Othelia A. Schulz passed away on April 3, 2014, at the age of 88.
Othelia was born in Froid, Montana, on March 28, 1926, to Gottlieb and Anna Hekkel. Othelia met the love of her life, Bob Schulz, at a country dance. They were married on June 15, 1949, in Froid. After residing for a brief time in Missoula and Helena, they made their home in Anaconda until 2004. While there, they were blessed with two sons, Jim and Bill. In 2004, they relocated to Helena to be closer to family.
As a young woman, Othelia worked on the family farm in Froid. She was later employed as a waitress, and as a sales clerk at Buttrey’s Department Store in Havre. Upon moving to Anaconda, Othelia was employed by the Butte Water Company and a salesperson at McIntyre’s Clothing. She was a wonderful cook and loved to invite family and friends over for meals. Her specialties were breads and lefse. Othelia was a highly skilled seamstress, designing wedding dresses, clothing, and her passion, quilting. She was actively involved in multiple facets of developmentally disabled organizations, holding many positions involving political lobbying for the funding of services. She thoroughly enjoyed her children, especially following her son Jim’s accomplishments in Special Olympics. She was a licensed amateur radio operator (N7GHW). In Helena, Othelia was a volunteer at the St. Peter’s Hospital gift shop. She also spent her Thursday mornings quilting with the Sew In Love group at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, making quilts for residents at The Friendship Center.
Othelia is survived by her sons, Jim and Bill (Teresa) Schulz of Helena. She is also survived by her brother Clarence (Jean) Hekkel of Billings, sisters Adeline Rasmussen of Helena, and Kathryn Miller of Williston, sister-in-laws Evelyn Hekkel of Anaconda, Lorena Hekkel of Culbertson, Christine Jensen of Culbertson, and Ruby of Florida, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her best friend, Marion Hotvedt who was with her until the end.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, her twin brother Eddie, brothers Pete, Dave (Emma), Bennie, Gottlieb and Richard, her sister Pauline (Ted) Engleman, and brother-in-laws Glenn Rasmussen and John Miller
A Funeral Service will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 8th, at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, 3580 N. Benton Ave, with a reception to immediately follow at the church. Burial will take place at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8th, at the New Hill Cemetery, Anaconda, Montana. Memorials in Othelia’s name may be sent to Our Redeemers Lutheran Church, 3580 N. Benton Ave, Helena, MT 59602, West Mont of Helena, 2708 Bozeman Ave., Helena, MT 59601, Camp Mak-A-Dream, P.O. Box 1450, Missoula, Montana 59806, or of the donor’s choice. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Othelia.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday April 8, 2014
Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church
3580 N. Benton Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the funeral service
Tuesday April 8, 2014
at the Church
3580 N. Benton Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday April 8, 2014
Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church
3580 N. Benton Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the funeral service
Tuesday April 8, 2014
at the Church
3580 N. Benton Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Dee Burrell says
Bill, Teresa & Jim
I am so sorry for your loss. She was a graceful and elegant woman. She was always kind to everyone and had so much knowledge about the disability system. You are all in my thoughts.
Nancy Moquist says
Teresa BIll and Jim I havent stopped thinking of you guys and feel so bad but then I think how much better off she is and happy she is with U Bob and all of her family. I think of all the fun times we had when I was always in Helena and laugh hysterically when we were going to lunch one time A Othelia picked me up at Albertsons and we were heading to her pick for lunch were busy in conversation and A Othelia almost rear-ended a car in front of us. We laughed even harder when the car was from 17 (Froid). I promised her I wouldn’t tell Bill so Theresa hide this. Our visits to Helena will never be the same. RIP AUNT OTHELIA 🙁
Myrna Hekkel Elgee says
I remember Aunt Othelia had such a sense of style! Always beautifully put together in coordinating colors. If something didn’t fit just perfectly, she would alter it so that it did! What talent she had with a sewing machine and needle and thread. She once told me that if something wasn’t quilted by hand it wasn’t quilted! I admire that and feel blessed that she was Daddy’s twin sister, my aunt.
