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Funeral services for Ingeborg
Ward were held on August 19, 2006. Pastor Barbara Westhoff officiated at
the service at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Westby; interment was in Our
Savior’s Cemetery northwest of Westby. Casketbearers were her grandsons,
Bill & Dan O'Leary, Dan Mueller, Steve Sapp, and Brent, Gary, Roger, and
Wesley Ward; ushers were Brad and Brock Hjelm. All of her friends and
neighbors were regarded as Honorary Bearers. Ingeborg, 99, died early
Monday morning, August 14, 2006 at Sweet Memorial Nursing Home in
Chinook, Montana, where she had been resident for about 4 years.
Ingeborg was born in Hallen, Jamtland, Sweden October 1, 1906, the
daughter of Janne and Anna Marta (Erikson) Kvarnstrom. She grew up and
was educated there, and married Nels Ward in January, 1926. Two years
later, they emigrated to the United States with their son, Bernt. They
settled on a farm northwest of Westby, where Ingeborg was an active
participant in the farming operations, especially milking and working
with their cattle as well as raising their family of 8 children.
Her life revolved around the activities of the Pleasant Valley Lutheran
Church a mile from their home. Ingeborg walked to the church on Sunday
mornings to start the fire; she served as organist and a Sunday School
Teacher for many years, served on the council, and was one of the keys
in the active ladies aid. A wonderful cook, she always invited visitors
to “stay for lunch” and the coffee pot was always on.
A naturalized American citizen, Ingeborg stayed in touch with her family
in the old country; and when she was 80 years old she took her daughters
with her on her fourth visit back to Sweden. Nels died April 8, 1984. As
her health declined, she moved from the farm into Westby; and enjoyed
community activities, participating in the Immanuel Lutheran
Congregation there, and traveling with her family and friends.
Four years ago she moved to the Sweet Memorial Nursing Home in Chinook
to be nearer her daughters. In her late 90’s, she often lapsed back into
her native language; and the last couple of years has enjoyed savoring
the language with family visitors from Sweden.
Ingeborg is survived by five children: Bernt and his wife Arline, of
Plentywood; Ann Marie Gregoire and her husband Giles, and Marjorie Sapp
and her husband Larry, both of Havre; James N. Ward and his wife
Sharon, of Columbia Falls, Montana; and Linda F. Ward and her husband
Rick Neiss, of Helena. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 40
great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great grandchildren as well as by 2
nephews, Per Frederick Kvarnstrom and Carl Gustav Kvarnstrom; and 2
nieces, Ann Marie Hemming and Britt Olson, all in Sweden; and by cousins
Art Hjelm, of Mesa, Arizona; Vernon Hjelm, of Casper, Wyoming; and
Eunice Hjelm of Plentywood, and her sons Brock and Brad. Besides her
husband and parents, she was preceded in death by three children:
Vernice F. Mueller, John E. Ward and Darlene K. Ward.
Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood had charge of arrangements.
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Kensil (“Ken”) H. Rasmussen
died unexpectedly Sunday evening, July 23, at his work residence south
of Glentana, Montana. Graveside interment rites were on July 27 at
Hillside Cemetery at Culbertson, with Pastor David C. Curtright
officiating; casketbearers were Ken’s family and friends.
Ken was born January 3, 1948 in Ada, Minnesota to Howard and Murice
(Wilcox) Rasmussen. The family moved to Montana when he was one, where
he was raised and educated at Culbertson. For the past twenty-three
years he has worked as a farm and ranch hand for Marvin Gardner and
Donald Renner in the Glentana, Montana area. Ken was preceded in death
by his parents, his grandparents, Dick and Martha Rasmussen and Dave and
Anna Wilcox.
He is survived by one brother, Larry Rasmussen and his wife, Linda, of
Plentywood, Montana; by one niece, Estelle (Stacey) Wilson, and their
family of New Haven, Connecticut; by two nephews, Loren Rasmussen and
his family of Wright, Wyoming; and John Rasmussen and his family of
Bowman, North Dakota. He is also survived by two aunts, Lucille Nephew,
of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota and Ila Simonson, of Fargo, North Dakota;
and by many cousins in Minnesota and North Dakota.
Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood had charge of arrangements.
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The funeral liturgy for Ervin
“Pep” Peplinski was celebrated on July 28, 2006 at St. Joseph’s Catholic
Church in Plentywood. Fathers Ned Shinnick and Anselem Ofodum
concelebrated the Mass. A private Vigil was held at 7:00 P.M.
