She attended school in Miles City, including Miles City Junior College, where she graduated with a B.S. in Nursing. She first worked at Holy Rosary Hospital and then at the VA Hospital, where she worked for more than 20 years, first in surgical care and then in cardiac care ICU, which she and her dear friend Rebecca Kane were instrumental in establishing. While working full time at the VA, KayDel also pursued her Master´s Degree at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota. As a service to her community, she frequently taught classes on recognizing the symptoms of heart attacks and provided training to Miles City Fire and Rescue EMTs, including the training necessary for certification to offer Advanced Life Support care to the community.
A voracious reader and lover of words and knowledge, KayDel never stopped studying and learning. Her family expects to find "sticky notes" and bits of paper covered with words and their definitions, facts, Bible verses, thoughts, and observations stuck within the pages of books and magazines for many years to come.
A talented musician, KayDel always spoke fondly of playing the snare drum with the band at Custer County High School and playing the organ at dance jobs with her dad on the drums. She was extremely creative, a gifted wordsmith, and an exceptional cook. If KayDel was going to attempt to do something, she was determined to do it well. And so she did.
KayDel´s love, kindness, and generosity extended beyond her human counterparts. With the exception of spiders (!), she adored all animals. She enjoyed standing at the kitchen windows watching birds and squirrels that frequented the multiple bird feeders that were set up on the deck. KayDel especially loved dogs; from Boxers to Westies and every breed in between, KayDel found the kissy parts and made sure they were properly admired and kissed whenever a dog was in her presence.
If she ever learned of a dog in need, KayDel made sure that dog received the care it required. KayDel married her best friend, Lester, on December 22, 1958. Faithful and loving partners, Lester and KayDel worked side by side to build a successful life with one another. Their mutual respect and undying devotion to one another is the reason that they would have celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary had KayDel lived just one more day.
KayDel was kind and generous with her time, her wisdom, and her good and valuable advice. Her capacity to love was limitless, and as a consequence, she was loved without limitation. The nurse was always in, and you can be sure that whenever family or friends found themselves sitting in KayDel´s kitchen, they would not leave without having first learned something about themselves. She had a wonderful ability to gently cut through the nonsense, get to the heart of what was troubling a person, and help them to move through to the other side.
KayDel is survived by a heartbroken family, including her husband Lester, sons Brent L. Christopherson (Kim) of Missoula and Kalispell, Montana, Blane D. Christopherson (Janet) of Casper, Wyoming, and grandchildren Kaytie Lee (22), Leslee Eileen (16), and Mathew Gordon (13), all of Casper, Wyoming. She is also survived by her sister Jana Jo Towery (Bob) of Monument, Colorado, brothers Douglas A. Wiedeman (Beth) of Miles City, Hayward L. (Ward) Wiedeman (Sherri) of Miles, City, and a multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Miles City Fire and Rescue Firefighters´ Defibrillator Fund or to the ASPCA.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 with family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family Receive Friends
18:00 to 20:00
Tuesday December 27, 2011
Stevenson Funeral Home-Miles City
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Funeral Service
13:00
Wednesday December 28, 2011
Trinity Lutheran Church
221 S Center Ave
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Family Receive Friends
18:00 to 20:00
Tuesday December 27, 2011
Stevenson Funeral Home-Miles City
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Funeral Service
13:00
Wednesday December 28, 2011
Trinity Lutheran Church
221 S Center Ave
Miles City, MT 59301
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Jerry Smith says
Thoughts and prayers for you during this diffcult time. If you need anything just give us a call.
Jerry and Alma
Kally Kuchynka Haag says
KayDel was such a sweet, giving and generous person and such a dear friend to my mom! She will always hold a special place in all of our hearts.
Kally Haag
MICHELE DOBIE says
MY THOUGHTS & PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU!!
Bill Gierke says
Les, Ward,
I am so sorry to hear about KayDel. She was my first little league coach and I never forgot her. God bless your families.
