A great, compassionate, caring man has passed from this world.
Thomas Edward Twichel’s spirit has entered into eternity with the blessing of his family and the knowledge of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His courageous 3-year battle with cancer was fought with determination and dignity, reflecting his true character and tireless sprit.
For those who had the joy of knowing Tom, the loss to the community will be long felt. Tom never knew a stranger.
Tom was born the youngest of 6 children, October 1, 1935 in St. Ignatius, MT, to Mark and Helen (Ramsberger) Twichel. He had 3 brothers, Harold, Ken, Jack, and 2 sisters, Vivian and Marie. He moved to White Sulphur Springs with his parents and graduated from high school in 1953. He attended St. John’s College in Minnesota and finished at “The” Carroll College. He was a member of the football team as a fullback, punter and occasionally quarterback. He graduated in 1958 with a major in history and education. He furthered his education at Worsham Mortuary College in Chicago, Illinois, where he started his lifetime career.
Tom married his sweetheart Marilyn (Miller) on August 27, 1960. With this union they were blessed with 6 children and adopted a 7th. Then came his 19 adoring grandchildren.
Tom and Marilyn moved to Helena in 1960, when he started working for Retz Funeral Home on 6th Avenue. In 1967, Tom and Ben Burgess entered into a partnership, purchasing the funeral home from Howard and Ernie Retz. They sold the funeral home in 1983. Tom remained very active in funeral service in Helena, serving the community up until the time of his death.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and two sisters.
Tom is survived by his wife Marilyn of Helena; children, Dennis and Cathy Twichel of Milton, WA, Helen (Bill) Kropp of Missoula, David Twichel, Helena, Mary (Peter) Fusaro, Kalispell, Mark (Gina) Twichel, Kalispell, Judy (Bill) Rothie, Hamilton, Bob and Tracey Goetz, Helena; grandchildren: Ashley Fusaro, Kallan Kropp, J.T Twichel, Wiley Fusaro, Laura Twichel, Katelyn Kropp, Keegan Rothie, Taylor Twichel, Mackenzie Twichel, Danielle Twichel, Mckayl Rothie, Camron Rothie, Kate Twichel, Kevin Twichel, Mikel Twichel, Jazzmyn Goetz, Zion Goetz, Maya Goetz, Sadie Goetz. Tom is also survived by his brother-in-law Mitch Miller and wife Linda Kay, and sister-in-law Jean Twichel and several nieces and nephews.
Accolades – Knights of Columbus, J.C’s, Century Club, Past President of Montana Funeral Directors Association, Elks, Metropolitan Dinner Club, Exchange Club, Small Fry Football coach, Carroll College, Helena High Bengal and Saint Matthews School fan.
He supported all his children in every adventure they chose. From downhill ski racing to flip flops across the gym floor. His pride and joy followed with his grandchildren as well. He followed Ashley in softball starting at Flathead High School which also included her college career with the Saint Mary’s Blue Belles (Notre Dame that is…). Football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, and cheerleading were some of the many sports he supported as the number one fan. Never to forget the music Keegan so gracefully played and sang in grandpa’s final moments which truly started him on his final journey. His love of sports and grandchildren was a great combination. Through his great work ethic the family has all gone on to be very successful including: teachers, a lawyer, business owners, a business man of the year and a craftsman of the year.
The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, July 28th at Retz Funeral Home Chapel, 315 E. 6th Avenue. A Vigil service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Friday, July 29th at the Cathedral of St. Helena. Funeral Mass will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 30th at Cathedral of St. Helena. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials in Tom’s name are suggested to the Cathedral of St. Helena 530 N. Ewing Street Helena, Montana 59601. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com. or www.retzfuneralhome.com.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Weiner and the Oncology and Radiation Care Unit of St. Peter’s Hospital, as well as the Hospice of St. Peter’s Hospital. The exceptional care and concern they showed Tom and Marilyn was phenomenal.
So when the Saints Go Marching In, Tom will be in that number . . .
