It is with great sadness that the family shares of Pat’s passing, the evening of June 9th, 2025 in her sleep. She had just told her daughter that evening that she was a tired old woman and ready to meet her Lord.
Pat was born June 27th, 1940 at 1:05pm in Conrad, Montana to wheat farmers, Fredrick Herman Fornfeist and Charlotte Julia (Paulson) Fornfeist. She was the middle child of three, with Ralph being the oldest and John the youngest. Although her parents divorced, Pat remained on the farm, graduating as a Valedictorian from Brady High School.
Pat’s mom remarried Matt Weingart Sr and she gained an amazing step dad and soon her half-brother “Little” Matt.
While working at the phone company and playing on their bowling team, Pat met the handsome Ed Hartman and they were married April 11th, 1964. They spent 56 years together until Ed’s passing in March of 2021. They had two children- Tanya Lee and Joseph Antone. The kids grew up enjoying lots of time with family, friends and camping. Ed and Pat’s marriage taught their kids that it was worth all the hard times and to have unconditional love for one another.
Pat worked in several industries as she raised the kids and they followed Ed’s career with Mountain Bell moving between Great Falls and Helena. She worked for the Great Falls school district, several banks and credit unions and finally at Ben Franklin until it closed. Pat loved arts and crafts, sewing, knitting and crocheting and most any craft she could try and excel at.
Pat’s passion was her family and they never can forget all the handmade cards and gifts she worked on all year round, making each and everyone feel special. Christmas was her favorite and she always went all out. As the family grew adding spouses and grandchildren, Pat’s joy grew with each addition. With the grandchildren’s arrivals she gained the name – Oma. First came Kaytlyn and Keagan and then a few years later the triplets- Brandon, Kennedy and Makayla.
She loved to travel and she and Ed enjoyed a trip to Nashville, Disneyland with Tanya, Kaytlyn and Keagan, visits to Arizona to see Joe, Carla and the triplets and two beautiful trips to Germany to meet members of the Hartmann family they had never met. Pat’s other special travels were her girl’s weekends shared with her best friends Sara Losing and Marylin Smith. Using their initials , they affectionately referred to themselves as the “PMS” girls. Their friendship was the true definition of forever friends for sure.
The month of May brought Pat’s last big travels. She and Tanya flew to Arizona to attend Kennedy and Makayla’s graduation from Nursing school. It was an amazing trip and visit with Joe and his family.
Two years ago on Easter morning, Pat’s great granddaughter, Blakeley Elisabeth Lee entered this world stealing the family’s hearts. Blakeley and her Oma had a special bond with their weekly visits and daily phone calls. Weekend dinners at Tanya’s will not be the same without her and not getting to hear Rob greet Pat as “Queen Muther” as she arrived. She got the biggest kick out of that.
Pat and Ed were very active in their church and community, even receiving the “Pride of the Patch” award for their years of volunteering with Westmont.
They leave a large hole in the hearts of many but are together again in eternity.
Pat is preceded in death by her loving husband, Ed, in 2021, her father – Fredrick Fornfeist, mother Charlotte Weingart, stepfather- Matt Weingart and several sisters and brothers in law.
Pat is survived by her daughter- Tanya Hartman (Rob Gilbert), son – Joe Hartman(Carla), grandchildren- Kaytlyn and Keagan Shearer, Brandon, Kennedy (Brandon Drew), and MaKayla Hartman and Great granddaughter Blakeley Shearer. Pat’s brothers- Ralph and John (Bonnie) Fornfeist and Matt Weingart Jr., Sister in law – Alvina and her husband Ed Blank. In addition, Pat leaves behind many nieces and nephews and their families as well as so many who loved her for the incredible Oma she was to them all.
Pat will be interred with her beloved husband Ed on July 1st at 10:30am at the Montana Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison, Montana. Anyone wishing to send a memorial or donation in her name can send them to the Lewis and Clark County Humane Society, First Lutheran Church, Helena Montana or the charity of their choice.
Private condolences for the family can be sent to Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave., Helena, MT 59602, and they will be forwarded to the family. Condolences can also be shared at www.andersonstevensonwilke.com.
Service Schedule
Interment
10:30am
Tuesday July 1, 2025
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd.
Helena, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Interment
10:30am
Tuesday July 1, 2025
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd.
Helena, Montana 59636
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Victoria Phillips says
Rest in peace Patsy.
Steve Koester says
RIP Pat, it was good to know you and journey well on this next adventure.
Dan Edwards says
Sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. She was a very nice lady.