Liesel Ann Curtiss 06-29-1942 – 04-10-2023
On the evening of April 10, 2023, Liesel Ann Curtiss passed away at St. Peters Hospital in Helena, MT as a result of a sudden stroke. Her husband Ken was at her side. Liesel was born in Birmingham, Michigan on June 29, 1942. At a young age, Liesel and family members; father Donald Crawford Voorheis, mother Edna Stuart Voorheis, older brother Donald Voorheis and younger brother Irving Voorheis moved to Van Nuys, California.
At the age of 12, Liesel’s father unexpectedly died from a work-related accident. This left the family with new roles and responsibilities. Liesel cooked for the family. This began her development as an experienced and very capable preparer of meals. She learned to prepare desserts of a professional quality.
Her Mother wanted Liesel to go to college. So, after graduation from Van Nuys, California High School in 1959, she briefly attended the University of Washington, then transferred to California Poly University at San Luis Obispo, graduating with a Social Science Degree in June 1965.
In 1964 Liesel and Ken met at the Presbyterian Church in Hollywood California. After dating over a year, they were married at Hollywood Presbyterian Church on November 27, 1965. They lived in Redondo Beach, California. Liesel worked as a Social Worker in Los Angeles County. She became a member of Redondo Beach Presbyterian Church.
Liesel and Ken spent time going on hiking trips to most of the National Parks of the west. They especially liked hiking trails that led to waterfalls.
In 1971 Ken changed jobs and Liesel moved to Helena, Montana. They started a family when Robert was born and then Brian. Liesel worked for Crawford Rehabilitation Services and then Montana State Government as a welfare eligibility specialist. Between jobs Liesel was a stay-at-home mom with the kids.
After the boys left home for jobs in California, she enjoyed trips to California, Hawaii, Alaska, Minnesota and the 50th anniversary to London and Paris. Liesel really liked the trips and was scheduled to go the Holy Land in Israel, ten days after her passing.
Liesel volunteered for many programs. Liesel had a heart bigger than the State of Montana. She had passion for family, children, and her dogs. She enjoyed having lunch with friends and swimming at a local health club.
While attending the First Presbyterian Church of Helena, Liesel assisted in running the church sponsored after school program for boys and girls attending Helena Middle School. The Lesson and Loaves and Loaves and Fishes programs were well received from 2008 to 2013.
Then Liesel joined Grace Community Fellowship where she served a term on Session, participated in a Mission trip to Bolivia, worked on church programs such as Operation Christmas Child, Socks for Seniors and Vacation Bible School. Liesel also attended weekly church Bible Studies.
At her passing, Liesel was attending Life Covenant Church where she was active in Vacation Bible Study, Operation Christmas Child and a church bible study led by Pastor Bill Wohlers. Liesel was a believer and follower of Jesus, God, and the Bible. She was called by God to be in heaven. Liesel will be missed by family and friends. Liesel was proceeded in death by parents Donald and Edna. She is survived by her husband Ken, sons Robert and Brian, brothers Don and Irv, cousins Jeff, Susan, Kristy and Tracy, and three grandchildren.
A memorial service is scheduled for Tuesday, May 2 at 11 am at Anderson, Stevenson, Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 North Montana Avenue, Helena. A Luncheon follows at the same location at 12 noon and then burial at Sunset Gardens Cemetery at 1:30 pm. All are welcome. We are currently using Knox flowers for our beloved Liesel.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday May 2, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday May 2, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
1:30 p.m.
Tuesday May 2, 2023
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday May 2, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday May 2, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
1:30 p.m.
Tuesday May 2, 2023
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
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Candace Waters says
Robert and family. I am sorry for your loss. You’re in my thoughts during this time.
Marsha Stock says
Rudy and I are very sorry for your loss. She was an amazing person who loved life and God. She was a good friend and helped me so much in my time of need. I will miss her.
Patti Russ says
To Liesel’s family
I was saddened to hear of Liesel’s.passimg. She was a dedicated attendee at Crossroads Hydro FIRE and Aqua Surge classes. I was her instructor. She always brought a smile ro everyone’s face and was a fierce exerciser. We were all looking forward to hearing about her trip to the Holy Land. I guess she went a bit farther and met the Lord face-to-face. I will miss her. Many blessings to all of you.
Arlyn and Pearle Plowman says
We were so shocked and saddened to hear of Leisel’s sudden death. Our condolences to Ken and their boys.
We first met Leisel and Ken when they attended First Presbyterian church, and reconnected at Crossroads Fitness at hydro aerobic class.
John Harrington says
Ken and family. So sorry to see the sudden passing of Liesel. I enjoyed working with her over the years and her biggest concern always was to be in as good shape as possible to go visit her kids and grandchildren. She had a great zest for life and family!