Linda JoAnne Metzinger Miech, “Joni” to most people, of Helena, MT passed away early in the morning of June 18, 2025, with her sister Carol at her side.
Joni was born July 7, 1952, to Ralph and Lois Metzinger in Martin, South Dakota. Her younger sister Carol joined the family in 1958. Joni spent her early life going to school in Martin, helping her parents on the farm, and being active in the Presbyterian Church in Tuthill, South Dakota.
Joni went to Dental Hygiene school in Sheridan, Wyoming where she met the love of her life, William “Bill” Miech. They were married on July 22, 1972, in Martin, SD. After being married, Bill and Joni moved to Livingston, Montana. While living in Livingston, their daughter Kama was born. The family moved to Billings later that year where Bill and Joni welcomed their two sons, Michael and Tom. While living and working in Billings, Bill and Joni were involved with the Jaycee’s, the March of Dimes and the Presbyterian Church.
July of 1981 Bill’s work required Bill and Joni to move their family to Helena, MT where Bill was the foreman of mechanical maintenance contract for State of Montana capital complex. Joni used her college degree and worked as a dental hygienist and volunteered in the Presbyterian Church. Eventually Joni quit working as a hygienist and began working for the First Presbyterian Church as the director of Christian Education. Joni felt called to the ministry and worked for the church for 30 years before retiring in 2015.
Joni loved the children and the young adults that she helped along the way. Joni always treated kids the same, whether you were her child or not. If you misbehaved, Joni would call the offender out, and she especially disliked “sneaks and liars.” Kama, Mike, and Tom’s friends always knew that Momma Miech’s door was open to anyone. Joni was always an advocate for youth, whether in school, the church, or youth sports and activities. It didn’t matter, Joni felt that each kid deserved a chance. Joni and Bill have always been a strong supporter of youth activities, including baseball, football, dance class, scouts. Together, they made every effort to attend their kids’ games, shows, and programs. Joni and Bill attended many baseball and football games, whether it was sunny and nice, gloomy and rainy, or cold and snowy; they were cheerleaders that supported their kids.
Christmas was another of Joni’s loves and was her favorite holiday. She has an immense collection of Santas, snowmen, gingerbread men, and Christmas ornaments. Joni has probably watched every Christmas show on the Hallmark Channel and loved “Christmas in July”.
Joni was an avid reader, especially of her “smut” books that she refers to as historical romance novels. She has quite the collection of books, recipe books, quilt books and fabric that she wanted to make into quilts. She always had plans to sew quilts when life calmed down, but when does that ever happen?
Joni is survived by her husband Bill of Helena, her sister Carol (Randy) Siegfried of Dover, DE; her children Kama (Justin) Roberts of Helena, Michael of Helena, Tom (Shea) of Hamilton, TX; five grandchildren and three great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; in addition to all of her “other children she has ‘adopted’ over the years.
Joni was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Lois Metzinger, her maternal grandparents Anna and Robert Shebal, and her paternal grandparents Frank and Flora Metzinger.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 1:00 pm on Monday, June 23, 2025, at Anderson, Stevenson, Wilke and Retz Funeral Home, with reception to follow. Joni requests bright colors and happiness (No Black 😉) All are invited to attend the celebration. Condolences can be sent to 112 Greenwood Drive, Helena, MT 59601.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
1:00 p.m.
Monday June 23, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of Her Life
Monday June 23, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
1:00 p.m.
Monday June 23, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of Her Life
Monday June 23, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Bud & Linda says
Joni we enjoyed our visit last fall you will be sincerely missed.
You are blessed and at peace with our Lord.
May you RIP and the Lord will keep your family safe, Amen
Peggy Fine says
I worked with Joni at the first Presbyterian church! She was Christian Ed. Director and I was Secretary. She was a servant of the Lord for sure. She will be surely missed. She is teaching children up in Heaven. Prayers to all of her family ‘ Bill. Kama, Michael, and Tommy and all.of her grandkids. Rest in peace my friend!
Tom Naegele says
Bill & Miech Family & Friend’s, Seeing Joni was always a bright spot in my day as we caught up on the kids lives & whereabouts and Joy’s in our lives. So sorry for your loss as I send Prayers 🙏 of Loving support and care. GOD Blessed us ALL for having Joni in our lives. RIP Joni
Mandy Wichman says
Having Joni and Bill as chaperones to Triennium 1995 in Indiana made our trip so memorable! Joni you were also great to have on staff at camp when I was a kid. I pray you’re at peace and for peace for your family. Thanks for the memories and the guidance!
