Elfriede Cezilia Orth Weiel

Elfriede Cezilia Weiel, 79, of Bozeman, MT, formerly of Deer Lodge, MT, passed away early Sunday morning, June 26, 2011 in Raleigh, NC following triple bypass heart surgery. Elfriede was born on October 15, 1931 in Bischwind, Bavaria, Germany to Wendl and Katarina (Rether) Orth. After the onset of WWII, daytime bombing raids abruptly ended her education in the 8th grade and she survived along with her family through the end of the war.

Elfriede was spirited, lively and a hard worker her entire life. While working in her aunt’s laundry after the war, she happened to meet the love of her life, Kurt Weiel. The couple was married October 11, 1952 in Frankfurt, Germany. Their 1st child, Jurgen, was born in Germany in 1953. In late 1953, Elfriede and Kurt moved their little family to the United States and settled in Anaconda, MT, where Kurt found employment with the Anaconda Mining Company.

In 1958, Elfriede and Kurt became citizens of the United States. Kurt then went to work for Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge as a machinist and Elfriede took care of their three children. In 1965, when the new hospital opened in Deer Lodge, Elfriede started work as a laundress and continued to work there until her retirement in 1987. Elfriede and Kurt became proud grandparents in 1980 and they become known as “Pop” and “Nanny” to family and friends thereafter.

In 1993, Nanny and Pop moved to Bozeman to enjoy their retirement. While maintaining established friendships in Deer Lodge, they built a home that was their pride and joy and quickly met a number of new friends with whom they became very close. They enjoyed every moment of their life together in Bozeman.

Nanny’s cooking and baking skills were legendary. Her homemade bread, dill pickles, potato salad and Christmas cookies were particular favorites and will be missed by all. She kept a beautiful garden, enjoyed watching German TV and attending the Bozeman Symphony. She belonged to the Bozeman Senior Center Handcrafters where she taught some members to knit soft, adorable hats for the Bozeman Deaconess newborns.

Most of all, Nanny was devoted to her family, extended family and “adopted” family and she doted on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She lived her life with grace and dignity and was universally loved by all who knew her.

Elfriede was preceded in death by her loving husband of 52 years, Kurt, an infant son, Kurt Erich, her parents and three of her siblings in Germany. Survivors include her son Jurgen (Elizabeth Harris) Weiel of Bozeman, MT; daughter Karin (Frank) Slaughtner of Deer Lodge, MT; son James (Terri) Weiel of Raleigh, NC; her five grandchildren: JR, David, Nicole, Steven and Jared and 5 great-grandchildren: Kurtis, Emileigh, Kyler, Bridger, and Shelby . In addition, Elfriede is survived by her sister, Emma Klein, and brothers, Wendl Orth and Anton Orth, all of Germany.

At her request no services are planned at this time, but she will be dearly missed by the many people she touched throughout her long and rewarding life. A celebration of her life will be planned later in Bozeman, Montana.