Florence Schlepp Lodwig went to her Heavenly Home on December 5, 2024 at the age of 85.
Florence was born in Miles City, Montana at her grandparents John and Elizabeth Leitholt’s home on April 20, 1939 to Jake and Pauline (Leitholt) Schlepp. She was the second child as her first sibling was stillborn. A brother Gerald “Jerry” and a sister Diana followed.
She was baptized as an infant into the Lutheran faith and grew up on a ranch north of Miles City. This area was known as Watson Flats, attending a one room school there through 8th grade. The highest enrollment was twelve students with Irene Milroy teaching five of those terms.
Florence attended Garfield County High School, graduating in 1957. Many friends were made and had fond memories of country kids staying in the dormitory Monday through Friday as a big family. The summer of 1957 was spent attending Billings Business College furthering secretarial skills.
While waitressing at Jake’s Café in the summer of 1955, Loren Lodwig became a special person. He was working in seismograph as a draftsman. A relationship developed, continuing after he returned to his home state of Colorado.
Florence and Loren were married on November 30, 1957 and made their home in Denver, with the exception of seven years in Otis, Colorado. (1970 -1977)
Two sons were adopted, Broy and Kern, to make the family complete and fulfilled.
Florence held several office jobs, with the last one in Denver bringing a lot of satisfaction helping adult alcoholics and drug addicts in a Behavioral Modification Program for five years.
In September, 1994, Loren retired and said, “It was time to take Florence home.” It was a happy reunion coming to Miles City and being with her loved ones. In November of 1994, she began working as a cashier at Coast to Coast, later becoming ACE Hardware and her extended family for 25 years.
Loren died in July, 2000 and she knew he believed he’d made the right move, although Miles City had become his home as well. Trinity Lutheran Church was a focal point with LWML being a special fellowship of sisters in Christ doing His work, as well as attending retreats, rallies and conventions.
Florence was proceeded in death by her parents Jake and Pauline Schlepp, her husband Loren Lodwig and her niece Margo Voster.
She is survived by her sons Broy Lodwig and Kern Lodwig, daughter-in-law Wendi Lodwig, sister Diana Davis, brother Jerry (Bobbi) Schlepp, grandsons Jacob and Elijah Lodwig, nieces Jaimie (Jim) Lackman, Melody (Steve) Reinhart, Marlene (Danny) Lounder and Jake (Sarah) Davis, and nephew Chris (Amanda) Schlepp.
A visitation will be held Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. The funeral service will take place at Trinity Lutheran Church at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 12, 2024. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Wednesday December 11, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Thursday December 12, 2024
Trinity Lutheran Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Thursday December 12, 2024
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Wednesday December 11, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Thursday December 12, 2024
Trinity Lutheran Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Thursday December 12, 2024
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Sandy Maine says
I loved your mom. She was such a sweet woman and coworker. God now has another angel. RIP Florence.
Rhonda says
My condolences to her family! Florence was a funny sweet Lady. She will be very missed
Misty Fox says
Florence was a good lady who had a smile for everyone. She will be missed.
Marlene Lounder says
Oh my beautiful Aunt Florence you were loved by many and know by few. Our only peace is that we know that Uncle Loren Ray was waiting with open arms❤️
Glennda Wolf says
Our sympathy goes to Florence’s family. We have enjoyed seeing and visiting with Florence every week at church. I considered her a valued friend. Rest in the Lord’s tender care. You will be missed.
Bill and Glennda Wolf
Mallorey Kassner says
I truly believe that God takes the best!! Thank you for being my grandma when I lost mine, you were always there for me when I needed it and I will definitely miss your hugs more than anything. When I saw you at the store a month ago, I always thought “she gives the best hugs!!” You were truly an angel and a wondering human being.
Pat Morris Blumhorst says
Florence was a sweet, loving lady, blessings to her family!
Lori Clark says
I will always love you Ms. Florence. You were so sweet to me always. You will be missed.
Marc and Denise Hartse says
My wife and I are extremely sorry to see this. Florence and I were co-workers for years and we still saw her occasionally at the Lutheran church holiday dinners where we always exchanged pleasantries. Our condolences to the family, we’ll miss seeing her.
Linda White says
She was a very sweet, friendly, welcoming person. We loved visiting with her when we came to Miles City. She was so good to my mom (her aunt). She was a wonderful cousin and she will be missed.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
Florence was a beautiful lady, inside & out. I loved working with her at Ace. She always called me Dee which was just between her & I. My sincere sympathy to all of Florence’s family and friends.
