Pamela May Gatzemeier, age 52, of Choteau, MT, passed away on December 24, 2023, from complications of progressing dementia.
Pam was born on August 26, 1971, to Edward and Judy Gatzemeier (Madden) in Helena, MT. Pam was the middle sister, between Lisa and Linda, and born with Down Syndrome. Her parents took on the challenge of a special needs child and loved her dearly.
After challenging years of special education, care in other homes, and multiple moves, Pam made the move from Glasgow, MT, to Choteau, MT, in March of 1992. She lived in 2 different group home locations and worked at Choteau Activities Inc. Choteau was Pam’s home and happy place for over 30 years. The staff and roommates there became Pam’s second family and no matter how often she visited her parents in Helena, or sisters, or other relatives, she was always glad to get back to her routine and the people she knew and loved in Choteau.
Over the years, Pam participated many times in Special Olympics, finding joy in Swimming, Bowling, and other competitions. She worked in several different roles at the Choteau Activities Work Center, including helping sort clothes for the store and shredding documents. Pam helped with chores at her group homes, such as cooking and cleaning. Pam loved to entertain and even got to participate in the Great Falls Dancing With the Stars event.
Pam made an impact wherever she went and freely shared hugs and smiles, even with strangers! She loved her “Baby” – her beanie baby cat who went everywhere with her for many years, cats, Country music and singing along loudly (and with a microphone if possible), attempting to play guitar, teen and bridal magazines, accessories, handsome men (she would ask – “Are you married?”), hamburgers and fries, and candy – just to name a few things. Pam loved Bibles of every size and kind and asked for new ones all the time because she always lost them, perhaps in places where they were needed by others. Pam would get so excited when her dad would come to Choteau to visit her or to take her to Helena for a short stay. They had fun eating out, shopping, and listening to music. Pam often got whatever she wanted, since she was so good at manipulating her father with a pout or an “I love you, Dad” – he could not resist that.
In the last couple of years, we saw many changes in Pam as she experienced Dementia but she still had smiles to share until near the end. We were all blessed to have Pam in our lives and loved her very much. She will be missed by so many, but she is no longer suffering and has gone on to her true home.
Pam was predeceased by her mother, Judith Madden, and her Stepmother, Helen Gatzemeier. She is survived by her father, Edward Gatzemeier of Helena, MT; her sister Lisa (Dave) Watson of Meridian, ID; her sister, Linda Gatzemeier, of Orient, IA; her nephew Bryce Watson of Davis, CA; several uncles, aunts, cousins; and her special Choteau group home & work center family.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12 p.m. on Thursday, January 18 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 320 Main Ave. N in Choteau. A reception will follow the Mass in the fellowship hall of the church. Burial will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 19th at Resurrection Cemetery in Helena.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday January 18, 2024
St. Joseph's Catholic Church
320 Main Avenue N
Choteau, Montana 59422
Reception
Following the Mass
Thursday January 18, 2024
St. Joseph's Catholic Church
320 Main Avenue N
Choteau, Montana 59422
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday January 18, 2024
St. Joseph's Catholic Church
320 Main Avenue N
Choteau, Montana 59422
Reception
Following the Mass
Thursday January 18, 2024
St. Joseph's Catholic Church
320 Main Avenue N
Choteau, Montana 59422
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JULIE BRANTLEY says
Pam was so sweet. I know we’re not ‘spose to have favorites but she was my favorite.
We had many good times laughing together.
I wonder if there is ketsup in Heaven …
Stephanie Steinberger says
Ed I always knew Pam was special to you. Sorry to hear that you have lost her.
Barbara McGlynn Savage says
Pam’s mother, Judy, was my cousin!
My husband and I knew Pam as a young girl when she received care at Shriners Hospital in Spokane.
We enjoyed getting to know Pam then.
She was a very sweet child!
Our condolences to Pam’s family and friends!
Love,
Barbara Mc Glynn Savage and Craig Savage
Diane Fladmo says
I was privileged to be Pam’s teacher in high school. She was a true delight. We loved having her attend DCHS in Glendive. Although I moved to another special education position in 1990 and was no longer her teacher, I still think of Pam often. The thought of her makes me smile. She will be missed – forever.
Mary Kay Madden says
I am Pam’s aunt and remember her when she was young. She was so curious and interested in everything. She was loving and gentle. I also recall she could be stubborn. As a toddler, she could run fast so her Mom or Dad couldn’t catch her. Then she would laugh and laugh. She was blessed to have such a wonderful family and such wonderful friends and ‘family’ in Choteau.
Lin Olson says
Oh Ed, I am so very sorry for the loss of your dear Pam. I know that she and my Cecily, whom I lost earlier this year, are now having fun together again up in Heaven. May you find peace in your wonderful memories of your sweet girl.
Lin Olson
ARNELL WAGNER says
I worked with Pam at the DEAP group home in Glendive over 30 years ago. She was sweet and sassy! I used to take her to my home for the afternoon or to my parents ranch to see the animals. She may have been a little spoiled! It is heartwarming to know that she had a good life, was productive and loved. Rest in peace sweetie.