Helga Maria Grunenwald, aged 64, of Great Falls, MT passed away at Benefis Peace Hospice on September 7, 2022, after a courageous fight with cancer.
Helga was born on September 16, 1957, in Landshut, Germany. She was the first child of Paul and Karoline Grunenwald.
After moving around quite a bit due to her father’s military service, Helga settled in Great Falls where she built a wonderful life for herself and her daughter, Lindsey. As a fan of the outdoors, Helga loved to explore the state. She enjoyed camping and taking road trips whenever she could. While Helga lived in many places throughout her life, Montana was her home.
After working from home for years, Helga began a career at Malmstrom Air Force Base where she worked in an administrative position for the 341st Medical Group. She retired on December 31, 2021, with just over 20 years of service. Both Helga and her famous red pen will not soon be forgotten.
Helga could often be found crafting in her free time. She was known for her beautiful afghans which she lovingly gifted to so many. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends whether it was out on an adventure or simply sitting down to watch old movies. The time she spent with Lindsey, Lacey, and their families was when she was happiest. She loved being Grandma Helga to Chandler and Nana to Landon, Cooper, and Elliot. She beamed with pride whenever she spoke of them. She loved showing off her handsome grandsons and proudly displayed pictures of them wherever she could.
Helga will be remembered for her generosity and kind heart. She was quick to help others, tackle any kind of project, and could pack a car like you could not believe. Those who knew her best will always remember her quick-witted sense of humor, world-renowned apple strudel, her obsession with collecting bags, and of course, her love for the one and only, Sam Elliott.
Helga is survived by her loving father, Paul Grunenwald; adoring daughter, Lindsey (John) Carey; bonus daughter, Lacey (Dane) Herbst; grandsons, Chandler Carey, Landon Longero, Cooper Longero and Elliot Wang; brother, P.J. (Sue) Grunenwald; nephews, Aaron Grunenwald and Matthew Grunenwald; nieces Amber Thompson and Audrey Grunenwald; very special cousins, Klaus and Melita Schluttenhofer of Germany; and many loving members of her large extended family. Helga was preceded in death by her mother, Karoline Grunenwald.
Helga was blessed to have extraordinary people in her life who not only provided many years of valued friendship, but comfort and support as she dealt with her illness. Helga, along with her family, want to sincerely thank Bonnie Flaherty, Marci Curtiss, Mercy Padgett, Val Kraenzel, and her buddy, Bruce Roehm for all the joy they brought into her life. Helga’s entire family will be forever grateful for each one of them.
At Helga’s request, there will be no formal services. She asked for a private scattering of her ashes near Benchmark where her mother was also laid to rest.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Project Linus in Helga’s name. These two organizations were near and dear to her heart.
