Karon Rose (Hofeldt) Kimball) Baertsch, 80, passed away peacefully at home on June 26, 2024 after a 3-year battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cancer. She received excellent care at St. Pat’s Cancer Center from Dr. Sara Scott and all the Nurses in the center. Born on April 29th, 1944 to Paul and Doris Hofeldt in Havre, MT, Karon grew up on the family ranch in the Bears Paw Mountains, doing chores like herding sheep, bucking bales, and wrestling calves. She also developed a love for cooking and trying out new recipes.
Karon was known for her gentle, caring nature and had a gift for making everyone feel special. Her humor, cheerful laugh, and positive attitude will be dearly missed by all who knew her. As a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, she left a lasting impact on everyone she met.
She completed her education at Chinook High School and pursued a teaching degree from Montana-Western in Dillon and Eastern Montana College in Billings. Over her 39 1/2 years of teaching first-grade, she touched the lives of countless students, many of whom still hold her in high regard, along with their parents. She began her teaching career at a one-room Ada country school, then taught in Havre, Chinook, and eventually settled in Missoula in 1975.
In August 15th, 1965, Karon married Herb Kimball in Chinook, MT, and they were married for 18 years, welcoming their daughter, Kari, in 1975 in Missoula, MT. Kari was not only her daughter but also her best friend. In 1990, Karon met Clint and they married in 1992, expanding her family with two daughters and a son.
After meeting Clint, Karon embraced new activities like skiing, golf, hiking, running, and attending rodeos. She participated in the “Great Montana Centennial Cattle Drive” in 1989 with her brother Dale. Karon enjoyed traveling, especially to Las Vegas, where she loved spending time by the pool at their time-share. She also had a passion for Corvettes and late-night drives with the top down.
An avid supporter of The University of Montana Griz Athletics, Karon rarely missed a Griz football game and attended many out-of-state games. She was a member of various sports clubs and associations, showing her love for sports and community involvement.
She is survived by her husband, Clint Baertsch; daughter, Kari (Glen) Johnshoy; step-daughters: Shaunna (Bill) Bossier, Shoni (Shawn) Ishler; step-son, Shane (Pam) Baertsch; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren, and one on the way; brother, Dale Hofeldt; sister, Paulete Keller; numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends.
Memorial contributions can be made to Missoula Exchange Foundation (Child Abuse Prevention) or Grizzly Scholarship Association (GSA) in memory of Karon.
Funeral Services for Karon will be held on Friday, July 12, 2024, at Garden City Funeral Home in Missoula, MT, followed by burial at Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery.
