Jennie (Voorhies) Rauthe, 92

Jennie passed away of natural causes on May 10, 2017, at Brendan House in Kalispell, surrounded by all five of her loving children and numerous other family members.

She and her tiny twin sister were born on the family homestead near Rocky Point and Devil’s Tower, Wyoming, on Dec. 22, 1924 to Wilber Sr. and Ruby (Rundell) Voorhies. They were the sixth and seventh of eight children.

At the age of four, she moved with the family to Orchard, Nebraska. Jennie was raised there until her parents moved to Kalispell in 1941. She attended her senior year at Flathead County High School, where she graduated in 1942. She attracted the attention of local boy, Henry “Hank” Rauthe. Their courtship was interrupted by her folks’ move to Rockford, Illinois, to participate in the war effort in late 1942. Hank soon followed the “Love of his life” to Rockford. The courtship resumed and culminated in their wedding on March 18, 1943, back in Orchard, Nebraska. They returned to Kalispell to begin their marriage of 36 years, until his passing in 1979. They had five offspring over a 20 year span. All of their kids’ friends were always welcome at Hank and Jennie’s home, and all loved coming to “Mom’s.”

She was proud of her many years of working at “Tut’s” Bi-Rite Fountain and 21 years at B & B Restaurant where she made numerous friends and hundreds of acquaintances. Her bosses appreciated her work ethic and cheerful, positive attitude.

Jennie is survived by her youngest sister Nelda Ann Morgan, and all five of her children: Doug Rauthe and Beverly; Janice Rauthe; Marilyn Rauthe Driscoll and Mike; Mike Rauthe and Michelle; Sandi Rauthe Schuldheiss and Tim; all of Kalispell. In addition, she is survived by 10 loving grandchildren: Rebecca Rauthe; Kim Skyba Turner; Josh Young; Kurstie Skyba Hammel; Carson Rauthe; Zach Young; Erika Rauthe Furey; Angela Rauthe Bennett; Tucker Rauthe; Madison Rauthe; and 16 great-grandchildren. Her large family also includes numerous nieces and nephews from all across America; sister-in-law Millie Crawford from Spokane; and not to forget the many who “simply loved her” for the wonderful person she was.

Besides her “soul mate” and husband, Hank, Jennie was preceded in death by her infant twin sister Jessie, her brothers Wilber Jr., Everett, Alvin, Marvin, her sister Evelyn Longpre, and infant great-grandson Conrad Rauthe Young. All of whom she was looking forward to seeing again in heaven.

Jennie leaves a large, loving family who is being assisted with preparations by Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home, where the viewing will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday evening, May 19. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 20, at Faith Lutheran Church, 405 Liberty Street in Kalispell. Burial will be at Conrad Memorial Cemetery, with a reception following back at Faith Lutheran Church. Memorial donations may be made to Faith Lutheran Church.

The family appreciates and wants to give heartfelt thanks to the caring staff at Brendan House. They are all fantastic.