A GoFundMe page has been set up for Willie, 80, and Dorothy, 76, Kadatz who lost their home to a house fire Monday evening.

By Alessia Proietti

GoFundMe set up

Clearwater County couple left homeless after house fire

Nov 26, 2021 | 4:12 PM

A GoFundMe page has been set up for the victims of a house fire in Clearwater County Monday night that left the couple homeless.

On an acreage 20 minutes south of Rocky Mountain House, the fire, determined to be accidental, began around 9 p.m.

Willie Kadatz, 80, discovered the fire after hearing crackling in the basement and seeing flames outside the window. Upon opening the downstairs door, the fire was already large enough to nick his eyebrow and leave a minor burn.

His wife Dorothy, 76, was in the kitchen. The couple had difficulty alerting others as they lost electricity from the well, which is located underneath the deck. The couple exited the home safely, with Willie in just jeans, a t-shirt and socks.

Deputy Fire Chief of Clearwater Regional Fire Rescue Services, Shawn St. Peeter, explained that the rural location posed a challenge in finding a consistent water source, leaving firetrucks to repeatedly drive to and from the nearby frozen Strubel Lake. The roughly 25 firefighters left the scene at 5:30 p.m. the next day.

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With fire officials estimating property damage at $350,000, the well was also filled with debris and needs to be restored before it can be used again.

The Kadatzes lived in the home for 31 years, family members told our newsroom.

“Honestly, my grandparents are the type of people that don’t ask for help, but at the same time give so much to everyone else. This is why I took it upon myself to reach out to our community for them and ask for support,” said granddaughter Cassidy Hare.

On Nov. 25, Hare created the GoFundMe page with the goal of raising $20,000 to cover cleaning costs. So far, $3,760 has been raised with one anonymous donation of $1,000.

Hare credits the community and their church, the Rocky Alliance Church, for their support during this difficult time.

“The kind and thoughtful messages coming from our community right now have really helped them keep their hopes up during this time,” she says. “That kind of support is what keeps them going.”

A very active couple in their daily lives and their community, Dorothy is a caterer for various schools, businesses and group events, while Willie works on the family farm taking care of their animals. Dorothy is also co-owner of Elite Embroidery & Design Ltd., selling custom promotional products for business advertising.

“They have always been a huge part of my life, always stepping in to help anyone whether they asked for it or not, especially their family. They would do anything for family,” says Hare, describing her grandparents. “When my husband and I first bought our house, my grandma would always cook and bring us meals, she still does, and my grandpa would always ask what we needed for the house. They are both very kind and giving.”

Clearwater County Deputy Fire Chief Shawn St. Peter urges others to ensure homes are heated safely.

“As we move into the winter months and it’s starting to get colder, just be aware of your heating systems for your home, whether it’s chimneys or wood-based fireplaces, that you’re looking after those — or if you have gas furnaces, that you’re having those checked.”

Hare confirmed the couple is staying with family for the time being until a more permanent living arrangement can be found.

“Sending prayers their way is a great way to show them support and every small amount towards the GoFundMe page will help them rebuild what they lost,” said Hare.