed.
Joy Edgar says
My love, prayers and condolences go out to Jennifer’s husband, Dave; her mother, Carole, and her three boys.
Jennifer was such a delight. She will be greatly missed!
Peace to your hearts!
Joy Edgar says
My love, prayers and condolences go out to Jennifer’s husband, Dave, her mother, Carole and her three boys as they grieve her passing. She was dearly loved and will be missed by all who knew her.
Christ’s peace to your hearts,
Joy
Melody L Smith,, says
Dear sweet Carol and Joey, I’m very very sorry that something happened to Jennie. We were very good friends when I took care of Joey. I loved both of them DEARLY. I just now heard about this from my sister who was in some of her classes. We are both in Houston so I won’t be able to go to the reception. I’m still in shock. I’ve been talking with Morman missionaries and I will have them say a prayer for you and Joey, her husband and her children. May God bless you and be with you at this very difficult time. Jennie was a very smart, talented, and beautiful person. You can contact me anytime at 406- 438- 7181. Or I will try to find you on the internet
Steve Armstrong says
Jennifer was a student in my classes at Helena High in the mid-1980s. She was pure delight! Inquisitive, smart, caring and an excellent writer. She and her friends asked me to go bowling with them one day after school. It was truly a wonderful time to be with this group, which also included Randy. While I lost contact with her after her graduation, I am not surprised by her career path and accomplishments. My sympathies to her family and friends. May her light shine on.
Joy Edgar says
My prayers go out to Jennifer’s loving family, mother, Carole, husband, David, sons: Andrew, Tyler & Zachary, as well as the rest of her family. She was so loved and will be greatly missed. I knew her from church.
God bless all of you and may you feel His Peace.
Sherri Lynn Anderson says
I had the honor of working with Jennifer for many years at the State. She was always kind, compassionate and caring. I was deeply saddened to learn of her passing. My love and heartfelt prayer go out to all of her family at the time. Fly with the angels my dear friend. You will be missed
Valerie Raisch says
Dear Carole,
It’s been so many years since we lived in MT.
and went to church together. Your beautiful
daughter Jen’s early death must be so painful
for you, brother Joe, her husband, and three sons.
I’m so sorry! May your faith, family and friends
bring you peace and comfort. Jennifer’s obituary
was beautiful and I wish I would have had the honor
to have known her.
God bless you all. 🙏💔
Valerie Raisch
FJ says
Dave,
I know your heart is broken. HE will comfort you. Count on it.
Fran
John Tarr says
Jennifer, was one of the finest individuals I every had the opportunity to work around. My sincere sympathy goes out to her family.
Gregory Bonilla says
I am so deeply saddened and at a loss for words. My own first wife, my son’s mother, also passed away from ovarian cancer. I knew Jennifer a long time ago, and I admired her greatly. Her boys, as well as the rest of her family, have my deepest sympathy for this profound loss.
John & Patti Armstrong says
Carole, we’re sorry for your loss. Our prayers go out to you and your family. May peace be with you.
John & Patti Armstrong
Rebecca Foor (Maphies) says
My deepest sympathies. I went to school with Jennifer. My thoughts and prayers to her family.
Mark Anderson says
Jennifer was a nice person and lawyer. I went to law school with her. She was always friendly and helpful. She will be missed