Judy Jeniker, 67
Judy Jeniker of Lakeside, 67, passed away Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008, at Brendan House in Kalispell.
She was born July 13, 1940, in Butte, to Jack and Violet (Mattson) Hihnala. Judy's education included the Grant School, Washington School, Butte High School 1958, and college at Montana State College (now MSU), graduating there in 1963. Her degree and early chosen profession was that of a bacteriologist.
After brief post-graduate work at MSU, she took a position as research microbiologist with the Extractive Metallurgical Research Division. The division at that time was based in Anaconda, so Judy lived in that city for some three years. In about 1967, the division relocated to Tucson, where she lived briefly. Then, on Dec. 5, 1967, she married Frank Jeniker, a research engineer who also was employed in the same division.
Frank and Judy moved to Walnut Creek, Calif., where Anaconda Company had become partners in an alumina consortium. This project culminated in a huge alumina refinery in Jamaica, necessitating Frank and Judy to move there, where they lived for some five years.
In 1973, they repatriated back to the United States, moving to the Flathead Valley. Since that time they have resided north of Lakeside on the west side of Flathead Lake.
In about 1978, Judy took a job with the Montana State Department of Natural Resources. She became most proficient in the knowledge of water law and the processing of such claims. The Kalispell office had jurisdiction over the four counties of Northwestern Montana. In addition, she spent some of her new career in the Bitterroot Valley and the state offices in Helena.
Judy was widely respected for her special skills in handling the public in this often contentious area and for her special knowledge. Lawyers, judges, Realtors and clients will remember her for these talents.
Judy, despite having made numerous friends and associations, always harbored a deep love for her background and heritage in Butte and Finntown. Her personality was marked by the Finnish characteristics known as "sisu," meaning a fierce independence and spirit. She was an avid Bobcat fan.
In the Flathead, Judy had numerous connections with the Flathead Democratic women's groups, other groups aligned with women's and minority rights, and similar causes. Often she and Frank attended meetings of groups dedicated to freedom of thought and expression, individual rights, etc. She ran for the Montana Senate local seat in the 1980s.
Judy accompanied Frank in their several visits to his relatives in Vienna, the Alps, Slovenia and the nearby Venice, Dalmatian Coast, Dubrovnik, and the Adriatic Sea. She was readily adopted by Frank's relatives still living in those areas. She liked to travel extensively, particularly to Seattle.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Lorna; brother-in-law, Don Gilbert; and sister-in-law, Lorraine Jeniker.
Judy is survived by her husband of 40 years, Frank Jeniker, of Lakeside; one sister, Sharon Gilbert, of Butte; four brothers, Jack Hihnala and his wife, Bev, of Helena, Leonard Hihnala of Butte, David Hihnala of Rochester, Minn., and Larry Hihnala of Las Vegas; and brother-in-law, Charles Jeniker, and his wife, Barbara, of Butte. She also has numerous nieces and nephews in Washington, Billings and New York, with some relatives who still live in the area of Roberts and Red Lodge, where her great-grandparents first homesteaded.
A private memorial of life celebration will be scheduled later, probably on some sunny day in Butte or in the Flathead Valley.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Home Options Hospice at 175 Commons Loop, Suite 100, Kalispell, MT 59901, or to the charity of your choice.
Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Judy's family. You are invited to go to www.johnsonmortuary.com to offer condolences and sign Judy's guest book.