Cheryl Gamradt

Cheryl Rae Gamradt passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, January 21, 2026, after receiving the Anointing of the Sick, and entered eternal life with God. Cheryl (Cheri) was born Feb. 1, 1956, in Townsend, MT to Frank and Marge Wieferich. Her parents moved to a ranch in St. Ignatius in 1958 where she spent her childhood. As the second oldest of seven, she had a massive influence on her siblings. In her first job as a phone operator, now a non-existent position, she enjoyed answering the phones to people who had called in to see if people still rode horses as the main method of transportation in the 1970s. Post high school, Cheri attended Montana State University, where she met Miral Gamradt within her first year of attending. They married in June 1977 in the St. Ignatius parish and settled in Great Falls, MT for several years.

While in Great Falls, Cheri and Miral both worked at the school for the deaf and blind. Cheri’s role was a dorm mother: this role is part caregiver, part mentor, part steady adult presence. The gift she developed with helping to raise her younger siblings grew here and without a doubt contributed to her singular approach to motherhood.

Cheri and Miral’s son Kellen was born in Great Falls in 1982. With a short stint in Helena, the family settled permanently in Bozeman. A long awaited 14 years later, they welcomed their daughter Kylee in 1996 with 2.5 feet of snow on the ground.

Out of all the things Cheri was good at and enjoyed, being a mother was by far her favorite, and no one would argue that she was the best mother. She would not attribute that skill set to anyone other than the Blessed Mother Mary who she had a beautiful relationship with. The only thing that came close to her love for motherhood was becoming a grandma to James and Leah Gamradt (Kellen’s children). After years of chasing her younger siblings, taking care of disabled children at the deaf and blind school, raising her son and running her own daycare with up to 16 children at a time, she opted to homeschool Kylee. Cheri’s life was always centered around Jesus Christ, Mother Mary, and serving others in whatever capacity she could.

Cheri cherished and adored her family, both immediate and extended. She was shy around strangers and loved being in her home, taking care of people, cooking amazing food, teaching everyone by example at all times, and most importantly living her Catholic faith to the best of her ability. Her dedication to God and family was a goal for most. The Gamradt house was more often than not open to friends and family members for whatever help Cheri and Miral could offer. Holidays, reunions, and family gatherings (she never missed one) were always accompanied by her amazing cooking and her contagious laughter that her three sisters have in common with her.

Cheri was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Dementia in the fall of 2023. And in her selfless fashion, she wrapped up her time here on Earth quickly and as painlessly as possible for those who loved her. Her son Kellen, his wife Thanh, and two children (James and Leah), moved into Cheri’s home in Spring of 2024 when she could no longer live on her own; providing her with the same comfort, care and devotion she gave to everyone else throughout her whole life. It was the most comforting gift a child can give a parent. In December of 2025, due to safety concerns with the stairs in her house, she was moved to Edgewood Memory Care in Belgrade. In the last 5 weeks of her life, Cheri was cared for at Edgewood and her family is eternally grateful for the staff along with the Stillwater Hospice team for their kindness and grace they showed Cheri in her final weeks. Our dear mother, sister, and friend was surrounded by her closest family and friends in her final weeks. Trusting in God that she felt from us the same comfort and companionship she offered.

She is survived by her mother, Marge Wieferich; children, Kellen (Thanh) Gamradt, and Kylee (Josiah) Green; her brothers and sisters, Charlie (Dale) Freshour, Mike Wieferich, Carol (Fran) Cahoon, Kay (Rich) Fladstol, David (Cathy) Wieferich, Marc (Sharon) Wieferich and her two grandchildren, James and Leah; many nieces and nephews, cousins, friends and her group of prayer sisters. Cheri was preceded in death by her father, Frank Wieferich; her husband, Miral Gamradt, and many aunts and uncles.

We love you and miss you dearly. Cheri, your memory will be carried on through your children, grandchildren, family and the many people whose lives you touched. Thank you, Cheri, for the beautiful example of Christ-like love and the holy life you led for 69 blessed years. We look forward to the day we are reunited with you in Heaven.

Eternal rest grant unto Cheryl Rae Gamradt, O Lord,

And let perpetual light shine upon her.

May she rest in peace.

Amen.

Cheri's Funeral will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the St. Ignatius Catholic Church, followed by a burial at the Catholic Cemetery.

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