Lois Kenczka

Lois J. Kenczka, 78, of Great Falls, died of complications of a stroke at Peace Hospice on Sunday, December 15, 2013.At her request no services are being planned. An open house celebration of life will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 28, at Harvest Springs Community Church, 1001 36th Ave. NE, Great Falls, MT. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Schnider Funeral Home.She was born Lois Jean Jorgenson in Billings, Montana on July 21, 1935 to Henry and Eleanor (Tarling) Jorgenson. She was their third daughter and the last born of four children. On January 23, 1954 in Livingston, Lois married Donald Richard Kenczka whom she loved dearly. They shared 52 years together before his death on November 1, 2006.Lois was raised and educated in Roundup graduating in 1953. She spent part of her summers on her parents farm near Broadview. After Dons graduation in 1955 from Montana State College in Bozeman the family moved to Billings where Don received his teaching certificate. They lived two years in Scobey settling in Great Falls in 1958, where Don taught science for 38 years and Lois worked as a teachers aide at Riverview Elementary for 24 years. Lois dealt with diabetes from age 29, but managed to have a fulfilling life.She enjoyed genealogy, puzzles, crocheting, gardening, and attending events her children and grandchildren were in. She was a Girl Scout leader, PTA treasurer, babysitter for other children and worked at the State Fair for several summers. In 1965, she was awarded the Bronze medal from the Carnegie Hero Foundation for attempting to save someone from drowning in the Missouri River.Lois is survived by her children, Gerald (Cris) Kenczka of Vernal, UT, Donna Crosier of Great Falls, Rick Kenczka of Owensboro, KY, Jeanne Kenczka of Wilsonville, OR, and Dan (Cindy) Kenczka of Great Falls; grandchildren Nick (Amanda), Jake and Jordan Kenczka of Salt Lake City, UT, Derek (Kristi) Crosier of Minneapolis, MN, Amber (Jason) Dahl of Fairfield, Cody Kenczka of Owensboro, KY, Allie Kenczka of Louisville, KY, Brian (Lauren) and Ashley Walters of Wilsonville, OR, Amie and Erica Kenczka of Great Falls, and Jamie (Burl) Brawley of Conrad; great-grandchildren Colton and Conley of Fairfield, Elle Buhl and Corey Thurston of Conrad; brother Bob (Marge) Jorgenson of Roundup; brother-in-law Don (Marcy) Ellis of Livingston; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; two sisters Dorothy Carlson and Ada Ellis; her husbands parents, Edward and Agnes (Kowalczyk) Kenczka; brothers-in-law Jack Carlson and Stan Kenczka; and sisters-in-law Theresa (Kenczka) Leiby, Marie (Kenczka) Adam, and Regina (Kenczka) Petaja.Memorials may be given to the Rivers Edge Trail, PO Box 553, Great Falls, MT 59403 or CMR High School Don Kenczka Outstanding Biology Student Award, 228 17th Ave NW, Great Falls, MT 59404.