Ernest “Ernie” Schrock Saxman, 71, of East Helena Montana passed away on June 25, 2023 with his loving wife of 50 years, Twila, by his side.
After an 8-year battle with Frontotemporal Dementia and a form of ALS Ernie succumbed to the diseases.
Born in Muncy, PA to John B. Saxman Sr. and Elizabeth “Lish” Denny Saxman and was the 6th of 8 children.
The family moved to Virginia City, Montana in 1953 and on to Bozeman Montana in 1954 where Ernie has many fond memories. By 1967 Ernie had moved to Great Falls where he attended C.M. Russell High School, class of 1971, and was awarded the Golden Flame Award. Ernie met the love of his life, Twila Eberl, and they were married July 28, 1972, and have two children, Joy Strizich and Mathias Saxman.
There was a lot of moving in the early years. Ernie held countless jobs over his lifetime and truly became a jack of all trades. The family settled in Helena in 1985 where Ernie may be best known for teaching Health and PE @ C.R. Anderson and being the Athletic Trainer for Capital High and Carroll College.
Ernie found a calling as a consultant and mediator traveling the country helping state governments build their Medicare and Medicaid databases. Ernie continued to travel until his diagnosis in 2015 when he was given 5-8 months to live. Without the love and care of his wife Twila, and the support of the Hospice staff he would have never made it this long. Thank you to the Doctors, Nurses, CNAs and other St. Peter’s Health Hospice staff for their care and attention over the last 4 years. You have become part of the family.
Preceded in death by his parents and brother Denny Saxman. Survived by wife Twila, children Joy (Carl) Strizich and Mathias Saxman (Krista Steudel), grandchildren Isabel, Jack, and Mae, siblings John (Mary) Saxman, Peggy (Howard) Ross, Christopher (Wanda) Saxman, Anne (Dan) Martin, Jim Saxman, Tony (Penny) Saxman, and numerus nieces and nephews.
Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 6, 2023 @ Life Covenant Church, 800 N. Hoback, Helena, MT with a reception to follow.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday July 6, 2023
Life Covenant Church
800 N Hoback
Helena,
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Mrs. Ann Spell says
Sincerely sorry for your loss of a fine family member, Mr. Saxman. No mere words will erase your grief in this difficult time, but peace of mind and hope can be found in God’s promises; one day death will be no more (Rev.21:4), loved ones will be resurrected (Acts 24:15), the earth will return to a paradise for mankind to live forever. (Ps. 37:11,29) Cherish the hope.
Dan & Teresa Klusmann says
Twila, Joy & Matt,
So sorry to hear of Ernie’s passing. The years fly by way too quick and there is guilt that we have not stayed in touch with you, Rather than grief we remember the good times, laughter, and fun that Ernie brought to our lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love,
Dan & Teresa
“Life is eternal, and love is immortal, and death is only a horizon and a horizon is nothing, save the limit of our sight.”
Deb Wakeland says
Twila and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. He was such a gem and heaven has gained a new angel. His wit and sense of humor as well as his talent for wire fairies will remain in my memory. I always enjoyed seeing him and joking with him. He never let his disease take away his sense of humor. I also have fond church memories when you both took a bunch of pre teens to the Karate Kid movie so long ago. He will be missed but we know that we’ll see him again.
You and your family are in my thoughts during this time.
Rest in peace Ernie ♥️
William Fullerton says
Sorry to hear of your loss. Ernie was kinda, sorta family. When our paths crossed I jokingly called him my stepbrother and we both laughed. I wish I would have known him better.
Lee Roos Crouse says
Prayers for the family. What a great man! Ernie was my HS athletic trainer at Capital high school. I wouldn’t have made it through HS sports without him! He was extremely intelligent, blunt, trustworthy & kind. As a HS athlete I was injured a lot which meant I spent a lot of time with Ernie in the training room. He understood how difficult it was to be injured & his unique sense of humor ALWAYS made my day! He made some very difficult years SO much better. He was a great man. May he rest in peace. ❤️
Jennifer Loomis says
Twila, Joy and Mathias,
I have so many wonderful memories of Ernie. He was a mentor to me when I first arrived in Helena to be the trainer at HHS. Ernie was a great listener and his advice was always simple, do your best and keep learning along the way.
He sure loved his family and always had a smile to share!
My sincere condolences for your loss.
Jennifer Loomis
Cheryl Tabaracci Higgins says
Twila, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Nancy Colton says
Dear Twila, Joy & Mathias,
I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of teaching Ernie in his health enhancement professional preparation courses at Montana State University. He was a kind, caring student who offered a smile & a joke or two to everyone one he met. He presented me with a wood craving of a horse his senior year that I have admired for many years. Over my teaching career at MSU, I have had the pleasure of training so many students & certainly, Ernie was a special student.
I hope you find comfort in the family, friends and your faith in the days to come.
Nancy Colton