Petra Candee, 50, of Sidney, MT peacefully went to be with her Lord in the early hours of December 16, 2017, surrounded by her loving family, following a courageous battle with cancer. Heaven joyfully welcomed an amazing wife, mother, aunt, daughter, sister and friend.
Petra was born in Painten, Germany, Oct. 27, 1967, to parents Ursula and Reinhard Pfaller. She enjoyed growing up with her siblings Reinhard and Melanie. Petra attended school in Germany, and found her way to America through her first marriage. Petra proudly achieved her United States citizenship in 2009 as she studied and worked very hard to attain this goal. Next to her family, it was one of her proudest accomplishments.
During her first marriage, Petra was blessed with her son Brandon Miller. Petra loved celebrating Brandon’s birthdays and enjoyed sharing with Brandon a passion for all things Harry Potter. She loved watching Brandon grow up, and especially enjoyed watching him star in many Christmas programs at Pella Lutheran Church, where Petra faithfully served as volunteer coordinator for several years. At Pella, Petra always went above and beyond the call of duty, as she would often, after hours, find time to minister to many parishioners who were ill or dying by running errands, cooking or shopping, or simply holding their hands in prayer. Her tender loving care will be forever treasured by their families. In turn, Petra’s family is grateful for the caring that so many have given these past months as she battled her disease.
It was in Miles City, MT that Petra met the love of her life, Lee Candee and they were married in 1999 and to this union were blessed with son Justin. Petra proudly watched as Justin graduated from high school this spring, shortly after her devastating diagnosis. She was so very proud of Justin and enjoyed this fall helping him move into his dorm room at Montana State University and was able to attend a MSU football game and family weekend just a few short weeks ago. Petra passionately cheered on the Eagles at sporting events, being one the most vocal “cheerleaders” in the stands. She especially loved watching her sons perform in music and athletics. Petra thoroughly enjoyed an extended group of “sons” with Justin’s friends and her house became a favorite for pre-game (winner, winner) Chicken dinner before football games and Super Bowl celebrations, most likely because of Petra’s fantastic cooking and baking. She was loved and will be missed by her “adopted” boys.
In 2009, Petra began working as an administrative assistant at the Sidney Middle School where she was currently employed. Even during her illness these past months, Petra loved keeping on top of her e-mails and would give her advice and input. Petra was very beloved by the staff and students at her school. She enjoyed being a little mischievous with her co-workers and she especially loved cooking for them and bringing treats. At her recent 50th birthday party, Petra supplied the bulk of the food, crafting her famous “man-dip” and sausage balls…always the hit of every special event. Petra loved making German food for her family and friends.
Petra and Lee were blessed to travel to several locations the past few years, most recently with a group trip to celebrate Justin’s graduation in Mexico in March. Family trips to Germany were also special to Petra, and this past summer Petra enjoyed German company touring in Montana with her brother and his family. Petra’s greatest fun was her annual four-wheeling trips in the mountains each summer. She loved to plan every last detail of this family event with her boys and Troy, Angi, Royce, and Morgan.
Petra is survived by: husband, Lee; sons, Brandon and Justin both of Sidney; her beloved dogs, Sadie and Gizmo; her mother, Ursula Pfaller; brother, Reinhard (Tanja) Pfaller; sister, Melanie (Tobias) Kolmhuber; uncle, Robert Pfaller, all of Germany; parents in law, Butch and Georgia Candee; brother and sister in law, Troy (Angi) Candee; sister in law, Lisa Candee; nieces and nephews, Royce, Morgan, George, Franky, Korbinian, Quentin, Annika, and numerous extended relatives, friends, and family.
Petra was preceded in death by her father, Reinhard Pfaller.

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