Thelma Gackle, age 85, went home to be with the Lord on September 2, 2018. Her children were all able to be by her side, which meant a great deal to her and to them.
She was born Thelma Jean Dillon to Vernon and Marian (Bryan) Dillon on September 11, 1932. She was the second of three daughters born to Vernon and Marian. She grew up on the family farm southwest of Lindsay, Montana. Thelma remembers riding double with her older sister, Dorothy, three and a quarter mile to Union School. They rode bareback because Vernon was afraid of them getting hung up in a stirrup and dragged. She said they did fall off several times, but that was mostly because they got to fighting and smacking each other and the horse would spook!
When she was in the lower grades in school, the family visited someone who had an accordion, which fascinated her. She was sure that if she had an accordion, she could play it. The year she turned 14, her parents got her an accordion and she literally picked it up and started playing it with no lessons! Music was a very enjoyable part of her life from an early age.
Thelma graduated from Dawson County High School in 1950. Six months later, on November 24, 1950, she and Erwin Gackle were married in Circle, Montana. Erwin and Thelma moved to Brockway, Montana to live at Erwin’s parents’ farm, where they lived the rest of their lives. They had three children: Connie Jean, Cathy Jo and Wade Erwin. If you knew Thelma, then you knew that her family was the center of her life-second only to God. One of her greatest joys was when all of her family was together at holidays or other events.
Thelma was very artistic and loved quilting and doing crafts. She made each of her grandchildren quilts and always an ornament every Christmas. Erwin also loved music and played the guitar and sang, so together they played for dances and other events from 1953 to 1983. After that, they continued to play for folks in nursing homes and at family events.
Thelma is survived by her daughter, Connie Phalen (Bob), daughter Cathy Grist (Bill), son Wade Gackle (Georgia), five grandchildren, four step grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Dorothy Chouinard (Steve) and Margery Ingraham (Tom), as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Marian Dillon, her husband, Erwin, her brother-in-law, Steve Chouinard, her son-in-law, Bill Grist and grandson Cory Grist.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Breakforth Bible Church in Glendive. Interment will follow in the Dawson Memorial Cemetery in Glendive. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Linda McLeod says
Margery, Dorothy, Connie, Cathy, Wade and all of your families, I am so sorry for your loss. I have such nice memories of the family gatherings on the Dillon farm and the music that was played at places. I remember dancing to the music with my Uncle Harold. Sometimes there was homemade ice cream! Such a fun time was had by all! Just want you all to know that we are thinking of all of you!
Bob & Marlys Lee says
I am so sorry to hear about Thelma. Erwin & Thelma were such good friends of my parents and am so glad the 4 of them got to do some traveling together before Dad passed away. I was lucky enough to get to join them a couple of times and have great memories of them all. My thoughts are with you.
Betty Vail says
Connie and Bob, So sorry to read of your mothers’ death. She sounds like a delightful and talented woman. My prayers are with you.
Dea Nefzger Hostetler says
Cathy, Connie and Wade: So sorry for the loss of your dear mother. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
We sorrow when a loved one boards a ship and departs from our shores. As we stand on the dock and watch as the ship disappears over the horizon, we grieve because “she’s gone” . . . but imagine the joy of those on that distant shore as they welcome her arrival!
Roxy Musser says
Connie, Cathy, Wade and families,
I’m so sorry to hear of Thelma’s passing. Please accept my condolences.
Debbie (Bond) Wagner says
Very sorry to hear about Thelma’s passing. I have many memories of her growing up in Brockway…such a warm and caring person. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Debbie (Bond) Wagner and the Dale & Ruth Bond family
Diane Ligon says
Connie, Cathy, Wade, and families,
So sorry to read about your Mom passing. Let your memories keep her close to your hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Diane Ligon (Shamley)
Marlo and Jeri says
May all your memories be only sweet. Deepest condolences from Georgia Gackle’s.
Lana Hovland says
Connie, Cathy & Wade,
I am so very saddened to hear of your moms passing. I remember many good times with my parents and your folks getting together. Thelma was an extra special woman and I always think of her big smile & big heart. I still have some of her walnut shell Christmas tree decorations. ❤️ I know my mom & her are together again. God Bless all of you in this difficult time.
Lana (Berry) Hovland
Stan & Sherry Stebing says
We feel blessed for the times that we have shared with Thelma and her family over the years. We live so far away and have fond memories of the all the special times that we were able to have. Thelma was such a sweet spirit and I know that she is happily reunited with Erwin and her parents. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Love, Stan & Sherry Stebing
Kaylee Kleinsasser (Kountz) says
So sorry for your loss. I have many beautiful Christmas ornaments that Thelma has made and I have cherished then throughout the years. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Laura Wolff Zimmerman says
I will always remember Thelma as a kind-hearted, patient, and soft-spoken mom. She was wonderfully artistic and a fabulous cook. Wade and I used to argue about whose mom was the better cook. We figured it out – my mom was the best cook in McCone County and Thelma was the best cook in Prairie County! I remember Thelma helping out at the country church near their land, at school and in the Brockway community. She also gave us some great evenings of music and dancing.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Connie, Cathy and Wade. May the memories of a Mom’s love comfort you at this difficult time.
Laura Wolff Zimmerman
Robin Wolff says
Connie, Cathy & Wade: The obituary is such a nice tribute to your Mom. I love the part about the accordian and remember her playing it along with your Dad on the guitar. It’s not easy to lose a Mom. My sympathies are with you at this sad time.
Robin Wolff
Gwynn Pederson says
Please accept my sincere sympathy in the loss of Thelma. She was a lovely woman and will be missed by many. Although she has left this world, she is now in the presence of our Lord sharing in the wonders and joy of his heavenly kingdom. May that knowledge support you as you deal with this loss.