Patricia Ann Mehr, 66, of Helena, passed away Oct 5, 2021, with her family by her side.
She was born to Carl and Betty Stav, January 11, 1955, in Butte, Montana. Patty graduated from Dawson County High School in Glendive, Montana in 1973 with honors as salutatorian.
Patty married her high school sweetheart Fritz Mehr in the summer of 1974. They moved to Bozeman where Patty worked to support Fritz’s college education. After graduation they relocated to Helena where they have resided ever since. Once relocated in Helena she took a job at Keller Law Firm where she worked for 40 years before retiring in 2019.
Patty was preceded in death by her mother Betty Stav. She is survived by her father Carl Stav, sister Cathy Meidinger (Gary), loving husband of 47 years Fritz Mehr, two children: Bradley Mehr (Chandi), of Bozeman; Christopher Mehr (Cassie), of Bozeman; Grandchildren Caleb (7), Cooper (6), and Callie (3).
Patty loved nothing more than spending time with her family and friends, including early- morning shopping marathons on Black Friday, vacationing in Hawaii, or the monthly meeting with the Pinochle crew. Summer camping trips to Placid Lake led to a lifelong love of the area and its activities. In 1990, Patty along with her husband decided to buy their own property on the lake and build their little slice of heaven on Earth.
Patty spent countless weekends with her family and friends at the lake. Part of the reason she treasured this oasis so much was because her family loved it so much and gathered there together. She would drive the boat for countless hours watching her kids ski and tube. She played cards late into the night with family and friends. She loved to float on the placid waters and listen to the passing loons. The highlight of her summers was watching her three grandchildren kayak, fish, catch butterflies, and play on the beach. An accomplished seamstress, she completed countless projects using skills she learned from her mother and sister. She would hand-sew her kids Halloween costumes from scratch and create the most amazing holiday decorations. Her love of baking had every kid big or small always stopping by for some of her famous frosted cookies, especially big events such as holidays and Bobcat football games.
As her two boys grew up and graduated from Montana State, a love of Bobcat football games began and the Mehr family tailgate was born, welcoming all visitors with a hand stitched flag created by Patty. The tailgate brought the family together throughout the weeks of fall and provided countless memories over the last 15 years. Patty cherished the Christmas season. She would spend a week transforming her traditional family home both inside and outside into an amazing Christmas wonderland with thousands of decorations, complete with a full-sized Santa Claus always falling off the roof. A Christmas Eve party complete with soups and appetizers, welcomed all family and friends and was always the angel on top of the tree each holiday season.
Patty touched the lives of her family and friends. She will continue to live on in the hearts of those family and friends, where her presence will continue to be felt and remembered.
A Funeral Mass is scheduled for 12:10 p.m., Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at Saint Mary Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Ave. A Reception will follow the Mass in the Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Burial will be held at the Seeley Lake Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Wednesday October 13, 2021
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Wednesday October 13, 2021
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Rite of Committal
11:00 a.m.
Thursday October 14, 2021
Seeley Lake Cemetery
Seeley Lake, Montana 59868
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Wednesday October 13, 2021
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Wednesday October 13, 2021
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Rite of Committal
11:00 a.m.
Thursday October 14, 2021
Seeley Lake Cemetery
Seeley Lake, Montana 59868
Karen and Noren Shanley says
Patty will be missed by many family and friends. She fought a courageous battle this past year and is now in a better place. RIP dear sister-in-law. Our thoughts and prayers are with my brother Fritz and their two sons Brad and Chris and family.
Eileen Donohoue says
Our prayers are with you. Patty was a wonderful gracious woman. Her sense of fun and welcome spirit embraced a whole community including my family during our time as neighbors. May God bless and keep you all at this time
Mike and Janet Rubich says
Mike and I were so saddened to hear of Patty’s passing. She was a wonderful and fun lady. Mike commented after we heard the news that we cannot separate our early experience with parenting from Patty and Fritz who were good friends in a neighborhood we still miss. Our sons spent a lot of time with Brad and Chris and Patty always provided a special space for them to play and develop life long memories of early friendships. Our hearts go out to Fritz, Brad, and Chris and their families.
Denise and Joe Borntrager says
Our condolences to the family and friends of Patricia Mehr at this difficult time. Prayers to all. The class of 1973 has lost another great person. She will be greatly missed.
Cherise Patterson says
Fritz and family & friends. I was shocked to hear about Patty! Condolences to all of you. Cherish all those very fond memories!
Gail McKinnon says
Fritz, Brad, & Chris, What a horrible tragedy for your entire family. Patty was such a lovely woman, always reaching out to others. It was such a gift that she & Fritz did our candle filling sack saga year after year on our street. She was dynamic & just so kind. Your families are in our prayers. Gail McKinnon & family
Sue Moore says
I always loved to see Patty at various family events. Her laugh and smile will always be remembered as will her pride in her boys and grandkids.
Tom Erving says
Fritz, Brad, Chris and family, I am so sorry for the loss of Patty. She was absolutely the best wife, mom and friend. She had a laugh from her heart. I have so many great memories of your family and the neighborhood over the years. I won’t be able to attend her funeral but you all will be in my prayers and heart.
Your old friend and neighbor.
Tom, Debbie, Missy and Marcie Erving
Rick Hays says
Fritz, so sorry to hear about your wife. She sounds like a wonderful loving and caring woman who spent most of her time and effort caring for family and friends. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you’re doing well.