Melody and Steve Reinhart says
Florence was a loving, strong woman who gave her best to everyone. We were all touched by her kindness and she will be missed. Into God’s loving hands and Loren Ray’s arms she went. They are together now in God’s eternal peace.
James Arneson says
I always enjoy the short visits with her at Ace when she worked there. I missed her when she retired, but will always remember what a wonderful smile, and gentle kindness she always had. God has another angle in his presence
EstherN Nelson says
My sympathy and prayers to the family of Florence. She always had a smile when she met me in Church. Home at last with your loved ones and GOD !
Sandi Bruce says
Broy I am sorry to hear your mother passed away. She always had a beautiful ready smile.
Claudia Kransky says
Florence was a true and faithful servant of God. Her heart was in the church. She will be missed on Earth but will be welcomed onto the streets of gold…in Heaven. Good bye my friend. Claudia
Martha Crandall says
My sympathy
Glen and Teena Bollinger says
Always enjoyed visiting with Florence and her and Glen grew up together. Our deepest sympathy to all the family on your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
John & Annette Gorton says
Our sincere sympathy for Florence’s family. She was a lovely person with a kind soul. She had a warm countenance and beautiful smile for everyone.
Doug and Diane Ellingson says
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers for family.
Karen James Barnes says
My condolences to Florence’s family – was always a treat to go into Ace Hardware and visit for a few minutes with her. May all your good memories be a comfort to you at this sad time. God Bless all.
Jan Munroe says
I met your mom when she and my husband were both undergoing treatment in Billings years ago. She was such a lovely lady and would reach out to me often after Don passed. My sincerest condolences to both of you and your families.
Bonnie Boggs says
I am so sorry that you have all lost such an amazing lady. I met Florence in 1995 when we moved to Miles and she greeted me so warmly at CtoC what a nice lady. I enjoyed every visit we had over the years and looked forward to seeing her each Monday and Thursday at morning exercise class. I worried each time she was absent but knew she would be back. I will miss her. Heaven is smiling as she is welcomed home.
Larry and Judy Jens says
We remember Florence fondly as a cashier at the Coast to Coast and Ace Hardware. She had the sweetest personality. Our sympathy to her family and friends.
Jim and Annalise (Haglof) Willson says
Our condolences to all of Florence’s family. Florence and I worked together at Coast to Coast/Ace Hardware for many years. Florence always had a smile and never a cross word about anyone. Growing up I knew of Diana and Jerry but never realized they had a big sister until Florence moved back to Miles City. RIP Florence.
Mary Ann Liles says
Dear Jerry, Bobbi and all of Florence’s family, I am sorry to learn of her death and know it must be painful to say goodbye to such a sweet person. She was a doll.
God bless you, Mary Ann
Chris Gierke says
Florence & I worked together at Coast to Coast & Ace for many years. She had a smile for everyone who walked through the door. Keeping you all in my thoughts & prayers. Rest in peace Florence. You will be missed.
Mary Ann Murray says
Florence was a special lady with the sweetest smile. She was always so friendly and caring. She along with several others ladies at Steadman’s sent me the nicest card when they heard I had been diagnosed with cancer. She would always ask how I was doing and had the sweetest smile. She will be missed by many. Love those memories.
Beth Riggs says
We were shocked to hear about Florence. She is our sister through her mother marrying Vic’s father, Vic. She was always loving and gracious during the family gatherings. We remember her as a wonderful welcoming presence at Steadman’s Ace Hardware. She will be missed. May God send his comfort and peace to her family and friends left on earth.
Herb Kron says
Florence was such a good friend to my mother, Anna Kron. Mom couldn’t remember everybody’s name but Florence’s name was never forgotten. I will always remember her kindness. Praying peace over her family.
Virginia Teigen Svalina says
So sorry for your loss! Prayers and hugs!
Pat Smith says
Diane and family, Sorry for the loss of your amazing sister, She was such a special person always so helpful and cheerful with everyone at Ace. lots of wonderful memories of a great lady for all the family and many friends. Hugs for all who loved her.
Sheryl Whitney says
I planned on being there today, to honor Florence and her family. I wanted to talk to each of you, and hug you; as Florence and I shared many hugs, visiting about our families.
But sometimes God has other plans. So I’ll follow his leading. Because Our Father, knows, leads and guides us all, as he did your Mom for so many years.
Working at 1st CtC and Steadman’s was where I met Florence. She always seem ed to bless me at Christmas with A Christ related item.
George Hageman says
My sincere condolences to the family of another classoof mine.
Judy A Kalloch says
Diana and Jerry
Sorry for your loss.