Cleo Marjorie Fessler, age 101, went to sleep peacefully at her residence at Parkview in Miles City, Montana, on August 31, 2020.
Cleo Marjorie Fessler was born October 17, 1918, at her home on the family farm in Ollie, Montana, to Claud and Malissa Baker of Ollie, Montana. She was the fifth of seven children. She grew up on the farm and helped in the General Store which her father owned. After Cleo graduated from High School in 1937 she went to Glendive, Montana, and worked in Carrie’s Sweet Shop for 2 and a half years. The fall of 1940 she went to York College in York, Nebraska, for a year. In 1941 she went to Chicago with her Aunt Clara and was there when Pearl Harbor was bombed. Aunt Clara and Cleo then went to Texas and spent the winter there, and Cleo managed a soda fountain in a drug store. When they returned she started teaching school, in the fall of 1942, grades 1 through 8 at Tonquin, West of Baker, Montana. She taught there for 2 years on a teaching permit. The fall of 1944 she went to St. Paul Bible Institute in St. Paul, Minnesota, and completed one year of college there. Then in the fall of 1945 she taught school again on another teaching permit at Kinsey, Montana. It was while teaching there that she met Edward Fessler, whom she married in May 1946.
They settled in Miles City, and soon purchased a farm in the Yellowstone Valley a few miles from town. There they raised 3 children. Cleo was an avid gardener and loved to bake. Every week her kitchen would be filled with the aroma of baked bread and many other delights which she shared with neighbors and friends. Later she was active on the election board. She had a great sense of humor and loved adventure. They had many friends in Miles City, and she kept in touch with the Baker community also. Cleo had a strong faith and trusted in her Savior Jesus Christ.
She was preceded in death by her parents and all of her siblings and her husband Edward Fessler. She is survived by her children, Dale (Sharon) Fessler of Williston, ND, Marjorie (Charles) Nelson of Sturgis, SD, and Kathy (Bill) Alderman of Broadus, MT. She is survived by 9 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren.
After her husband Eddie passed away in 2007 she moved to Joyce’s Adult Foster care home and rented an adjoining apartment. She and Joyce Conley became best friends and would occasionally be seen out for ice cream and “dragging main”. She continued to do some baking while there. In 2015 she moved to Parkview and remained there until her passing. They were a family for her and she was cared for like royalty. The family would like to thank the girls at Parkview for such compassionate care.
We are comforted to know that she loved her Savior Jesus Christ and that she is rejoicing in His presence.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
11:00 AM
Friday September 4, 2020
Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
11:00 AM
Friday September 4, 2020
Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Bernice Mushaney says
Cleo you were such a beautiful soul inside and out I loved taking care of you at Parkview! You will be missed we all love you. To Cleo’s family I’m so sorry for your loss your mom was a wonderful woman. Soar high with the angels Cleo!!
Ruben and June Opp says
Dale,Margie,Kathy and all your families, We are so sorry to see the passing of your mother,she has lived a very long life.I know she was ready to go to her heavenly home for a very long time .She was a very special friend for many years.Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.May God Bless and comfort you all. June and Ruben Opp
Marcia Heydt says
Cleo was a special woman. My condolences to her family. Rest in Peace, Cleo.
Gerald & Janet Himelspach says
Kathy, so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Our condolences to you and your family.
Diana Edwards says
Our deepest prayers and warm thoughts to Margie, Kathie and Dale and families. Francis and Diana Edwards
Dan & Trish Peterson says
Prayers & Love to all the Fessler family! We know you will miss Cleo very much.She was a very special person and will really be missed!
Dan & Trish Peterson
Bernadette Miler says
Verlin and I met Cleo and Ed years ago when we worked a home delivery milk route and a friendship started. We would stop in to visit and a couple hours later we would be on our way. Cleo introduced me to the Gurney’s fruit steamer so I could cook my berries without all the mess. I use it every year. We talked about gardening, and she convinced Verlin and me to garden in her yard, so we did. Cleo had bees on the place and we had more beans and cucumbers than anyone would ever need. It was wonderful. I did not see Cleo as often when she moved into town, and that was my fault, always too busy to make that extra stop. Know that your family is is my prayers and I have many wonderful memories of Cleo and Ed.
Jim and Annalise Willson says
Dale and family we are so sorry to hear about your Mom. My dad Norman Willson SR. went to Meadow Brook School with your Dad Eddie Fessler when they were neighbors in the Pine Hills. May your Mom rest in peace
Jim and Annalise Willson
Eileen and Vern Entzel says
Our thought and prayers go out to the family of Cleo. She was a special person and hope the good memories help in the days ahead
Francie McLean says
Hello Dale, Marjorie and Kathy,
Carol Stoltz emailed me about your Mom. So sorry to hear about her passing. I have many happy memories about her from my childhood. Sorry that we were not at her funeral, but it is quite a wonderful thing to make it to 101. I would love to get all of your contact information so I don’t totally lose track of you.
Love and best wishes,
Francie
Shawn and Wendy Richards says
Thoughts and prayers for you all!!
Stanley and Bonnie Powell says
Kathy, Marge. and Dale and families,
What a lovely testimony she was for Jesus, and sharing his gospel. We send our thoughts and prayers. Was sorry I didnt see this until the day of her service, as I would have been there.