Wednesday, July 26th . Pallbearers were: Bill Juve, Al
Gober, Neal Brown, Carl Friedrich, Gary Feigley and Bill Balbinot. Law
enforcement officers, the Sunrise Dart Club and Sheridan County Racing
Association served as Honorary Pallbearers. Pep, 58 , passed away
Saturday evening, July 22nd in Plentywood after suffering a
heart attack.
Pep was born July 26, 1947 in West Allis, Wisconsin, a son of Ervin and
Eleanore (Piel) Peplinski. He graduated from High School in 1966 from
West Allis High School and entered the US Air Force in January of 1967.
He served overseas in Thailand, Vietnam, Okinawa and stateside in Alaska
and North Dakota. He married Dianna Brown March 7, 1970 in Plentywood
and to this union three children were born; Darrin, David and Leann.
While he was still active duty in Minot, he served as a reserve law
enforcement officer for Sheridan County and then Plentywood. After
leaving the military, Pep worked at Coast to Coast for three months and
then began working full time for the Plentywood Police Department.
Pep was the Secretary of the Sunrise Dart League for many years; was the
head track official for the Sheridan County Racing Association; loved
many outdoor sports, especially golfing and hunting. Pep was an avid
golfer, beginning early in the spring and golfed until it snowed. When
traveling, the first thing that went into the trunk were the golf clubs;
he looked forward to golfing with family and friends, whenever
possible. He loved attending the Wolf Point Stampede every year and
tried not to miss a Bump and Run race. Every year, he and his family
would go to Wisconsin to visit his family and he always looked forward
to spending time with them. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic
Church, the local VFW, and for some time served as a Plentywood
Volunteer Firefighter. Every morning Pep would enjoy having coffee and
visiting with his friends, even if he’d worked the night shift with
very little sleep.
His grandchildren were the light of his life and there was nothing he
would not do for them. Watching his grandson Kyle mow “the north 40"
with the riding mower, brought him great joy. His family and friends
were the most important thing in his life.
Pep is survived by his wife Dianna of Plentywood; son Darrin and wife
Charity of Billings; son David and wife Karna and their children Kyle
and Kourtni of Sidney and daughter Leann and husband Mark Woodman and
their daughter Mychele of Plentywood. Also surviving are his parents
Ervin and Eleanore of Franklin, Wisconsin; one sister Claudia and her
husband Gary of Milwaukee; two brothers Randy and wife Judy and their
children Tim, Ryan and Kari also of Milwaukee and Larry and his children
Chad and Brittani also of Milwaukee and a sister-in-law Monique of New
Berlin, Wisconsin. Also surviving are Dianna’s family, Bob and Eva
Brown of Plentywood, brother Neal and his wife Carolyn and their son
Robert of Bynum, Texas; Dianna’s two sisters: Rosalie “Fud” Juve and
husband Bill and their three children, Joelle, Robin and Tracy of Wolf
Point and Sandra Papka and husband Gene and their children Melanie
Aisenbrey and Brandon Nelson of Sidney.
Also surviving are two aunts; Maryanne Coutts of Mesa, Arizona and Edith
Piel of Milwaukee and an uncle Raymond Hayes, also of Milwaukee and
numerous cousins. Pep is preceded in death by numerous aunts, uncles
and his grandparents.
Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood assisted with arrangements.
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In honor of her love of the
outdoors, graveside funeral services for Hildegarde Steinberg Joyes were
on July 24, 2006 at the St. John’s Cemetery, east of Plentywood, with
Pastor Barbara Westhoff officiating. Hildegarde died July 20, 2006 from
an infarction of the left middle cerebral artery while at the Sheridan
Memorial Nursing Home; she was 103. Casketbearers were Helmer and Greg
Lee, Richard Osksa, and Alan, Erich, and Gary Steinberg. Honorary
Bearers were Esther Bjornson, Edwin and Dorothy Fransen, Genevieve Lee,
Louse Nordhagen, Grace Norgaard, and Palmer and Mabel Sorenson.
