Katherine (Kit) Ann Lieberg was surrounded by those she held dear as she peacefully passed away of natural causes on Thursday, August 9, 2018, at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula, Montana. Born in Helena, Montana on April 11, 1948 to Carol M. and Elizabeth A. (Simkins) Lieberg, she was the oldest of six children. Kit was a graduate of Billings West High School and attended MSU and later Carroll College.
Kit married Lance Lahti in 1969 at St. Helena’s Cathedral, and through that union they were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Jodi and Heidi. Kit and Lance were later divorced.
As a young mother, Kit was primarily a homemaker, but through the years she was employed by the Union Bank, the Clerk of Court’s Office, Leslie’s Hallmark, and St. Helena’s Cathedral. She spoke fondly of the many people she encountered during those years even becoming lifelong friends.
Family was life to Kit. She was fiercely loyal to her Norwegian roots and during Christmas you could find her making krumkake and rosettes and enjoying her dad’s lefse, flatbread, and a favorite, kjottkaker. Kit’s eyes would light up when she spoke about her grandchildren. She enjoyed watching them participate in their various sports and activities. Her home was decorated by the artwork and notes given to her by her grandchildren and great nieces and nephews, all framed and hung on walls. The family cabin at Canyon Ferry Lake was a cherished gem each summer, as she spent time with brothers and sisters, cousins and friends, talking, laughing, singing and retelling stories of childhood memories. She and her cousin Patty were the best of friends throughout her life; Kit loved her dearly. Kit was known for sending elaborate cards filled with stickers and confetti, for anniversaries and birthdays, always signing them, “Love, Kit and Zeke (the dog),” which made us smile every time.
Deep faith in God was the basis of Kit’s life. She was a member of St. Mary’s, St. Helena’s Cathedral, and St. Francis in Missoula. Her involvement in Cursillo deepened her faith even more as she met with her Bible study group each week.
We will miss her quiet presence and genuine wonder and care about people; whether you were a prince or a pauper, all were important in her mind. She is no doubt on the big bus with her parents and other family members who welcomed her with open arms into her next life, where she looked forward to meeting her heavenly Father.
-Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to HER. -Luke 1:45
Kit is survived by her daughters Jodi Lahti, and Heidi Lahti (Dawson Smith). Grandchildren: Kadin Lahti, Campbell and Kage Smith. Brothers: Jim Lieberg (Cindy), Dan Lieberg (Janet), Sisters: Linda Sparing (Bob), Debbie Boyle (Tom), Sandy Hash (Dan). Aunts and uncles: Les and Kim Simkins, Clint and Karen Simkins and Marlene Simkins, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She is also survived by Zeke (the dog).
Kit was preceded in death by her parents, Carol and Betty Lieberg, grandson Kason Smith, aunts and uncles Evelyn and Bud Hay, Patricia and Pat Quinn, Shirley and Joe Reardon, Bob Simkins, Eugene and Margaret Lieberg, and Norm and Joanna Lieberg.
Viewing will be held from 12-6 p.m. on Thursday, August 16th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. in Helena. A vigil will be held at 6 p.m. at the funeral home following the viewing. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 17th at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing Street. Following Mass, the Rite of Committal will be held at Resurrection Cemetery, 3700 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow at the Downstairs at the Brewhouse, 939 ½ Getchell St.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Kit are suggested to Legendary Lodge; make donation payable to “Legendary Lodge” and mail to The Diocese of Helena, P.O. Box 1729, Helena, MT 59624. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Katherine.
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday August 16, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Thursday August 16, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday August 17, 2018
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following mass
Friday August 17, 2018
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Rite of Committal
Friday August 17, 2018
Downstairs at the Brewhouse
939 1/2 Getchell St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday August 16, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Thursday August 16, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday August 17, 2018
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following mass
Friday August 17, 2018
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Rite of Committal
Friday August 17, 2018
Downstairs at the Brewhouse
939 1/2 Getchell St.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Mary Walsh says
Jodi and Heidi – I am so sorry for your loss. Although we hadn’t seen each other for several years I considered Kit a dear friend. She and I helped each other through difficult times. My condolences to Kit’s grandkids, family and friends especially Jim, Patty and her beloved companion Zeke (her dog). Please take care of each other. I will miss knowing she is there. Love Mary Walsh
Freddi says
Sandy –
I am sorry for your loss. You and all your family members are in my prayers and thoughts.
Freddi
Karen Simkins says
So it’s true… It DOES take two lovely daughters, five loving sisters and brothers to write one of the most beautiful memories I’ve ever read… Job well done, Kit! You can be proud of them and hug everyone on the bus for us. Love you. Miss you… Karen and Clint
Patti Marshall says
Dearest Lieberg Family, Jodi and Heidi, I am so very sorry for your loss. Kit was a joy and always so welcoming to everyone. I can hear her voice and see her smile as I read your tribute! Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Much love,
Patti and Bill Marshall
Tom Erving says
Jodi and Heidi and the rest of the Lieberg family,
Our deepest sympathy to you all. Kit was such a wonderful person with such a laugh and smile. She loved her daughters and family so much, I’v’e always admired the family bond and support. How Jodi and Heidi took such good care of their mom in Missoula. I always tried to stay in contact and see how Kit was doing.
One of my favorite memories of Kit, is when we worked together at the old Union Bank, she had just found out that she was pregnant with Jodi. She was so excited and happy, you could just imagine. I remember how good of friends she was with Kathy Prendergast, back in those days. And when Heidi came along, you could only imagine.
Our prayers and support are with you all.
Tom and Debbie Erving
Jo and Paul Bryson says
We are so very sorry for the loss of Kit.? Lifting you all up in prayers of comfort and strength. May God bless you and may you hearts hold tightly the love and joy Kit freely gave to each of you. ????
Much love and blessings ???
John & Betty Brewer says
Jim and family. We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your beautiful sister Kit. We send healing prayers and love that you will always hold those wonderful moments and memories in your hearts forever. She is in Heaven with Her Lord and Savior and totally healed and you will see her again. We send comfort and healing and peace for all. In Jesus precious name Amen.
Darby Revious says
Linda…
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and Prayers
John & Cherie Dahl says
So sorry for your loss. John’s known Kit and the Lieberg family for almost 50 years. ???
DONA DOBLER says
Lieberg Family, My thoughts and prayers for you all. I’ll always remember when Kit and I went to Mexico together. We had such fun. I will miss her laugh and huge loving personality. She loved life, but more she loved God. Sorry she is gone, but her work her is done.
Dona Dobler
Dennis Quinn & Joe Sanchez says
Jodi & Heidi and All the Lieberg Family,
Our deepest sympathy to all of you for your loss of Kit. My heart goes out to you knowing how muh you will all miss her sweet smile and wonderful spirit.
Dennis Quinn and Joe Sanchez
J.D. Elshoff says
I remember this beautiful, and gentle, and kind, and sincere lady. After our Cursillos, we became close friends; would that the Lord could have ordained more. We will meet again one day, I know.