Katherine Ann Fortner

Katherine "Kathy" Ann Fortner passed away on January 23, 2014 at home surrounded by her loving family after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. During the last year of her life, she remained as strong and stoic as she ever was. She had amazing courage until the very end and will be sadly missed by her family and all that knew her. Kathy was born December 3, 1947 in Bismarck, North Dakota to Ted and Mabel (Haadam) Fortner. She attended grade school in Dawson, North Dakota until the family moved to Anaconda, MT in 1957. Kathy attended Junior and Senior High School in Anaconda, MT, graduating with the Class of 1966 and later attended Butte Business College. She then worked as a Parent-Teacher Coordinator for 13 years at Deer Lodge County Headstart. During this time she was blessed with her two sons Doug and Steve, whom she was very proud of. While living in Anaconda, Kathy also worked at Jim and Clara's as a bartender. She had a passion for working with the public. In 1995, she moved back to Bismarck, North Dakota to be with her soul mate and the love of her life, Daryl Briese. While there, she worked as an assistant manager at Tesora. Kathy and Daryl enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting and being with each other. Kathy was preceded in death by her brothers, Glen, Darrel, Melvin and Larry Fortner, sister in law Alvina Fortner, nephew Cody Sabot, friend Janice Nicholson and the love of her life Daryl Briese. Kathy is survived by her sons; Doug (Tina) Fortner of Missoula, Steve (Jame) Fortner of Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, "daughter" Lisa Fortner of Norfolk, VA and Daryl's sons Mike Briese, Tom Briese and Tim Briese of Bismark, ND. Her grandchildren; Christopher, Jordan, Nicholas, Lane, Tiffany, Aleysia, Landon, Colter and Kaden. Her sister Mavis Fortner, Deer Lodge, MT, brothers; Roger (Maryjo) Fortner, Deer Lodge, MT, Dennis Fortner, Anaconda, MT, sisters in law; Cathy Fortner, Hazelton, ND, Cindy Fortner, Anaconda, MT and Ruth Fortner, Anaconda, MT and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, all of whom were very special to her. Also her best friends, Sheryl Driver, Nicole Frohlich, Richard Nicholson and family. Condolences can be sent to 210 Fair Street, Deer Lodge MT 59722 In lieu of Flowers donations can be sent to the St James Cancer Center c/o St. James Healthcare Foundation, 400 S. Clark, Butte, MT 59701. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 30, 2014 at the Hope Lutheran Church in Anaconda. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the service. Burial services in Dawson, ND will be at a later date.

Service

JAN 30. 11:00 AM (MST)

Hope Lutheran Church 1506 W. Pennsylvania Ave. Anaconda, MT