Helen Julia Filcher passed away at her home in East Helena, February 5, 2014 from complications due to dementia. Helen was born Helen Julia Hoerner, February 4, 1928, on the family farm near Beulah, North Dakota, the daughter of Vincent Hoerner and Julia Olga Hauck Hoerner, both Russian German immigrants. The family spoke German and the children were raised speaking German. Helen attended schools in Beulah and moved with the family to Columbia Falls, Montana in February, 1945. Helen worked in West Glacier and Kalispell before moving to Missoula in 1947 where she met her future husband Ralph Emmett Filcher. They were united in marriage Sept. 27, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois where Ralph attended college. Helen worked at Alden’s Catalog Office in Chicago. They later relocated back to Missoula, moving to Deer Lodge in 1954. For many years, Helen was a stay at home mom until her children’s teen years. For several years, she also provided care for Ralph’s mother Georgia in their Helena home. Thereafter, she worked as an institutional cook excelling at preparing meals for the residents. Helen also worked as the cook at the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity house, University of Montana. She enjoyed cooking and could prepare a fabulous meal for any amount of people. Helen and Ralph were very devoted to each other and their children. During their nearly 59 years of marriage, they lived in Chicago, Missoula, Deer Lodge, Dillon, West Seattle, Helena, Butte, Conrad, Choteau, Big Timber, and White Sulphur Springs fully retiring to East Helena in 1999. Helen enjoyed crocheting, and other crafts. She especially enjoyed traveling with Ralph in their retirement, much of this in their motorhome, visiting relatives and children and grandchildren from Montana to Arizona, to Washington and Georgia. Helen was a devout Catholic, devoted to Christ, and her church.
We love you very much Mom. Thank you for loving us all so much.
She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers Ted, Alex, and Mike; sisters, Eleanor and Ann; husband, Ralph; and grandson, Vince. She is survived by her sister Margaret Rydstrom; her 4 children: Gary (Janet) Filcher of Selah, WA; David (Kary) Filcher of Billings, MT; Mary Kay (Mark) McCullough of Savannah, GA, Tom (Carol) Filcher of East Helena, MT. Grandchildren: Ted Filcher, Nick Filcher, Allison Hill, Jeff Filcher, Alex McCullough, Rachel McCullough, Wesley Olsen, and Rachel Olsen. Great Grandchildren: Emmett Hill, Rylee Hill, Braelynn Filcher, Parker Filcher, and Miles Filcher.
The family would like to extend a very grateful thank you to Mom’s niece Carla Anderson for 4 years of companionship and care for Helen. Special thanks also to Lee and Kathy Zwagerman from the kindness and generosity to both Mom and Dad for many years. We are eternally grateful to brother Tom Filcher, for his devotion to Mom and keeping her safe and comfortable these past 4 ½ years.
A visitation will be held 5-7pm, Monday, February 10, 2014 at Big Sky Cremations & Twitchell Funeral Service, 2 West Main, East Helena, Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30am, Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, 120 West Briggs, East Helena. Burial will follow on Wednesday, 1pm, at the Riverside Cemetery, Stevensville, MT.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
Share
Reader Interactions
Memories
Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.
Williams family says
Condolences to the Filcher family. Throw all your burdens on God in prayer now and in the days ahead, and the Bible promises that you will receive “the peace of God.” Philippians 4:6 & 7. Our prayers are with you.
Mary & Joe McCullough says
Helen is now free of pain and suffering in a place we call heaven. Jesus promised there will be no more tears, no more sad Good byes will every be spoken, comfort has come, peace has been restored and joy has been renewed, We thank you Ms. Helen for allowing your daughter Mary Kay in our lives. Helen has fought the good fight, she has won the race. Love ones are waiting and praising her savor, heaven holds all to her Brighter the glory will be, joy without measure will be your treasurer. You have touched so many and added love and joy to many.
Lisa Ortiz says
Your mother was so kind and thoughtful and a lot of fun when she would come and visit. She always met me with a hug and a smile. Our chats were always entertaining. (I think she enjoyed my crazy sense of humor!) I know this is breaking all your hearts to lose her and just know that I love y’all!
Bill Randall says
Your Mother was a saint, to put up with us in 1977-1979. The Filcher family is in our prayers.
Bill Randall
Aletha Garrison says
Mary Kay, we send you deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. We will keep
you and your family in our prayers to bring you strength to heal from this loss. Your mom is not alone and neither are you. Aletha and your family @Sykes Home.
Aletha and your Sykes family says
Aletha and your Sykes family purchased the Emerald Garden Basket for the family of Helen Julia Filcher.
Connie Schwindt Rumold says
Dave, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family as you find a way to Celebrate your Mother’s life while processing the grief of the loss of your Mother’s presence here on earth. I know those moments and tears of grief are tempered with a joy that she is on the other side, at peace.
Your Distant Cousin,
Connie Schwindt Rumold