Thomas Edward Twichel
Helena, Montana <\/p>\n
A great, compassionate, caring man has passed from this world. <\/p>\n
Thomas Edward Twichel\u2019s spirit has entered into eternity with the blessing of his family and the knowledge of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His courageous 3-year battle with cancer was fought with determination and dignity, reflecting his true character and tireless sprit. <\/p>\n
For those who had the joy of knowing Tom, the loss to the community will be long felt. Tom never knew a stranger. <\/p>\n
Tom was born the youngest of 6 children, October 1, 1935 in St. Ignatius, MT, to Mark and Helen (Ramsberger) Twichel. He had 3 brothers, Harold, Ken, Jack, and 2 sisters, Vivian and Marie. He moved to White Sulphur Springs with his parents and graduated from high school in 1953. He attended St. John\u2019s College in Minnesota and finished at \u201cThe\u201d Carroll College. He was a member of the football team as a fullback, punter and occasionally quarterback. He graduated in 1958 with a major in history and education. He furthered his education at Worsham Mortuary College in Chicago, Illinois, where he started his lifetime career. <\/p>\n
Tom married his sweetheart Marilyn (Miller) on August 27, 1960. With this union they were blessed with 6 children and adopted a 7th. Then came his 19 adoring grandchildren. <\/p>\n
Tom and Marilyn moved to Helena in 1960, when he started working for Retz Funeral Home on 6th Avenue. In 1967, Tom and Ben Burgess entered into a partnership, purchasing the funeral home from Howard and Ernie Retz. They sold the funeral home in 1983. Tom remained very active in funeral service in Helena, serving the community up until the time of his death. <\/p>\n
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and two sisters. <\/p>\n
Tom is survived by his wife Marilyn of Helena; children, Dennis and Cathy Twichel of Milton, WA, Helen (Bill) Kropp of Missoula, David Twichel, Helena, Mary (Peter) Fusaro, Kalispell, Mark (Gina) Twichel, Kalispell, Judy (Bill) Rothie, Hamilton, Bob and Tracey Goetz, Helena; grandchildren: Ashley Fusaro, Kallan Kropp, J.T Twichel, Wiley Fusaro, Laura Twichel, Katelyn Kropp, Keegan Rothie, Taylor Twichel, Mackenzie Twichel, Danielle Twichel, Mckayl Rothie, Camron Rothie, Kate Twichel, Kevin Twichel, Mikel Twichel, Jazzmyn Goetz, Zion Goetz, Maya Goetz, Sadie Goetz. Tom is also survived by his brother-in-law Mitch Miller and wife Linda Kay, and sister-in-law Jean Twichel and several nieces and nephews. <\/p>\n
Accolades \u2013 Knights of Columbus, J.C\u2019s, Century Club, Past President of Montana Funeral Directors Association, Elks, Metropolitan Dinner Club, Exchange Club, Small Fry Football coach, Carroll College, Helena High Bengal and Saint Matthews School fan. <\/p>\n
He supported all his children in every adventure they chose. From downhill ski racing to flip flops across the gym floor. His pride and joy followed with his grandchildren as well. He followed Ashley in softball starting at Flathead High School which also included her college career with the Saint Mary\u2019s Blue Belles (Norte Dame that is\u2026). Football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, and cheerleading were some of the many sports he supported as the number one fan. Never to forget the music Keegan so gracefully played and sang in grandpa\u2019s final moments which truly started him on his final journey. His love of sports and grandchildren was a great combination. Through his great work ethic the family has all gone on to be very successful including: teachers, a lawyer, business owners, a business man of the year and a craftsman of the year. <\/p>\n
The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, July 28th at Retz Funeral Home Chapel, 315 E. 6th Avenue. A Vigil service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Friday, July 29th at the Cathedral of St. Helena. Funeral Mass will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 30th at Cathedral of St. Helena. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials in Tom’s name are suggested to the Cathedral of St. Helena 530 N. Ewing Street Helena, Montana 59601. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com. or www.retzfuneralhome.com. <\/p>\n
The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Weiner and the Oncology and Radiation Care Unit of St. Peter\u2019s Hospital, as well as the Hospice of St. Peter\u2019s Hospital. The exceptional care and concern they showed Tom and Marilyn was phenomenal. <\/p>\n
So when the Saints Go Marching In, Tom will be in that number . . .<\/p>\n","photo":"https:\/\/helenafuneralhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/420648_profile_pic.jpg","youtube_video_url":"","family_email":"","family_first_name":"","family_last_name":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/helenafuneralhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/case\/896","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/helenafuneralhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/case"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/helenafuneralhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/case"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/helenafuneralhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=896"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/helenafuneralhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=896"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}