Joanne M. Rigler passed away on June 6, 2019, at the age of 68, after a courageous battle with cancer. Her dad passed away on the same day three years earlier. Joanne was born October 26, 1950, in Helena, to Charles and Iris Rigler.
She attended St. Ann’s School and Helena Catholic Central High School.
She was employed by St. John’s Hospital for seven years, St. Peter’s Hospital for 24 years, and Montana City School for 11 years.
Joanne enjoyed gardening, knitting, crocheting, and embroidery. Gardening was her favorite, especially planting lots of flowers, and then there was canning at the end of the season. Spending time with her niece and nephews was a big part of her life. Camping, fishing, and many trips to Yellowstone were the highlights of summers. As her great-niece and nephews came along, she loved them dearly, too. They called her, “Aunt JoJo.” Her constant companion was her little dog, Teasha.
Joanne married Roger Schultz in 1977. They divorced years later.
She was proceeded in death by her parents. Joanne is survived by her sister, Vonnie (Doug) Strong, niece Becky (Joe) Corbett, nephew Aaron Strong, nephew Steve (Mayu) Strong, great-niece Ayumi Strong, great-nephews J.T. and Jonah Corbett, aunts Lucille (Mike) Stump and Jeanie Bailey, and various cousins.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 13th, at SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, 120 W. Riggs St., East Helena. The graveside service will follow at St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery. There will be a reception following the graveside at the VFW Post 10010, 117 W. Main St., East Helena. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: American Cancer Society or Lewis & Clark Humane Society. Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Joanne.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday June 13, 2019
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs
East Helena, Montana 59635
Rite of Committal
Following the service
Thursday June 13, 2019
St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the graveside service
Thursday June 13, 2019
VFW Post 10010
117 W. Main St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday June 13, 2019
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs
East Helena, Montana 59635
Rite of Committal
Following the service
Thursday June 13, 2019
St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the graveside service
Thursday June 13, 2019
VFW Post 10010
117 W. Main St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
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Kathleen Hunthausen says
Vonnie and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Joannie was a gentle, kind soul, and always had a smile on her face. The Hunthausens send our love.
Lexana Flink says
I’m sorry for your loss of Joanne she was a wonderful loving and a beautiful person i really enjoyed when you guys would come into the store. My thoughts and prayers are with you
Denise Cook says
My thoughts go out to Joanne’s family. I will miss her beautiful smile and her courageous spirit. May she rest in peace.
Mayu and Ayumi says
We miss you Joanne, you were a wonderful aunt.
I’m so sorry that we can not attend the funeral.
But we are thinking of you from Japan.
We love you.
Bridger Veterinary Hospital says
To all of Joanne’s family.
We want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Joanne was such a beautiful person and we will
miss her smile and her humor. We will miss her and Doug bantering back and forth.
Love to you all,
All your friends at Bridger
Shirley Nordstrom McKnight says
So sorry to see your loss of your sister. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Lisa DeGroat Goodrich says
Dear Family,
We were so sad to hear of Joannie’s passing. I often think of the special visit we had in 2011. I had truly hoped she might make it out to Vermont one fall. Sending all our love, and wishing it were possible to be there for her funeral.
Hugs and prayers, Lisa and family
Susan Timmer says
Dear family, I am at a loss of words to see that Joanne passed away 3 yrs to the date of Zip. I miss him so much and all our visits. I know Joanne had been battling for some time. My heart goes out to all of you , Vonnie, Aaron I’m sure you are at a loss also. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers. Love to you all Susan Timmer and family( Columbia Paint)
Marsha McDede Alsbury says
I was grateful to know Joanne. While we worked at Montana City. She was always so kind and supportive to all. I love her.
Melinda Longsworth says
Dear family, working with Joanne at Montana City School was a joy! She was so kind to the kids and adults and was ever so humble about her many gifts and talents. She was also very quick-witted and funny. She will be missed!
Janet Tursich says
Vonnie & Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your sister Joanne’s passing. She was a beautiful person and she will be greatly missed.