Lucille Van Diest died after a brief stay at St Peters Hospital on Tuesday, August 21, 2018. She passed away quickly and peacefully after maintaining her strength and enthusiasm while living at Touchmark in Helena for over the past 15 years.
Lucille was born December 13, 1918 in Roundup, Montana to Helen and Anton Polich who settled in Roundup after immigrating from Croatia in 1909. Lucille was the 5th of 6 children who was raised in the house built by her father. She graduated from Roundup High School in 1937. On May 11, 1957 she married Leonard Don Van Diest at St Benedictine’s Catholic Church in Roundup, and moved to Helena. They were married for 39 years until his death in 1996.
Lucille spent most of her career working for the Federal Government at the Selective Service office in Helena; retiring in 1974. She was a member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, and Lewis & Clark Cancer Committee. Lucille enjoyed playing her organ, spending time with her family and travelling.
Lucille was preceded in death by her husband Leonard, parents Helen and Anton Polich, brothers Fred and Anthony Polich, sisters Mary Balder, Helen Polich, and Millie Boulanger.
Survivors include her son Scott and his wife Kihana Van Diest, grandsons Isaac, Theo, and Andreas, nephew Ron Polich and fiancée Adele Bissonette, nephew Mike Van Diest, his wife Heidi and their son’s Shane and Clay, nieces Susan Boulanger, Patricia Lynch, Annette Purnell, and many other nieces and nephews.
A viewing will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E 6th Ave, Wednesday, August 29, 2018 with A Vigil Service to follow at 6:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Ave. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 30, 2018 at St. Mary’s Catholic Community with a burial to follow the Mass at Resurrection Cemetery. A Reception will immediately follow the burial in the social hall of St. Mary’s.
Please visit below to give condolences or share a memory of Lucille.
Service Schedule
Viewing
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday August 29, 2018
Retz Funeral Home Chapel
315 E. 6th Avenue 315 E. 6th Avenue 315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, MT 59601
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday August 29, 2018
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Thursday August 30, 2018
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
After the Mass
Thursday August 30, 2018
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the burial
Thursday August 30, 2018
Social Hall of Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Viewing
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday August 29, 2018
Retz Funeral Home Chapel
315 E. 6th Avenue 315 E. 6th Avenue 315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, MT 59601
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday August 29, 2018
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Thursday August 30, 2018
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
After the Mass
Thursday August 30, 2018
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the burial
Thursday August 30, 2018
Social Hall of Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Deena Verworn says
My thoughts and prayers go out to Lucille’s family. She was a kind, caring and wonderful lady and I was truly blessed to have the pleasure of getting to know her. She will be missed.
Rita K. Crist says
Lucille was a beautiful lady who I will miss very much. I’m very glad for our fun times and all the good memories I have of her.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Shirley Chovanak says
Many years ago, I worked with Lou at the Armory. She was a very nice lady, who was always so much fun to visit with. God bless her and her family and may she rest in eternal peace,