Marie Helena Hanson, age 82, of Colstrip, MT passed away on October 4, 2024 at the Rosebud Healthcare Center in Forsyth, Montana. She was born on November 30, 1941 to Elmer Kiepert and Margaret (Brunk) Kiepert in Watertown, Wisconsin.
Marie was born and raised with her siblings in Southern Wisconsin. She ended up in Northern Wisconsin and had five children. She raised her children in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. She later moved to Colstrip, MT in 1999. Marie’s greatest pride was her five children and four grandchildren. She enjoyed going to the lake, fishing, bowling, playing cards, and most of all, going to her grandkids events.
Over the years, as for all of us, life had its ups and downs for Marie. Through all of them Marie was known to be spunky, and tenacious. She was a fighter, right to the end. Anyone who knew Marie knew that she was “one tough cookie”. She was known to keep a positive outlook on any situation. Even at the end of life she faced it as an adventure. She was known to tell her loved ones to do the “one-step, two-step, twirl-twirl.” Her heart and love of life was at the core of who she was.
Marie loved to get things done. She was often telling her kids and grandkids “faster faster” and “on your mark, get set, GO!” as she would race them to their destination.
Marie had a deep love for all living things. She loved sunsets, sunrises, the moon, the stars, lakes, rivers, the snow, the rain, good thunderstorms were a favorite. She loved cool rocks, driftwood, trees, leaves, trains, and feathers. She also loved words, puns, and numbers.
The fact that she passed on 10/4 at 10:10 would have pleased her. 10/4…over and out ❤️
Marie’s family will have a celebration of life in May of 2025.
Preceding her in death are her parents, Elmer Kiepert, and Margaret (Brunk) Collier.
Marie is survived by her siblings, Ron (Beverly) Kiepert Diana (Bob) Johnson, Darlene (Ben) Haugen; children, Margo Kiepert, Daniel (Karon) Messier, Kathy (Sheri) Messier, Westley (Natalie) Messier, Wendy (John) Smith; grandchildren; Jasmine Kiepert, Travis Smith, Brandon Smith, Luke Smith.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Cindy Stanton says
I’m so sorry Wendy, John and families. You’re in my thoughts and prayers for comfort and peace.
Hugs to you, Wendy. It’s never easy to lose your momma.