Rebecca Kane says
I send my love and prayers to all that my dear friend KayDel has touched in her life, especially her family. She has been my friend for 40 years with no breaks in our “sisterhood” because of busy lives or distance. We will all miss her so much, but she was a gift to us that we can cherish always. Today, I have thought over all the experiences we have had together, good and bad. There are many memories I hold close. KayDel was there for so many–her patients, her family, her friends. Thank you, KayDel for being in my life.
Barbara Forcier says
I am so very sorry a Sacred Heart friend has passed away. My prayers are with Kay and her family! A graduate of 1951.
Barbara Pestka Forcier
Allison Campbell says
My deepest Sympathy and prayers go to the whole family
Jean Dishner says
Thoughts & prayers for Brent, Kim & the whole family.
Linda Wyse says
Thoughts and prayers are with you
Jill & Paul Binette says
Blane – So sorry for you at this very sad time. Paul and I wish you the strength to get through this and hope memories of your mom will comfort you as time eases your grief.
Cathy Filler says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Kaydell was one of my favorite people to work with at the VA. Cherished memories.
Ben and Brenda Muggli says
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Karen Krausz says
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. KayDel was such a warm and generous person. I treasure my memories of her. KayDel, you can put your stack of books away now, it’s time to rest from your labors.
Mary Matzen says
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I met KayDel when we started nursing school and enjoyed her caring, helpful, and enjoyable personality. I’m confident she is with the Lord and enjoying extreme happiness. My prayers are with you all.
Karen Morris says
It is never easy to lose someone and even more difficult during the holiday season. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
The Morris family
Bus, Karen, and Sue (Cercone)
David and Kim Brackenrich says
Blane,
We are very sorry for your family’s loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Christine A. Gregory says
It is the spirit of the person that touches us, staying with us forevermore. Kaydel touched my life profoundly as we worked together at the VA so many years ago. She was my right hand early on in my leadership role. It is the little things that I will remember, the quiet moments, the smiles, laughter and challenges that we took on together to make care to veterans the best anywhere. Kaydel’s kindness, love for the written word and passion for living anchored us all. Sharing in your sorrow.
Tim Warden says
KayDel was a kind and caring woman. She will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Christopherson/Wiedeman Family.
Mark & Suzanne Johnson says
Suze and I extend our heartfelt condolences to Les, Blane and Brent and families. We loved and will miss KayDel. God’s blessings and peace to you all.
Mark and Suzanne
Stephani Schumacher says
Ward and family.
I am sorry for your loss.
Prayers are with you,
Stephani
Paul Wallick says
Blane and Brent,
I just found out about your mom. I am so sorry. I was just thinking of her today before I heard the news. I was remembering her dog that barked at us all the time. She was so nice to us and always made us feel welcome. You were lucky to have a mom like her.
Virginia & Duane Strohmayer says
Lester & Family
Sorry to hear of your loss.
Patrick Stoltz says
My deepest thoughts and prayers to you all!
Denise Oberlander Harvey says
I am so sorry for your loss. I know KayDel’s legacy is alive and well in all of you. She will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers with you!!
Ron & Jeani Pierson says
So sorry about your loss. Our condolences to the entire family.
Tom Zeigler says
I am sorry to hear about your loss.
BETTY STEINER says
Les, my thoughts & prayers are with you all at this time. Cloyd loved Kay Del and enjoyed his time with her. My best to you and the children.
Betty Steiner
mary b fitzgerald says
KayDel was my sister’s, (Betty Barovich) best friend. She was Betty’s Maid of Honor at Betty’s wedding. My twin sister, Marny, and I were so happy to learn of KayDel’s extraordinary life! Betty lived here in Billings the last 8 years before she died, in 2002. I wish we had known beautiful KayDel was in Miles City,as we would have made sure they got together. KayDel was a lovely, gracious woman@