Kathleen M. Schmaus

Kathleen M. Schmaus, 94, of Missoula, Montana, formerly of Great Falls, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 1, 2022 at Rosetta Assisted Living in Missoula.

Kathleen was born in Dawson County, Montana on June 15, 1927 to Gust and Beulah Senner. When she was just eight years old Gust died. Kathleen was lucky enough to call Carl Holm her step-father and he helped raise her.

Kathleen finished high school and went on to get a nursing certificate. Her occupation, however, was that of a census taker. She took on the challenges of collecting the information. She wasn’t afraid to knock on doors, and in the country that can sometimes be a harrowing act.

Kathleen married Gilbert E. Schmaus on May 18, 1947 in Glendive, MT and to their union were born four children: Jeannie, Mike, Steve, and Karen. Kathleen and Gilbert went on many adventures during their time together. They could be found rafting when it was warm and snowmobiling when it was cold. A favorite summer hobby was volunteering as Camp Hosts on the Smith River which allowed them to meet many friendly faces over the years. Katheen was quite the gardener, growing all the vegetables her family needed. She also was an avid quilter and, in her lifetime, not only made hundreds of quilts, but she also donated over a hundred to charitable organizations. Kathleen was a devout Christian and lifelong member of Faith Lutheran Church in Great Falls where she made many connections over the years.

Left to cherish Kathleen’s memory are her four children and their spouses: Jeannie (Mike) Duncan- Farr, Mike (Debbie) Schmaus, Steven (Kathy Burgmeier) Schmaus, and Karen (Wess) Chambers; and Tina Reinicke, 11 grandchildren: Daniel (Melissa), Tanner (Megan), Bryon (Brenda Jean), Shevy (David), Sierra, Cody, Becca, Jace (Abbie), Kaci (Jordan), Brady (McKayla), Spencer (Miah) and Sadie; as well as 11 great-grandchildren with more on the way.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents: Gust Senner and Beulah and Carl Holm as well as her husband Gilbert, and four brothers (William Senner, Robert Senner, Lloyd Senner and Kenneth Holm).
Per her wishes cremation rites have taken place and a private family celebration will take place in June.

In honor of Kathleen, please make contributions to your own family vegetable garden.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff and caretakers at Rosetta Assisted Living where Kathleen called home for the last eight years. They would also like to thank the nurses and staff with Hospice of Missoula for their compassion and care in the last weeks of Kathleen’s life.