Jon & Becky Bass says
Joni was one of those people who you would never forget, and I’am so every grateful to have know her, even if its been probably been 25 years since I’ve seen her. I use to teach Sunday School, and with that being said had their kids in my Sunday School class. Just thinking of those kids bring me a smile. Great Family. Well all I can say is Joni, thanks for the impact on my life you made and I will be praying for your family as they walk through this most difficult time, Yep, we know where you are at (HOME) Bless your Family.
Jon & Becky Bass
Amberly Pahut says
I remember the Miech Family well from our high school days. Joni was always so welcoming and friendly. Sending my love to all of you with sympathy.
Amberly
Pearle and Butch Plowman says
We were deeply saddened to hear of Joni’s passing. Though she will be missed greatly by her family and her many friends, we rejoice in the knowledge that she is now whole in Body, Mind and Spirit. She is at home with her Lord and Savior whom she loved and served so faithfully.
The last time I saw Joni was when I visited her the day before she expected to go home from Rehab at Ascension here in Helena. We had a good time catching up on family (whom she loved and was so proud of) and before I left we shared a prayer together that she would experience complete healing. Who knew it would be so soon! Rest in peace Joni, and thank you Jesus for the blessing she was and for lending her to us for awhile.
Our deepest condolences and prayers for God ‘s comfort and peace to Bill, Kama, Michael, Tom and all other family members.
Jake and Sabrina Price says
Bill, Tommy, Mike, and Kama,
We are so saddened to hear of the passing of Joni. She was always one to keep us all in line back during the Capital High days. I always enjoyed running into her later in life when we could catch up about all the family. You are all in our prayers.
Ruthann Arthur says
My sincerest sympathies to Joni’s family. Our small group has prayed for her over many years. May the peace that she rests with her Heavenly Father comfort you.
Carol’s friend Ruthann
Annette Wakefield says
Bill, I didn’t know about Joni’s passing until today. I am so sorry. Lynn and I were lucky to be your neighbors on Greenwood. Joni was always welcoming to our children, especially when they wanted our guinea pigs to have play time either in your yard or ours. Bless her for all her dedicated work no matter what she did. I was touched by your presence at Lynn’s memorial reception. It was so wonderful to see you again. I know this is a very sad time for you and your family, but I pray that God will give you strength and comfort in your grieving. You have good and loving memories and she will always live in your hearts. Hold on tightly to each other. With sincere sympathy,
Annette Wakefield
Jo Ann Heath says
Sending our love and Sympathy to Joni’s family! She was a member of our Bennett County Class of 1970.
We graduated together in Martin SD. We are celebrating our 55th Reunion. Joni will be sadly missed.
Jo Ann & Larry Heath
Christina Crowder says
Joni made the world brighter just by existing. She always made me feel welcome and loved as well as my family. I always kept in contact with her and sent messages back and forth and spoke with her periodically. Her physical presence will be missed. Rest well sweet Angel.
Marlene Nelson says
Gone too soon. I knew JoAnne 4th grade through high school in Bennett County South Dakota. Good times in 4-H club together. Remembering a little dance our club did in white sailor dresses for the talent show. She was a sweetheart. Great memories of those formative times of our lives.
Rest in Peace JoAnne. May all your time with family and friends live in their hearts forever and bring them fond memories.
Marlene Nelson
Nancy Sue Etchingham says
Bill, I learned of Joni’s passing via my niece Amy who works with your daughter. So sorry for your loss. A flood of memories from DH school is filling my heart. Joni was a kind, thoutful, giving person and an important part of out pac in school. I see from the obituary her heart just grew. My sincere sympathies for your loss go out to your family and her friends. It’s tough to loose a person as special as Joni. Nancy Etchingham
Cathy Kovich says
To the family of Joni, my deepest sympathy. I helped with children church at First Presbyterian under her direction. She was always available for ideas and suggestions. I watched her children grow up and they watched my children do the same. I was surprised to see of her passing today. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I know she was welcomed into God’s kingdom with open arms.
Valerie and Bob Raisch says
To all the Meich family, Joni was a very special part of First Presbyterian when I was a member for 27 yrs. before we retired to FL. in 2004 . She always was joyful with a big smile. May you find comfort in your faith, family and many friends.
Valerie and Bob Raisch
Megan Schneckloth says
Joni was a big part of my life for many years, and I got to travel with her and the Helena, MT Presbyterian’s youth to Colorado. Joni was later a special part of my wedding and took care of all the intricate business. She was an important person to me and my Grandma Pat for many years, and her mother Lona, worked with my father at Asarco “back in the day”. My prayers are with the family, and I know she has been welcomed with open arms into the Father’s almighty kingdom.