Kathleen (Kay) Helen Schweitzer of Helena, Montana died from an accident on August 21, 2011 at the age of 83. Ms. Schweitzer was born on September 24, 1927 on a farm near Box Elder, Montana the fourth of five children to Michael and Hannah McKernan. Michael and Hannah moved to America from Ireland in the early 1900’s. In addition to Kay, their children were Michael McKernan, deceased; Mary Brady, deceased; Nora Nelson and Patricia Warhank.
In 1946, Kay married Adam Schweitzer in a double wedding with her sister Patricia, who married Adam’s good friend Raymond Warhank. Patty and Kay met the young men at post-World War II dance on the Hi-Line. After their marriage, Kay and Adam managed the Schweitzer family farm near Gildford, Montana before moving to Geyser, Montana in 1954. Kay played an active part in managing the family farm, especially since the 1970’s when the family built the internationally renowned Schweitzer Simmentals. Schweitzer Simmentals produced the first Simmental calf in the United States in 1968, and held the first production Simmental Sale. Schweitzer Simmentals produced award winning Polled Fullboods. The Schweitzer Simmental cattle won numerous awards, including: Grand Champion with a bull named Montana in Argentina, and Grand Champions in Europe, Australia, and Mexico. Her final show was in Fort Worth, TX where she won the title of World Championship Bull. Kay was the driving force behind Schweitzer Simmentals; everyone knew that Kay was the one who marketed, groomed, and trained the cattle.
Kay also became passionate over world and political events. She organized a group of women to protest the low price of wheat in Great Falls, Montana. Later, many of these same women became the founding members of Women Involved in Farm Economics (WIFE). She organized a protest to the boycotting of eating meat movement, also held in Great Falls. During the early 70’s, she wrote countless letters to Montana’s legislators regarding her political beliefs. She even tried acting when she played Eleanor Roosevelt for a play about First Ladies produced by the Flathead Women’s Democratic organization. She became active with the Hibernian Women’s organization in Helena, Montana. Kay was a devout Catholic. She was the coordinator for mass at Waterford Retirement facility for the past several years. In her later years, she enjoyed world travel to countries such as Canada, Ireland, Scotland, Australia, Mexico, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, and Saudi Arabia. Kay was proud that all six of her children attended college and pursued successful careers as doctors, real-estate agents, farmer, rancher, consultants, and governor.
Kay is survived by her sisters Nora Nelson from Havre and Pat Warhank from Rudyard; her children Darwin (Sharon), OR; Warren (Ingela), CA; Mike (Jolyn), Billings, Montana; Brian (Nancy) Helena, Montana; Walter (Cindy), Helena, Montana; and Mary, OH; 12 Grandchildren and 3 Great Grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Adam, 2 siblings and one grandchild.
A rosary is planned for 6 p.m. on August 31, 2011 at the Retz Funeral Home in Helena. A funeral will be at 10:00 a.m. on September 1st at the Cathedral of St. Helena in Helena, MT. She will be buried next to her husband at 4 p.m. on September 1 in Highland Cemetery, Havre.
Donations may be made to her grandson’s Beau’s Catholic order, the Society of our Lady of Most Holy Trinity (SOLT) at PO Box 149 Robstown, TX 78380. To offer condolences to Kay’s family or to share a memory of Kay, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com.
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Brian Boland says
On behalf of the Boland family, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. We just wanted to let the Schweitzer family know we share your sorrow following the passing of Kathleen. May you find peace in your heart.
Jackie Williams says
I am so sorry for your loss. Kay will be missed. W loved having her in the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians.
James McDonald says
Darwin and family, Sorry to hear about your Mom passing. She always was a strong advocate for you, your brothers ands sister. She always wanted you to achieve your best. Jim
Jim Birkoski says
Brian and Nancy,
I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. It is extremely difficult at this time to get past the pain and sorrow that comes with the sudden absence of someone so near and dear to us. However, remember that the good lord gives us the ability to recall the wonderful times spent with them as a means to cope with the loss until that time when we are all reunited with him. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim and Suzye Birkoski and Family
Miriam Lewis says
Kay was such a light and loyal member of St. Charles in Whitefish when they were living here. She was always a delight to be around and will be missed by many.
Larry & Wanda Sticka says
Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
” Death leaves a heartache no one can heal…. Love leaves a memory no can steal”
Bill & Carol Walker says
To the Schweitzer family. Carol and I had the pleasure of meeting your mother when she was on a visit with Mary. We enjoyed meeting her and the interaction that we had with her.
Although it was a short time, it was easy to tell that she is a special person.
Our deepest condolences for your lost.
Bill and Carol Walker
Hakan Ersoy says
We are sorry to hear the loss of Kathleen Schweitzer,the mother of Gov. Schweitzer.
She was a real Montanan who was passionate about Montana.We are sure Gov.Schweitzer will miss her early morning phone calls and advises about Montana and what needs to be done.
God bless her soul.
Kandy Clarke says
Brian, So sorry to read about your mother. I think of you often and of our cattle and the peppermint. I do miss those times. Mothers are the foundation to a family. It sounds like your mom was so very special. Kandy