Pamela R. Dziekonski

After a courageous fight against colon cancer, Pam passed away on the morning of July 25, at her home in Helena, MT. with her children and husband by her side.

Pam was born February 24, 1951 in McPherson Ks., the first child of Lynn and Patty (Shaw) Engel. She was a 1969 graduate of McPherson High School and 1973 graduate of McPherson College with a B.A. in English.

Pam was a teacher, and most recently did administrative work for Treasure State Development and the Department of Veteran’s Affairs.

The oldest of 5 children, Pam was the strong, silent type. She was the perfect child, perfect student – a precedent Pam set that her younger siblings eventually realized they could never live up to.

Pam had a love of sports from an early age. She participated in softball, volleyball, swim team, and track and collegiate basketball. As a teenager, Pam spent her summers teaching swim lessons and lifeguarding in her hometown. She carried the love of sports forward when she taught school and coached several youth sports. Pam always encouraged her children and grandchildren to participate in sports, and made every effort to be involved in their activities. She even traveled as far as Tyler, Tx to see her grandchildren participate in basketball and rodeo events.

Pam enjoyed spending time with her family, hiking, reading all types of literature, listening to a wide range of music, gardening, working in her yard, sleepovers with the grandkids, and a daily indulgence of popcorn along with a cold Dr. Pepper. Pam had a reputation for making the absolute best and most requested homemade tacos in the world. She was the pianist at her church, helped teach Sunday school and was also involved in several other church activities.

Although quiet and reserved, Pam had a wide range of interests, and locally enjoyed attending Grand Street Theatre, Symphony Under the Stars, and visiting the Farmers Market.

Pam was preceded in death by her parents, Patty (Shaw) and Lynn Engel, and her brother Larry Engel. She is survived by her spouse of 44 years, 1 month and 6 days, Alex “Bud” Dziekonski; children Aubrey (Kyle) Gillin of Van, Tx, and their children Alayna, Try and Kylie; Lincoln (Sarah) Dziekonski of Helena, Mt, and their children Katelyn, Alexandria, Brett, Nathaniel, Grace, Evan, Emma, and Garrett; Alex (Jenny) Dziekonski of Raeford, N. Carolina, and Chance (Kacey) Dziekonski of Helena, Mt. and their children Ethan and Ashtyn. Brother Lance (Lennie) Engel of McPherson, Ks., Sisters Paula (Bill) Oehlert of LaPorte, Tx, and Peggy Brown of Wichita, Ks.

A celebration of Pam’s life will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 30, 2015 at the Fortress of Joy Church, 720 Faw Road. A committal rite will be at the Committal Shelter at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Ft. Harrison immediately following the celebration of Pam’s life. A reception will follow in the 180 building of the Fortress of Joy Church, 720 Faw Road. Memorials in Pam’s name are suggested to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105