With Renate’s characteristic dignity and grace, she peacefully passed away, December 29, 2014, in her daughter Katie’s loving embrace.
Born August 16, 1922, Renate was the eldest of two children, born to German immigrants Ewald and Elsa Poeschel. Both of Renate’s parents came from Germany, passed through Ellis Island and went west to San Francisco, CA. Her parents worked diligently and established the Virginia Bakery, still in full operation today. While a child Renate and her family made several trips back to Germany to visit relatives.
While Renate attended Armstrong College, her teacher, Virginia MacCracken, introduced her to her very handsome younger brother William “Bill” McGlumphy. Bill had left his native state of Montana in order to assist the war effort by building submarines at Mare Island. Two years later, on June 17, 1944 the two were married in Berkley, CA and honeymooned in Carmel. Bill and Renate enjoyed another five years of living in the bay area. They had a small apartment and would frequently dance the night away enjoying the big bands performances at the Fairmont Hotel.
In 1949 the couple moved to Libby, Montana. Bill began working at the City Service Co, a Texaco distributorship. Bill and Renate dedicated long, hard hours and eventually purchased the fuel oil business.
Through all of this, something was missing from their lives…children! The adoption process was put into motion. Bill and Renate opened their hearts and home to two little girls adopted from the Montana Children’s Home and Hospital here in Helena.
In 1980 Renate found her way to Alcoholics Anonymous. Bill had already begun his journey in Al-Anon. Recovery allowed them to renew their faith in God and each other. Subsequently their retirement years were filled with new and wonderful friends, travel and snow birding in AZ. Many pets enjoyed life with this couple but their last and most loved was Barney.
Renate had a loving heart and enjoyed reading James Patterson novels as quickly as he could write them! She was an avid crossword puzzle player. She made friends easily and enjoyed a wonderful group of women at Aspen Gardens.
Renate was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her brother George Poeschel and her parents Ewald and Elsa Poeschel; her mother-in-law, Margaret McGlumphy; sister and brothers- in- law, Virginia (George) MacCracken, Josephine (George) Vogt; nieces Margo Vogt and Joy MacCracken.
She is survived by two daughters, Martha (Joe) Arnold and Katie McGlumphy; two grandchildren, Daniel and Alex Tagliatela; five nieces and nephews, Steve (Janie) Vogt, Bill (Elsie) MacCracken, Mark, Marty and Theresa Poeschel.
Our family would like to thank Aspen Gardens Assisted Living for the exceptional care they gave Mom. In these last two years, Mom dealt with a number of serious health issues but was lovingly cared for by Dr. Jessica Bailey, Dr. Jeff Goldes, Dana Hillyer, MN RN CS and Rebecca Springett, LPN. We are also grateful to the doctors and nurses at St. Peter’s Hospital.
Please join the family for interment and celebration of Mom’s life at 10am, Saturday, August 15, 2015 at Forestvale Cemetery in Helena, MT.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
10:00 a.m.
Sunday February 15, 2015
Forestvale Cemetery
690 Forestvale Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
10:00 a.m.
Sunday February 15, 2015
Forestvale Cemetery
690 Forestvale Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Joni Brooks says
Hugs and prayers for Renate’s family. What a sweet sweet lady, she will certainly be missed! Rest in peace Renate.
Joan McCracken McAnany says
May God bless your sweet Mom. She was one of a kind, a very rare and loving person. I am so honored I knew her and her dear husband Bill. Rest in peace my dear Mrs McGlumphy.
Maggi McKinnon Corbett says
Kate and family…so sorry to read of your Mom’s death. If she was anything like you there is no doubt in my mind that I would have liked her. Please know you are my thoughts and I would love to get together if you are still in Helena.
In sympathy and friendship…warmly, Maggi
Henry Trajanowski says
Kate, I was really taken aback upon hearing of the passing of your sweet Mom, Renate. She was truly a ‘Gem of the Mountains’, and was always very gracious on our visits to her home. I will always remember her welcoming smiles and her love of family and of course, how she always called her husband ‘Mister’. A fine lady indeed. She is home now.
Keith & Gale Kramlick says
We are so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. We were neighbors of your Mom and Dad’s. We lived in the yellow house across the street from them on Gold Rush Ave in Helena. They were both such sweet people and we enjoyed our visits with them.
Jackie Lynch Peila says
I met Renate and Bill through the family of Ila and Armand Peila. My husband, Michael Peila and I want to express our condolences for the loss of your lovely mother. I heard many stories of the friendship that Ila and Armand had with your parents and I am sure they are all together now happily sharing memories of their long friendship. May The Blessings Be.
Nels Wilkins says
Katie, I am sorry to hear about your mother. I know that you were very close with both of your parents and I hope that you are doing ok. Reading her life’s story, sounds like she had quite a life! Take care.
Susan Winslow says
What a lovely obituary. I am so glad I got to spend some time with your Mom just days before she died. She was her friendly self until the end.
Ross Cannon says
My sympathies to the McGlumphy family for their loss. Renate was a great lady and she will be missed. She, along with her late husband, Bill, helped a lot of people over a lot of years.
Judy Palmquist says
Although I did not meet Renate in person, I feel I know her a little from Kate, and from reading her story in the paper. I do know she and her husband raised an independent, spirited woman in Kate. So glad your last moments with your mother were so sweet and memorable. My condolences Kate. It is still difficult to release someone you love. Prayers for your grief. Joy for your mother’s healing and wholeness now.
Karla Richardson says
Dear Martha and Katie
Hope you remember me I sure remember you two and your parents.
I send you my thoughts and prayers, my folks have passed as well.
I remember happy times with you both at your little white house in Libby and at Thompson lake.
FEEL free to contact me if you would like, would be fun to talk.
Sincerely,
Karla
Karla Richardson says
PS
My parents Roy and Wanda Richardson sorry I missed in giving you their names
Ph # 907-232-2058
I so enjoyed all of you ( Snowball) do you remember that Katie?
Again & with Love
Karla
Vera Towery says
I was saddened to hear of the passing of a dear friend. I first met Bill and Renate when I worked in Libby, and was happy when they moved to Helena. Both were always so kind and pleasant to be around, and helped me in many ways. I have always been proud to call them my friends. To their family, my deepest sympathy, though Katie is the only one I was privileged to meet. They always spoke of their children and grandchildren with love and pride. Cherish your memories, and may they ease your sadness.
A Friend & Double-Winner,
Vera
Dana Hillyer says
I will be forever blessed and honored to have known Renate, Bill and Kate and to have shared in her care. I miss her ver much. I miss her smile and her laughter. She was a grand lady.
With deepest sympathy,
Dana Hillyer