Estelle M. Wiltzen

PLAINS - Estelle M. Wiltzen was born August 22, 1927 to John Malaterre and Genevieve Ladoucer Malaterre in the Turtle Mountains of North Dakota. She spent her childhood in North Dakota and met the love of her life, Harris Wiltzen in Deering, North Dakota. They were married on August 22nd, 1946 and moved to Missoula, Montana where Harris went to the University of Montana. Their 6 children were all born in Montana, and they moved from Missoula, to Circle, Scobey, Malta and finally, to Plains, where she passed away on September 9, 2015 shortly after her 88th birthday and after 69 years of marriage to Harris.

Her family and her faith were the cornerstones of her life. Estelle was a long-time member of St. James Catholic Church in Plains. Her commitment to her faith was seen in many ways in the church as she helped tend the flowers around the church and in starting a monthly soup and salad that continues to this day. Fellowship was at the center of her church life and she could routinely be seen after services in communion with parish members. She fulfilled one of her faith life’s goals in 1997 when she went on a pilgrimage with her two daughters to Medjugorje, Yugoslavia to be blessed and to worship the stations of the cross in a place of great significance to her Catholic faith.

Estelle was always there for her family in times of trouble and would not hesitate to drive to help them whether it was across state or across the country. Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were a constant source of pride and enjoyment to her and her prayers always brought special blessings to them. Her loving touch could be felt by all as she prepared wonderful meals made from gifts provided from her garden and from game provided by her family.

Estelle is preceded in death by her parents, sisters Vickie, Del, and brother Al, son-in-law, Paul Van Arsdell, and two grandchildren, David Kier and Kyle Wiltzen.

She is survived by her husband, Harris A. Wiltzen of Plains, her sons Stephen of Bozeman, MT, John of Lolo, MT, Stuart of Whittier, CA, Edward of Fairview, MT and daughters Barbara Van Arsdell of Santa Monica, CA, and Jennifer Kier of Everson, WA.

A vigil will be held at St. James Catholic Church on Friday, September 18th at 7:00 p.m., and a memorial mass service to celebrate her beautiful spirit will be held at the St. James Catholic church in Plains on Saturday, September 19th at 11:30 a.m. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sunset Hills Funeral Homes. The St. James Catholic Church was the center of her faith life for many years and any donations in her honor may be made there.