Kathleen Jean (Lovaas) Wheeler passed away peacefully Thursday, August 17, 2017, at Spring Meadows Assisted Living in Bozeman, surrounded by family members.
She was born December 13, 1933, in Glendive. Mom lived on the family farm located near Lindsay until the family moved to Glendive. She graduated from Dawson County High School.
Mom and dad (Dude) were married July 1, 1952, at Mount Vernon Place Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. while dad was in the Air Force. They spent 62 great years together.
After dad was honorably discharged from the military, they moved to Bozeman. While dad was in school at MSU, mom worked at Safeway and at the SUB on campus. The family ventured out to Corvallis, Ore. for four years and mom became a full-time mom. Our family returned to Bozeman and established solid roots in the community.
Mom and dad did a lot of traveling related to dad’s work. They got to discover Central America and Africa together. A lot of great memories were formed as a result of the adventures. She loved to play Bridge and looked forward to hosting her weekly Bridge group.
Mom is survived by her loving sons, Steve (Nita) and Scott (Kelly); and grandchildren, Tyler (Tiffany), Kyle, Abby Schottler (Mike); and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by dad, Richard (Dude); her parents, Erling and Cora Lovaas; brother, Ervin; sister, Donna Mae Olson; and infant son, Harry.
Our family would like to sincerely thank Spring Meadows Assisted Living, Frontier Home Health, Hospice of Bozeman Health, Dr. Justin Thomas and everyone else that visited her. Everyone made mom’s last months, days and hours comfortable. You all are an amazing group of people.
There will not be a service as we will be having a private family graveside service at the family plot in Wibaux.
Donations in memory of mom to Bozeman Health Foundation (memo line: Hospice), 931 Highland Blvd. #3200, Bozeman, MT 59715 or Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter, 1549 E Cameron Bridge Rd., Bozeman, MT 59718, would be very generous.
Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service. www.dokkennelson.com.