Rosanne Kneedler, 75 years young, passed away from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and went home to live through eternity with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, August 14th.
Rosanne was born in Helena on August 20, 1935 to Leo and Lucille Kroetch. She graduated from Cathedral High School. After college she married Dave Kneedler on August 8, 1959 and together they had four children. He precedes her in death.
Rose was an avid outdoorswoman enjoying downhill skiing, cross country skiing, hiking and backpacking and ice skating. Getting the first tracks in fresh fallen powder was her pot o’ gold! She was happiest when she was climbing or skiing the mountains. Mom was also a superb ice skater, always looking for a place to skate no matter the season.
Rose was very active as a volunteer ski patroller with the Belmont Ski Patrol for many years and she served her community in various other volunteer capacities over the years. She also worked many years for the federal government finally retiring from the Small Business Administration.
Preceding her in death are her parents Leo and Lucille, sisters; Shirley, Pat and Vicky and her brothers Jerry and Jim.
Rose will be sorely missed by her four children; Loretta Burnham (Gary) of Helena, David (Lynn) of Columbia Falls, Patrick (Jackie) of Silt, Colorado and Marc of Helena; her six grandchildren and three great grandchildren as well as her two sisters; S.M. Roselle (Marjorie) Kroetch of Granger, Indiana and Lorraine Kroetch of Seneca, South Carolina.
A Vigil service will be held 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 23rd at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be noon Wednesday, August 24th at Cathedral of St. Helena. Rite of Committal will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Please join the family for a reception in the Brondel Center located in the lower level of the Cathedral following the graveside service. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Bob n Deb says
Our deepest sympathys. We will miss Rose very much. She always treated us like part of the family. We know she is up there looking down on us, smiling and laughing with her good sense of humor. God Bless, love Bob and Deb Crum
Carolynn Bright says
What a beautiful obituary…a marvelous testament to a life well lived! My condolences to you, Loretta, and the rest of your family. I will always be in awe of taking kickboxing classes with a lady who was at least twice my age. She was a fighter. She lived a great life. She will be missed. More importantly, though, she made her mark and she will be remembered. Love always, Carolynn
Cathy Jenkins says
A most remarkable woman, Ms. Rose. Her kindness, sense of humor,strength, compassion and love for her family will live on forever in memories. May you cherish each and every one of them just as she cherished you. My heartfelt prayers are with you all.
Cheryl & Steve Tubbs says
Chuck & Mary Honigfort says
Our prayers are with the family during this difficult time. We hope they are comforted by the thought of Rosanne being in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ while laughing with her siblings.
Ginny George says
Loretta, Dave, Pat and Marc,
We were so sorry to hear of Aunt Roseanne’s passing. She was a beautiful and kind person. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Your cousins,
Patti, Kathy, Sam, Ginny and Betsy
Harvey Avellone says
Congratulations Rosanne, on entering into eternal life! We believe that your sister, Vicki, who preceded you by almost eleven months, has been up there helping you through these very difficult last months. I hear that you lived through them in a beautiful and exemplary manner. Our prayers continue to be with you and all of your family, especially on your birthday today.
Julia Demaree says
Sending our love and condolences to you in the loss of your sweet Mama, Rosanne-xoxox
Karen Midtlyng says
Loretta and family; Shannon and Shawna:
I am sorry to hear of Rose’s passing. What a wonderful, inspiring lady she was. I always marveled at her wit, wisdom, and strength–inside and out. Those qualities will continue on through all of you.
Gods blessings and comfort to all of you at this time.
Love,
Karen
Marjorie Kroetch-her sister says
I will always miss my little sister who was a giant in many ways. So talented, very wise in her own way, and a strong support to those around her.
Maureen Finstad says
My sincere sympathy to all of Rosanne’s family. I went to school with Rosanne. I also worked with her at Fort Harrison. We used to take our lunch and coffee breaks walking around the compound at the Fort. She was such a sweet compasionate person and never had a bad word for anyone. I know you will miss her very much but she is now free of pain and with those who have passed, and with God and angels.
Rena Carlson says
Loretta & family,
I am so sorry to hear of Rose’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with her for many years! Although I’ll be out of state next week, my thoughts will be with you during this difficult time.
Rhonda Strainer says
Dear Kneedler Family,
I was saddened to hear of your Mom’s passing. The memory of her that will always stay with me is of her walking with her dog up Mt. Ascension, both with big smiles on their faces and a friendly hello and wave. May all the wonderful memories of her that you hold close to your heart sustain you in the days ahead. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Your neighbor,
Rhonda Strainer (Skip Score’s wife)
Rich and Gina Hart says
Rosanne was such a sweetie. So humble. I think about her often.
We are so sorry for your loss. And pray that you receive the Grace of Peace.
For Rosanne, we are so joyful that she is now with the Great Physician, our dear Lord, Jesus Christ! Along with Mary and all of the Angels and Saints (including my mom!) 🙂
We wish we could be there for the Mass and services.
Richard and Kathleen Ahern says
We are so sorry for the loss of Rosanne but happy her suffering is over and she can have eternal peace and happiness with our Lord. She will be greatly missed.
Theresa and Gerry Fullerton says
jKneedler Family
We express our deepest sympathy to all of you. Your Mom and I went to Carroll-then later we moved to Helena and remained the best of friends and attended many birthday parties together when all of our children were young.
Your Mom was a very dear friend who will greatly missed.You all are in our thoughts and prayers