Our hearts are aching at the passing away of a loving and beloved soul. Gretchen Louise Huber Olheiser died October 21, 2021, in Helena, Montana.
Gretchen was born June 13, 1936, in Helena, to George (Shorty) Huber and Mary Elizabeth (Babe) Huber. She joined her sister, Joanne, and the family lived on Holter Street. As many girls can only dream of, Gretchen had her own horse, Peewee. The family built a string-puppet theater and put on puppet shows around town and attended a puppeteer convention in Kansas City.
Gretchen attended Helena schools, from Hawthorne Elementary (across the street), to Helena Junior High, to Helena High School. She was a delegate to Girl’s State and member of the Latin Club and 3-7-77s. Vivacious and beautiful, Gretchen was a candidate for Homecoming Queen at MSU in 1954.
She married Helena boy Jerry Nelson in 1955 and they had two fine sons—Jerry Michael and George. The Nelson family was a mainstay on 9th Avenue in the 1960s, when children ran and played all over the neighborhood all day, and mothers were glad they did. A cheerful, doting aunt to the Maynard kids, Gretchen was also a Boy Scout den mother and a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. Gretchen and Jerry were later divorced.
Old high-school flame, Joe Olheiser, and Gretchen married in 1980. They spent a contented retirement together; they were often seen at the ball park, cheering on the Helena Brewers. Gretchen had worked at the State of Montana Department of Fish and Game.
Gretchen lived at the Edgewood in Helena at the time of her death.
Gretchen was predeceased by her parents, Shorty and Babe Huber; her husband, Joe Olheiser; her sister, Joanne Maynard; and dear, sweet daughter-in-law, Kathy Nelson. Gretchen is survived by sons Mike Nelson and George Nelson, grandsons Corey Nelson and Josh Nelson, step-daughters Heidi and Debbie, and numerous nephews and nieces.
Memorial Service for Gretchen Olheiser. Saturday June 18th, 10:30am St. Peters Episcopal Cathedral, Helena. Reception to follow downstairs.
The family suggests giving to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society or other good cause in Gretchen’s name. Gretchen would want you to go downtown to the Parrot for a milkshake and bowl of chili!
Special thanks and recognition are due Morgan Maynard, Gretchen’s niece, for her many acts of kindness and love for Gretchen.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:30 am
Saturday June 18, 2022
St Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N Park Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday June 18, 2022
Downstairs at St. Peters Episcopal Cathedral
511 N Park Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
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Colleen O'Leary McCarthy says
So sorry to hear this news. She was the best neighbor! She and Joe supported me tremendously through my career in city government. She will be missed.
Skippy says
I’m glad I got to learn about Helena history. She had a lot of it packed in that head of hers and gladly shared it. Morgan.. I’m glad she shared so much with your family!! I know she will be missed!
Karlee (Scow) Smith says
So sorry to learn of Gretchen’s death. She was a great friend, from way back when brothers were in Boy Scouts, a co-worker at FWP, and friends in retirement. Thoughts and prayers send to Mike, George and families and all the Maynard clan. Hugs to all.
Sidney Armstrong says
Gretchen was a wonderful person, and in our early years, as neighbors, we were very good friends. She even came to Whitefish with our family on vacation and my sister and I loved having her with us. As time went on, she was in a different grade at Hawthorne, and we had different friends and activities. I always liked her very much, she was remarkable! One of her nephews is a lifelong friend of one of my sons.
One correction necessary however: Gretchen didn’t attend Junior High; there was no such thing in those days. We had 8 grades at Hawthorne, then went to Helena High School. My class of 1955 was the last HS class to graduate from Helena High School on Rodney St., which then became the Junior High. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends, with prayers for peace and consolation, and may her memory be always a blessing.
EUGENE KOCH says
I’m s too sorry to hear of Gretchen passing. She was a neat lady that palled around with my wife, Vicky. I
got to know her when her camera was stolen, but recovered a little later. She said she went thru her house and wrote down every possible serial number she could find. we both had a good laugh over it. Go with God, dear lady!
Eugene Koch
David M Maynard says
My dear aunt Gretchen always carried an extra helping of sunshine and enthusiasm and goodwill with her wherever she went and whom ever she was with. A lot of that extra oomph
came from her dad Shorty, who was the same. The two of them provided models for living to me, and I will never forget their example. Let’s live life to the fullest in honor of her and him!
Bobbie Scott says
I met Gretchen at Edgewood where my Mom was a resident. She was always smiling, friendly, a sweet lady. We would play pinochle there. She was a pretty good player. I liked being her partner. I am blessed to have known her. My deepest sympathy to her family.
Morgan Maynard says
We are planning a more formal service and celebration of Gretchen’s life next June (18-19 possibly), 2022. Contact St. Peter’s Church in June for more information. Thanks.
Ralph Beer says
Huber (Shorty) and Jasmine, blacksmiths, made a truck bed for my grandfather, which was there at our ranch for most of my lifetime. So something Gretchen’s dad made lasted a long time.
Angela Behr says
I miss Gretchen and have fond memories of our weekly luncheons at Benny’s and our bike rides w Joe. Our exercise classes at Fitness Is Our Business and our close friendship we developed over the years. I miss her smiling face. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family. I love her She was like a sister to me. Angela Behr