The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, July 28th at Retz Funeral Home Chapel, 315 E. 6th Avenue. A Vigil service will be 6:00 p.m. Friday, July 29th at the Cathedral of St. Helena. Funeral Mass will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 30th at Cathedral of St. Helena. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials in Tom’s name are suggested to the Cathedral of St. Helena 530 N. Ewing Street Helena, Montana 59601.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Mike and Edie Cloud says
We are thinking of you all in your time of grief. We loved Tom so much and will always remember how he was always genuinely interestred in all of us “kids”. He knew where we had all settled after marriages, how many kids we had etc etc. Another Helena icon is gone but not forgotten.
Jenny (Sahinen) Faure says
I was very saddened to hear of Tom’s death. I remember the Twichel house to be one of “happy chaos”. But also a home where everyone who entered instantly felt welcome. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time!
David Filcher says
My deepest condolences to Marylin and the rest of the Twichel family. Tom was a good friend to my father. Tom was a very gracious and generous man. I will always remember tagging along on Twichel family ski trips to Bridger Bowl in the station wagon. Thanks Tom and Marylin. May you RIP Tom.
Jack and Bernie Weiser says
We are both saddened by Tom’s passing. He was truly a wonderful
person. May God bless Tom, Marilyn and their family.
Don Mullen says
Tom was a classmate at Carroll-long ago. Retz Funeral Home has buried many family members. The most recent was my mother 2 yrs. ago.
The support of Tom and Chris at that time was just great and very much appreciated.
May he rest in Peace.
merry Lou & Jack Casteel says
So sorry for your loss, we both really enjoyed Tom, he was a sweetheart,a gentleman,and a pleasure to know. Take care Marilyn and family. Merry Lou & Jack
Bill & Judy Coddington says
Dear Marilyn and kids, we are so sorry to read about Tom’s passing today but we know you celebrate his life with hearts filled with joy, hope, and love for one really terrific man! It was always a great moment to be around him.
Mae Jacobson Novak says
Dear Mrs. Twichel – I used to live across the street from you in Helena, and babysat your youngest 6 children. You were the nicest people to work for, and I am so sorry to hear of your husband’s death. God grant you and your family comfort. M Novak
Niles & Bobbie Nelson says
Dear Marilyn, Judy & Bill, Helen & Bill and the entire family,
Our condolances and our heartfelt prayers to all of you during this great loss for your family. We feel honored to have known such a respected member of our profession. Tom was always such a positive testimony in every way for our profession each time he served a family in your community – a true gentleman!
Troy & Kerry Hanson says
Dear Judy, Bill, kids, and the rest of Twichel Family,
Please know that your entire family is in our thoughts and prayersl We know this is a difficult time, but am confident your father is now in the arms of our Lord.
The obituary was a wonderful tribute to an obviously amazing man.
May your memories comfort you in the coming days and months.
Troy, Kerry, Tristan, and Tanner Hanson
Frank and Cynthia Mayo says
Our sympathies in this trying time. Our love to your family and yours. We are thinking of you.
The Mayo’s
Tina LaSalle Whitaker says
What a wonderful man – so sorry to all the family for your loss. Your dad was so kind and loving when my brother Jon passed away. He was a comfort to countless families all these years. I pray that you will find peace in your treasured memories.
Lissy Boar says
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Tom was a great man and I will cherish all of the great memories I have of him!
Love you guys.
Thomas E. Redfeather says
It’s not good-by, but rather see you later my old friend and fellow Knight. You were one of a kind and you will be missed by many. Gods Peace.
Jim & Sharron Larson says
To the entire family of Tom Twichel:
Sharron and I want to extend our deepest and loving sympathy for your loss. Tom and I were good friends and members of the Carroll College Fighting Saints conference championship football teams in the 50’s . . . and we were fortunate to be with him and Marilyn at a recent alumni reunion.
Lots of Love and Blessings from the Larsons,
Jim . . . and Sharron, too!