Marge Mihelish passed exactly 1 month before her 102nd birthday on May 23, 2023. It was a long and glorious life.
Marjorie Luwave Winschell was born in Blackfoot, Idaho to Lester and Wavy Winschell on June 23, 1921. She was delivered at home by her Grandmother, Isadora, who was the community midwife. The family homesteaded and ran their sheep operation near Soda Springs, Idaho. Marge was the middle child with 2 brothers, Laverne and Keith. Ranch life, livestock, and hard work were no strangers to her as a youth.
After graduating from Blackfoot High School, she worked as a telephone switchboard operator until she met Frank Mihelish. They were married in Dillon, MT in 1941. They became loving, lifelong companions. Marge lived in Helena and Missoula during World War II, while Frank served the US Navy in San Diego. They reunited after the war and began their life together in Helena. They were married 65 years. Family was Marge’s top priority for her entire life. Being the best wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother were her biggest aspirations.
Frank credited his business success to her undying support and attention to detail. She made sure he was dressed right, practiced good manners, and was well fed. She was above all…. a great cook! She prided herself in feeding great meals to her family and friends. Marge rarely missed a sporting or extracurricular event her children or grandchildren were in. Helena families could always count on Marge to travel and help chaperone high school events. Church and faith also remained important components in her life. It was a must that all her children were “confirmed Lutherans” before they reached high school. She was also intent on seeing her kids get the opportunity for college and a better future. Marge also held a special place in her heart for Celia Miranda, an AFS foreign exchange student from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil who lived with the family during 1961-1962. Celia always remained a part of their lives.
Marge belonged to many civic organizations. The one she was most proud of was her association with PEO, helping deliver college scholarships to young Montana women. She made many good friends there. Marge also belonged to social organizations such as the Green Meadow Country Club, the Montana Club, and the Gates of the Mountains. She was a loyal MSU Bobcat football fan for over 60 years. Marge also maintained an extreme love for dogs her entire life. She favored Australian Shepherds from her sheep days, but always had a soft spot for pound puppies from the animal shelter.
Husband Frank passed in 2006. Marge is survived by her 3 children Gary (Sandra) in Helena, Mardee (Jack Whitehouse) in Shell Beach, CA, and Bruce (Pamela) in Missoula. She has 7 Grandkids (Kurt, Kyle, Angela, Amy, Aaron, Brett, and Drew) and 7 Great-Grandkids (Mikal, McKinlee, Merek, Jackson, Kennedy, Grace and Ellie), and nieces, Beth and Samantha Winschell.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at St. John’s Lutheran Church with a reception to follow the service at the church. A Private family burial will be held at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday July 26, 2023
St. John's Lutheran Church
1000 Helena Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Wednesday July 26, 2023
St. John's Lutheran Church
1000 Helena Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Inurnment
Wednesday July 26, 2023
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday July 26, 2023
St. John's Lutheran Church
1000 Helena Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Wednesday July 26, 2023
St. John's Lutheran Church
1000 Helena Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Inurnment
Wednesday July 26, 2023
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Dean Retz says
Many, many memories of the Mihelish families, as I have known Gary for over 70 years. It has been a blessing to see Gary and Sandra, Kyle and Kurt, and lately watch Merek in sports. I feel so fortunate to be able to say hi to Marge a while back as she was watching her granddaughters play basketball. Gary, you are very special to me taking care
of your mother. GOD BLESS.
Jeff Douglass says
Jeff had many fond memories of going to the Mihelish household as a child and youth and being tested so kindly by Marge. She will be greatly missed. Please accept our condolences.
Jeff and Linda Douglass
Pat Ross says
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family during these difficult days.
Larry Johns says
Gary, our condolences to you and your family. God be with you. Larry and Jeanne Johns
Lois Simpson says
Kurt,
I am so sorry to hear about your Grandma. I will keep you in my prayers.
Suzanne Wilke says
Gary, Sandy and family
I am very sorry for your loss of your Mother
Wishing you Peace
Sue Wilke
Helene Vance says
Mardee:
Sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom but know you are thankful for her long life. What a double whammy with the recent loss of your daughter. I certainly sympathize with both losses and wish you only the best going forward.
Sincerely,
Helene (Rust) Vance
Sydney Blair says
Gary and Sandra- I am sorry for the loss of you mother. What a wonderful life she had. Sydney Blair
Brian Garrity says
Gary, Sandy, & Kurt,
Madalyn & I were so sorry to hear about your loss. It sounds like Marge had a very full & caring life, over 101 years! I can’t even imagine. If her obituary is accurate, I know of one son who inherited her characteristics for a full & caring life (and a daughter-in-law & grandson who have done quite well themselves).
Our best to all of you. Take care.
Brian