Karoline Cole

Karoline Cole, 95, passed away March 20, 2025, after a short stay at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center. 

Karoline was born in Ansbach Germany, Feb. 20, 1930, to Hans and Maria Bishoff.

She was the eldest of three and their father, Hans, passed away soon after the youngest child's birth. Her mother, Maria, married Jakob Orth and treated them as his own while they navigated war-torn Germany. A brief marriage gave Karoline her first born, Carmen. She later met Bert Cole, stationed as a postwar military policeman, married him, and immigrated to Troy, Montana. Soon after, her second child Kurt was born. The family settled in the Iron Creek valley outside of Troy where Karoline resided until death.

A city girl at heart, the transition to country life was a shock, but she quickly befriended all of her Iron Creek neighbors. She was known for her kindness and generosity and helped those around her when they needed a hand. In the early 1960s, Karoline and a neighbor friend were instrumental in convincing the local phone company to install phones - this social connection was appreciated by many!

Karoline is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband and granddaughter Amanda Cole.

She is survived by her daughter Carmen Erickson (George) of Troy, Montana; son Kurt Cole of Troy, Montana; grandchildren Angie Schmidt (Wayne) of Boise, Idaho; Justin Erickson of Troy, Montana; Natasha Forsythe (Greg); and Jacob Cole (Britney) of Billings, Montana. She also leaves behind six great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 12, 2025, followed by burial at Troy cemetery. 

Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby, Montana. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.