On October 22, 2012, Louise Goettel died peacefully, surrounded by her loving family. Louise was born on August 29, 1928 to Pete and Okla Falardeau in Conrad, Montana. She was the middle child of three. Her older sister Bernice was her best friend and partner in crime, and she was fiercely protective of her younger brother, Frank. She graduated from Teton County High School in 1946 and met the love of her life, Bob, shortly after. They were married on April 20, 1949 in Great Falls and were happily married for the next 58 years. They had three beloved children, Pam, Timm and Tommy. The family moved to Helena in 1964.
Louise was a wonderful mother; vivacious, hands-on, gentle, and devoted. She was also a working mother, finally retiring from the Mental Health Association in 1985. Retired life for Louise was something most people can only dream about; she and Bob traveled to the Oregon Coast, fished and boated, hunted sapphires, made homemade peach jam and smoked salmon, and learned to polka dance, which became their passion. She became a grandmother to Heidi and later to Kody, both of whom she adored and spoiled rotten. The highlight of her last years was her many adventures with her treasured great-grandchildren.
Throughout her entire life, Louise displayed compassion, love, and generosity. She was fun-loving and lighthearted, always smiling or laughing, and never complained. She was Louise to her parents and friends, Mom to her kids, Gramma to her grandkids, GG to her great-grandchildren, and Auntie Weeze to her many adoring nieces and nephews.
She is survived by her son Timm Goettel (Brianna Reed), granddaughters Heidi Goettel (Bob Cochran) and Kody Goettel (Joe Ramler), great-grandsons Lincoln and Barrett Cochran, and numerous nieces, nephews, extended relatives, in-laws and friends.
Louise was looking forward to being reunited with those who preceded her in death, her parents and siblings, her daughter Pam, to holding her son, Tommy, who died at birth, and dancing again with her loving husband Bob.
Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home Thursday, October 25th. The family invites you to join them in a Funeral Liturgy 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 26th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. A funeral reception will be held in the social center of the church immediately following the Liturgy. Burial will be 1:30 p.m. at Montana State Veterans Cemetery. Memorials in Louise’s name are suggested to the American Heart Association, 1831 Euclid Ave., Helena, MT 59601 or to a charity of donor’s choice. Please visit below to offer the family condolences or to share a memory of Louise.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday October 25, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Liturgy
11:00 a.m.
Friday October 26, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Reception
Immediately following the Funeral Liturgy to Approximately 1:00 p.m.
Friday October 26, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Approximate 1:30 p.m.
Friday October 26, 2012
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrsion, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday October 25, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Liturgy
11:00 a.m.
Friday October 26, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Reception
Immediately following the Funeral Liturgy to Approximately 1:00 p.m.
Friday October 26, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Approximate 1:30 p.m.
Friday October 26, 2012
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrsion, Montana 59636
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Jacqueline Hoff says
My dear friend Louise has left us on earth to share the after life with her husband Bob and daughter Pam. She will be missed. I am so very grateful for her hospitality, compassion and sense of humor. Her open arms sheltered me from significant challenges when I was young. She was a guardian angel to me. Rest in peace and keep smiling. The sound of your laughter will always bring warmth to my heart.
Lynn Hills says
Louise was such a special and kind lady to me and my family in the many years we knew her. Her memories and laughter we knew will always be with me.
Mark & June Gornick says
Louise & Bob were folks we met at a Polka fest a number of years back and we enjoyed many times at these events. we also had the pleasure of celebrating their 50th anniversary with them. They wre kind and frendly people who made you very welcome aways. We will miss Louise,s smile and huggs we always got when we saw her. Please know she is in our thoughts and prayers. God bless and love to her family. Mark & June
John and Nancy Morgan says
So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jan Brown says
I had the pleasure of working with Louise as a board member of the Mental Health Association of Montana in the 1970’s. We became good friends. She was such a hard worker, a very compassionate person, and had a great sense of humor. She will be missed by many.
Roxie Peterson says
I was very saddened to read of Louise’s passing, and was sorry not to be able to be over there for the funeral services. Her and my mom were very close friends for many years.
They met when my mom and dad first moved to Helena, and attended New Comers. They remained great friends until my mom passed away in 2008. I often tried to see her or at least call her when I was in Helena. She was truly a great lady. Love Roxie Peterson