Helen Greve, 90
Helen Greve, 90, passed away on Dec. 12, 2007, at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell.
She was born Helen Forsch on Oct. 6, 1917, in Mott, N.D., to Eva and Adam Forsch. It was there on the family homestead that Helen and her seven sisters and one brother were raised. When Helen was 16, she moved to town and there met, at the local dance, the love of her life, Henry Greve.
They were wed and were soon blessed with their daughter, Joyce. At 6 months, Henry took Joyce and Helen and headed west. Helen was happy to go, but being a girl from the plains feared crossing those big Rocky Mountains. However, despite her objections, Henry stood fast to his original plan and pressed his family right over the top.
They survived that crossing and eventually landed in Kalispell where they remained until the Second World War, and the family moved to Vancouver, Wash. There Helen worked, helping the war effort, as a tool girl at Kaiser Shipyard where they built aircraft carriers. It was here the young wife and mother, out of necessity, first learned to ride a bicycle to convey tools from one end of the carrier to the other.
Back to Kalispell the family moved. Helen spent time as a homemaker, then she resolved to help the family income and do her part to secure its future by going into retail sales and she began working at F.A. Butteries. There she stayed until they closed. From there she went to work at Montgomery Wards where she, in continued success as a personable saleswoman, remained for 15 years selling furniture, carpet and draperies.
After retirement she was able to spend more time at home doing what she loved, cooking, entertaining, and growing beautiful flowers in her park-like garden on the lake.
But before too long Helen was called to service work for her community and found a perfect niche for herself in volunteer work at the hospital. Here she was in charge of bazaars which she enjoyed for years. She always found a way to make these occasions extraordinary by adding her special own touch. She was recognized for this excellent service and awarded Hospital Volunteer of the Year.
Helen took a great deal of pleasure in people, and anyone who had the benefit of knowing her valued her as well. She was a 'can-do' girl, always optimistic and uncomplaining. Helen was a classic, distinctive woman.
Taking pride in all she did, from serving her community to tending to her flowers, she is remembered by many in her flower garden, dressed in her pin striped overalls, scarf tied neatly around her neck, earrings, lipstick and her big straw hat.
She will be dearly missed by many.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Henry; an infant daughter; her brother, Fred Forsch; sisters, Pauline Netzer, Ester Watson and Ella Merseal.
Helen is survived by her loving daughter, Joyce Greve, of Lakeside; sisters, Christine Powers of Billings, and Lorraine Schmidt, Caroline McCarty and Alvina Riedy, all of Missoula; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 17, at Lakeside Chapel at U.S. 93 and Adams Street, with Pastor Dennis Reese officiating.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials can be sent to Lakeside Chapel, P.O. Box 162, Lakeside, MT 59922; or Quick Response Unit. P.O. Box 911, Lakeside MT 59922.
Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Helen's family. You are invited to go to www.johnsonmortuary.com to offer condolences and sign Helen's guest book.