3
trees
planted in memory of Viola Gail Zeimet
Obituary for Viola Gail Zeimet
Viola (Gail Hedges) Zeimet, 90, passed away at home with family by her side, on June 12, 2026. Born July 27, 1935, to Edward Albert and Lucille (McCool) Hedges in Forsyth, Mt.
Mom joined brothers, Buck (Deceased), Hoot (Deceased) and sister, Kelly (Rudolph) (Deceased). The family lived in Ingomar, Mt. and spent time between town and the McCool place, northeast of Ingomar. The family moved to Ft. Peck, where her dad helped build Ft. Peck Dam. A couple of years later they returned to Ingomar. Mom became a big sister to Sandy (Kanta), Bill and Rocky (Deceased).
Mom met Rolan Zeimet, a Signal Maintainer for the Milwaukee railroad, they were married April 26, 1954, in Roundup, Mt. They had five children, Linda Zeimet, Connie (Bob) Knickerbocker, Mike (Deceased), Marty (Deceased), and Vickie Stensvad.
During Dad’s career the family lived in Ingomar, Roundup, Plevna.
Mom enjoyed family get-togethers which included Memorial Day picnics in Forsyth and Thanksgiving potlucks with the Hedges side of the family. Fourth of July gatherings in Roundup with the Zeimet and Hagstrom side of the family, with occasional visits from the Raymond Zeimet family from Iowa and the Willie Zeimet family from California. The annual camping and fishing trips to Gallatin Gateway with the Buck Hedges family.
In March 1972, dad passed away in a work-related accident. Widowed at the age of 36 with 5 children left to raise, Mom moved the family to Melstone in May 1972 to be closer to family.
Around 1975 Mom and Harlin Biesheuvel (a recent widower) started dating and eventually became a blended family. Harlin’s children included Dan (Marla) (both deceased), Terry (deceased), Karen (Faas), Roberta (deceased), Sherri Dawn (deceased) (Terry Zent), John (Sam) and Jody (Frank Hunter). Mom always enjoyed attending the family reunions with the Biesheuvel families.
In Mom’s 90 years, she lived for two centuries, traveled to both coasts. She enjoyed trying new things, at the age of 89, she learned how to drive and operate a riding lawn mower. She enjoyed it so much she offered to do the mowing. She had a great sense of humor right up to the end and would surprise everyone with her one-line comebacks.
Mom worked a variety of jobs in her lifetime, waitress, cleaner, seamstress, upholster. Owned her Boot and Shoe Repair business. Mom had the mind of an engineer; she would see a problem, sleep on it, and wake with a solution. Her favorite job was being Sister, Mom, Aunt, Grandma, Great and Great-Great Grandma. Mom enjoyed sewing, embroidering, doing word-find puzzles, playing Pinnacle, Bingo, Dominos and visiting with people.
Surviving Mom are her siblings: Sandy (Kanta), Bill (Denise) Hedges. Children: Pat (Susan) Hedges, Linda Zeimet, Connie (Bob) Knickerbocker, Karen Faas, Vickie Stensvad, John (Sam) Biesheuvel, and Jody (Frank) Hunter, along with 32 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren, and 11 great-great grandchildren. She was always there for her children and grandchildren. She was like a second mom to her Melstone grandkids. Mom also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who were very special to her.
Our family is large, please forgive us, in our time of grief if we have overlooked anyone.
Special thanks to the Melstone Vol. Fire Dept. and the Melstone EMTs for the many times you were called and responded. To Stillwater Hospice, Terri, Stacy, Fr. Job, Alex and Ryan, who made it possible for mom to remain in her home. Father Amulraj for your many visits. Sandy Kanta and Vickie Stensvad, for checking on Mom and helping where needed. Meredith Clifton for all your trips to Roundup, Mom always looked forward to “Girls Day out” with you. To anyone who assisted Mom in her years in Melstone, Thank you!
Red and bright colors were Mom’s favorite, to honor Mom, please join us in wearing a red or colorful item to celebrate the beautiful person she was.
Celebration of Life
Saturday, June 27, 2026
11:00 a.m.
St. Benedict’s Catholic Church
503 Main Street
Roundup, MT. 59072
Burial
Saturday, June 27, 2026
3:30-4:00 p.m.
Forsyth Cemetery
2470 Front Street
Forsyth, MT. 59327
To plant a tree in memory of Viola Gail Zeimet, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Service
Saturday
27
Jun
11:00 AM
St. Benedict's Catholic Church
503 Main Street
Roundup, MT 59072
Burial
Saturday
27
Jun
3:30 PM
- 4:00 PM
Forsyth Cemetery
2470 Front Street
Forsyth, MT 59327
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