Julia Ann Fieldhouse Viergutz, 51 passed away after a lengthy illness on Tuesday November 7, 2017. She was born October 24, 1966 in Hammond, Indiana, the only child of Patricia Pagett Fieldhouse and Warren Fieldhouse. She graduated from Rich Township High School in Park Forest, Illinois in 1984. Over the years Julia worked for a variety of companies including the First National Bank of Chicago and owning her own accounting business. She met her husband and had her daughter Sadie in LA before the family moved to Creede, Co in 1993. It was there that her son Levi was born and where she was co-owner of the Snowshoe Motel & Video Store with her husband. In 1998 the family moved to Helena, MT where she helped manage the apartment buildings they owned, was a force of nature volunteer for numerous charitable organizations and later worked at Carroll College in the Business Office as the Cashier aka “Candy Lady”.
While at Carroll, Julia was loved by many students and took great joy in acting as a “mom away from home” for them. She was particularly fond of the international students and would often host them at her home. She hosted several traditional Thanksgiving dinners for the international students who remained in Helena over The Holidays and enjoyed being able to give them this truly American experience. She was also instrumental in the formation of the Carroll College Outreach Program.
Julia was a free spirit and self-taught chef who delighted in using her talents to help others celebrate their special occasions, organize care packages for family and friends (even friends of her children), or just stop by with home baked goods when she knew that someone was having a hard day. She was well known for her dinner and deck parties and entertaining the “Upper Westside Ladies”. Julia always made sure that the holidays were memorable and had special menus and/or decorations for most of them.
Julia was a huge music fan whose tastes ran from rock n roll to the standards/jazz/blues. She particularly enjoyed listening to Blackie Nelson and Steve Rains at the Montana Club. On most nights you could find her curled up with a book while listening to music either out in the garden she loved or by the fireplace. Julia loved the opportunities that she had to travel; whether it was a cruise vacation with the ladies, a motorcycle trip with her husband, or a hectic trip with the kids.
Julia was preceded in death by her father; Warren Fieldhouse and many well-loved pet cats. She is survived by her children Sadie and Levi Viergutz, both of Missoula, her mother Patricia Fieldhouse of Helena, Mark Viergutz her former spouse, grand-dog Xena and grand-cats Todd and Hercules. Also, her first cousins, Linda Parker of Prescott, WI, Carol Alder of St. Anne, IL, David Parker of River Forest, IL and Patricia Hageman of PA.
A service celebrating her life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 15th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will be held in the upper lounge at Bert and Ernie’s, 361 Last Chance Gulch. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Julia’s name are suggested to the Friendship Center of Helena, 1430 N. Sanders, Helena, MT 59601 or the Helena Food Share, PO Box 943, Helena, Montana 59624.
Sharon Sauser says
Sadie, Levi and Mark,
Sending love and prayers to you. We had wonderful times in California with your mom and dad. Your mom and i were pregnant at the same times with you Sadie and my oldest Ethan. I have great memories of us both learning to be moms for the first time. Her friendship is a cherished time for me.
Callie Cochran-Hager says
Dear Friends:
I honor you and your memories of a remarkable woman. Our times in Creede were short but in that time we developed a friendship that withstood miles and times. Sadie, my heart smiles when I remember you and Quinn playing together in your backyard with your beloved dinosaur statue. Your heart and compassion for others, especially our animal friends, continues to be large and in charge. I credit your parents for teaching you about helping and giving. Levi, you and Erin were among seven babies born around 1995 in the tiny Creede town. Although I didn’t get to know you well as you grew up, I enjoyed hearing stories about you and seeing pictures. Mark, you and Julia made the girls and me feel welcome in your home. I don’t know how many gallons of coffee were consumed or how many stories were shared, but I consider knowing the Viergutz family as a blessing and a gift. My heart goes out to all of you, and especially to Julia, whose generous gifts touched us all. We send our faraway condolences and keep you in our meditations and prayers. Love to you.
Jenny Gyapay says
Dear family and Westside Ladies,
My heart aches with the loss of such an honest life loving person. Julia was always someone you could count on for the straight forward truth. I adored her honestly, laugh and kindness. Though I haven’t spoken to her since moving to California, she will always be in my heart as someone you could enjoy life with..God bless you, Julia!
One of the Westside Ladies, Jenny
jeanette m fregulia says
Julia was surely missed when she left us at Carroll. Her kind heart, constant smile, and generous spirit will remain with us.
jeanette m fregulia says
Be at peace my friend, and prayers for all your family
TG says
Such powerful force of positive energy and happiness for the students of Carroll.
Andy Allord says
Prayers for family, friends and all those impacted by such a loss.
Susan Near says
Remembering how Julia brought a breath of fresh air into the room when she entered. Her time and contributions to the Original Governor’s Mansion Board was greatly appreciated by Montana Historical Society staff. I am so glad that I got an opportunity to meet and briefly work with Julia-she had a wonderful enthusiasm which always rubbed off on others. Rest peacefully.
Dave and Deb Klein says
Sending a big hug to you Levi and your Dad and sister! May all your special memories comfort you at this time!
Gene Allison says
The write-up said she was a “force of nature”. What a perfect way to describe Julia! I always marvelled at her energy and the meticulous detail she put into everything she did. Her patio parties were epic. And in her everyday life, she never forgot the niceties that brought smiles and that showed she was always thinking of other people. I will miss the special person that was Julia. But I am grateful that I had the chance to know her. To Sadie and Levi, I hope you find comfort and strength to see you throught this difficult time. I know your hearts are breaking right now. May you quickly get to a time where thoughts of your mother only bring you smiles.
Julie Vierqutz says
Dear Pa t, Sadie, and Levi,
I am so sorry to learn of this sad news of your daughter, Pat, and of your Mother, Sadie, and Levi.’
I remember fondly when Julie was a tiny infant and through her high school years until Colorado.
.I cannot hear very well so did not understand when you called Pat that Julie’s services were today,
My computer has not been working and just not got it to work, so I just learned the news a few minutes ago when I opened my email and received a copy of Julie’s obituary from Cherie.
I have jus t lost a prized relative, Julie. Love, Joan P Kirchherr Allen.
Joan Kirchherr Alllen says
I am so sorry for the above entry that I confusedly entered Julie’s name thinking that the note was for her family and what was needed was the name of the one sending the note. This happens when one is overcome. Sincerely, Cousin, Patricia Joan K Allen
Bev Roope says
Mark,Sadie, and Levi, hold on to all of your happy memories. You were blessed to have her in your lives. So sorry for your loss.
Christopher L Van Note says
Sadie, Levi, Mark and Pat
I’ve known your Mom for a long time and nothing made her prouder than to share with me your accomplishments, her latest party menu, her love and devotion to her Mom or riding through the great outdoors on her cycle. She always had a smile on her face and a great positive disposition on life. The Julie I knew, was an “old soul”: one that was caring, nurturing and spiritual. I will miss her, deeply, as I know you will. Love Chris Van Note
DAVE Crenshaw says
Jules was a positive influence on my life in my youth. I have nothing but positive thoughts and loving memories of her. Jules was a truly unique person in a off the rack world. My deepest sympathy goes to her children Sadie and Levi. I truly believe Jules will achieve great things in her journey beyond this existence.