Jerry Hekkel says
Bill, Teresa & Jim,
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this time of great loss. May you find peace through the many wonderful memories. I am sorry I will not be attending the service on Tuesday but I will be with you.
In sympathy,
Jerry
Evelyn Hekkel says
I am very sad about Othelia’s passing she was my friend first then my sister-in-law — as she was the matchmaker who introduced me to Richard. She was always willing to help or offer her services in sewing or baking. I enjoyed our trips to Helena to visit. She is in my thoughts and prayers and I will miss her.
Nancy (Halverson) Cabe says
Dear Bill and Jim~~
I have such fond memories of the Schultz family (all 4 of you!) across the alley from us in Anaconda. You were great neighbors! I am sad to learn of Othelia’s passing and I am shocked to learn that your dad is also gone.
Hugs and prayers to you,
Nancy
Miriam (McLean) Kroschel says
Othelia was a big part of my childhood as part of my church family at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Anaconda. She was such a lovely, graceful woman with a huge heart. She and Bob were always so encouraging and kind to me. She got to be here on this earth for 88 years, which is wonderful. May she rest in peace. Maybe she’s up in heaven sewing with my mom.
My condolences to her family.
Steve Matthes says
Dear Bill, Teresa and Jim,
On behalf of your St Peter’s laboratory family, myself and Cheri, our deepest sympathies for the loss of your mother, Othelia. She will be missed by many in Helena and Anaconda, hold tight to her memories. May you find comfort in knowing your grief is shared.
Frank and DeeAnn Hubert says
Dear Bill, Teresa, and Jim,
Our prayers and thoughts go out to you for your loss. You’re very special to us. We’ll see you in Helena on Tuesday. Love Frank and DeeAnn
Barb Pierson and Dee Perro says
Your mom will be missed. We remember her friendship and wonderful times together, she will always be in our hearts.
Mike Petersen says
Ophelia was a true lady and lived life in a classy and graceful manner. Her dedicated advocacy is something I will always remember about her…..she was a true pioneer who stood strong and was always respectful. Ophelia truly helped to evoke change that transformed the lives of many, which continues today.
Ophelia’s memory and dedication will live on in the hearts of the many lives she touched.
Respectfully,
Mike
Sandy Frigaard Pack says
Othelia Schulz was a very treasured friend of my grandmother, Muriel Frigaard. They both were very devoted members of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Anaconda. I remember her well, and didn’t realize she was a Hekkel until now. She was a lovely, kind, and genuine lady and I respected her very much, I haven’t seen her since I was a youth at Our Saviour’s, but she was a beautiful lady inside and out. My condolences to all of you.
In Christ, Sandy Frigaard Pack
Tom Schlotterback says
Dear Bill, Teresa, and Jim,
Othelia is one of the most treasured people I have ever known and served among. She exuded a rare combination of grace, compassion, and wisdom that contributed greatly to the common human good. Sarah and I send condolences and prayers at this time of loss. Peace be to Othelia. Peace be to you.
Love and hugs,
Tom Schlotterback
Linda and Merlyn Huso says
Dear Bill, Teresa, and Jim, we will miss Othelia so much. We were privileged to share many breakfasts after church service with her. She was a sweet woman, and a very lovely lady with whom we shared many laughs. She will be greatly missed by the ORLC congregation.
Blessings,
Linda and Merlyn Huso
Wendy (Bucholz) Duensing says
Dear Bill & Family: What wonderful memories of Othelia and Bob. We shared many Sundays at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, growing up in Anaconda. Your parents were dear friends of my parents (Art & Alma Bucholz). They served the congregation with love and sincerity. Othelia was my Sunday School teacher at various times. She was truly a dedicated Christian woman. I will miss her warm heart and her wonderful smile. Find comfort in your loving memories.
Wendy Duensing