Helen M. Gebhardt Williams

Long time Helena resident Helen M. Gebhardt Williams, 82, died Thursday May 15, 2008 at Cooney Convalescent Home in Helena. She was born November 29, 1925 in Rugby, North Dakota, the daughter of Christian and Katheryn (Byrne) Gebhardt. She was one of twelve children.
Helen grew up in North Dakota and Montana. She attended school in Peerless, MT until moving to Great Falls and graduating from high school there. She then went on and graduated from the Great Falls College of Nursing after achieving her R.N. degree. After graduation, she moved to Townsend, MT where she met and married Glenn J. Williams on July 17, 1947. They had one child, JoAnn Williams in 1948.
In 1954 they moved to Helena. Helen went to work at the V.A. Hospital at Fort Harrison in 1955 as an R.N., where she worked for 30 years until her retirement in 1985. Helen was always the “caretaker” of the family and you could always depend on her when you needed anything. “Gram” will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Helen enjoyed playing cards with family, neighbors and friends. She played pinochle regularly for years with her “card ladies”. She also loved to bowl, read, cook, and work in her yard. Helen was also an active member in her NARFE (National Association of Retired Federal Employees) group until her health declined in the last two years.
Helen is preceded in death by her parents, Christian & Katheryn Gebhardt; daughter JoAnn; husband Glenn; brothers Clarence, Francis, Guy, Jim, and John Gebhardt, and two sisters Evelyn Burke and Angeline McMullen. She is survived by her two granddaughters, Kirsten (Dan) Mergenthaler and Kim (J.J.) Lamb of Helena; five great-grandchildren, Josie & Jillian Mergenthaler, and Riley, Sidney & Drew Lamb, all of Helena; brothers Martin Gebhardt of Plains, Leo Gebhardt of Plains, and LeRoy Gebhardt of Seattle; sister Ruth Beam of Portland; and many nieces and nephews.
Viewing for Helen is set from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, May 19th, 2008 at Retz Funeral Home. A Funeral Service celebrating Helen’s life is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 20th, 2008 at the Retz Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison. A luncheon for family and friends will be held at the Green Meadow Country Club, 2720 Country Club Ave., following the burial.
Memorials in Helen’s name can be made to Hospice of St. Peter’s, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601; Lewis & Clark Humane Society, 1712 E. Custer Ave, Helena, MT 59602; or to the donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent to 3438 Blue Heron St., Helena, MT 59602. To offer a condolence or to share a memory of Helen, please visit www.mem.com.

Gerald “Jerry” A. Fischer

Gerald “Jerry” A. Fischer, a caring husband, Father & Grandfather, passed away Saturday, May 17, 2008 at Clark Fork Valley Hospital with family at his bedside. He was born Oct. 6, 1945 in Waukesha,Wisc. to Benjamin an Evelynn (Robinson) Fischer, the second of three children. The family moved to Helena and then Townsend, Montana in 1952. While in Townsend the family owned a cabin campground & trailer court.
Jerry graduated in 1963 from Broadwater County High School in Townsend where he excelled in track and basketball. His favorite event was the high-jump. After graduating he joined the Army Reserves for seven years. He then chose a career with the Federal Highway Department as a surveyor. Jerry retired in 1997 and settled in Plains near Betty’s family.
He met his wife, Betty A Thompson in Plains, they were married in 1970 by a Justice of Peace in Great Falls, MT. She survives him at their home in Plains. He is also survived by his son, Shane (Diana) and daughter Crystal (Eddie) of Thompson Falls & three granddaughters, Allie, Maddie & Sarah.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 20, 2008, 2 pm at Sunset Hills Funeral Home in Plains with burial at the Plains Cemetery, Dave Robinson officiated.