Hildegarde was born June 24, 1903 in Rujiena, Nauksen County, Latvia,
where she spent her youth and high school years. She married Rudolph
Steinberg in 1923 in Latvia, after which they emigrated to the United
States on the White Star line, arriving in the Port of New York. She
became a naturalized U.S. Citizen 5 years later. Rudolph worked in the
Westby/Crosby area, and Hildegarde worked at the Home Café in Westby for
her sister-in-law, Alida Mukin. There she learned a good deal of English
and honed her skills in cooking. Eventually they owned a farm nine miles
west of Westby, and raised a family of four children, two boys and two
girls. Rudolph died in 1933 during surgery in Minot. Hildegarde
continued to farm with the assistance of hired help and her children
when they became old enough. She worked with her sons in the fields,
usually driving tractor or hauling grain, while her daughters took care
of cooking and household chores. In the depression years she
supplemented income making and selling wood-fiber flowers.
He second marriage in 1944 was to Edward Joyes. They lived on her farm
and were a happy couple until his death in 1954. Her children were grown
and away from home, except for her older son, Lloyd, and later her
grandsons, who helped with the farm work. She later moved to Westby’s
Four-plex Apartments where she lived for several years, then moved to an
apartment in Plentywood. During her last three years she enjoyed the
attention of the nursing staff at the Sheridan Memorial Nursing Home.
Previous to that, she would remark , “I’d rather die than live there!”
but when living at the facility she said, “I like it here.” She was
particularly fond of their activity, bowling.
She loved being taken for rides around town, to Westby, to her farm
(once for coffee and cake in the middle of the yard!), to visit old
neighbors, to the lake to check if anyone was fishing, and if so, wanted
to know if they caught any! She enjoyed being outdoors and the impromptu
coffee parties under the large fir tree at her apartment. She enjoyed
her last birthday party at Cousins Restaurant, but requested not to
invite anyone ... “Whoever wants to come,” she said.
Besides the hard work of every farmer, she enjoyed working in her
beautiful flower and vegetable gardens, crocheting, painting with
acrylics, playing her mandolin and violin, church and related
activities, quilt making, entertaining, especially for her birthday with
outdoor picnics. She was said to be the “best cook in the country.” Just
mention “let’s go fishing.” and she was out the door, rod and reel in
hand! Occasionally she liked to use calligraphy: a television announcer
was so impressed by the writing he showed it on TV, and shortly after
that she was asked to teach a class in Calligraphy at a high school.
Though very home-loving, she did take several trips – Mexico, Florida
and the Bahamas – but her favorite was a tour to Hawaii with her
sister-in-law, Hilda Osksa, and her daughter, Violet.
As a girl in Latvia, she would tell her friends, “If I could only see
America, I’d be willing to die.” She was the oldest resident of Sheridan
County (103 years) on her last birthday, June 24, 2006, and the
governor’s office sent a certificate as being one of Montana’s
centenarians.
Preceding her in death were her parents, brothers, sisters, her
husbands, Rudolph Steinberg and Edward Joyes, both sons, Clinton and
Lloyd (and his wife, Viki) Steinberg; a grandson, Victor Steinberg, and
a daughter, Ruby (Steinberg) Bryant. Survivors include her daughter,
Violet Steinberg, grandsons Gary (Frances) and Alan (Janelle) Steinberg,
Christopher Bryant, and granddaughter Valarie (Bryant) Winner; great
grandchildren Erich Steinberg, Megan (Carey) Borah, Erin and Melissa
Steinberg, and Ashley Bryant; great-great-grandson baby Seth Borah;
nieces and nephews: Vivian Mukin (Ross) River, Richard Osksa, Zenta and
Milda Oksa, Laimon Svalbe and others living in Latvia, and grandnieces
and nephews, both here and in Latvia.
Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood had charge of arrangements.
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A funeral for Janeatte Roberts,
64 , of Plentywood was held on July 22, 2006 at Trinity Lutheran Church
in Plentywood. Pastor Jay Reinke of Williston officiated and burial was
at Faith Lutheran Church Cemetery in Wanso. A luncheon was served at
Trinity Lutheran Church after interment. Janeatte died Monday, July 17th
at Deaconess Hospital in Billings, Montana.
Janeatte nicknamed “Tuts” was born September 19, 1941, a daughter of
Lester and Minnie (Kanning) Severson. She attended the Soo School
south of Flaxville as a young girl and then graduated from Plentywood
High School in 1959. On July 22, 1962 she married Gary Roberts at
Faith Lutheran Church in Wanso. They lived in Plentywood for a short
time and then moved to Poplar and owned and operated Gary’s Pizza
House. They moved back to Plentywood in 1975 and owned and operated the
Spot Bar until 1977 when they moved to Antioch, California. Their
business in Antioch was a boat repair shop which they owned until 1986
when they moved back to Plentywood because of Gary’s failing health.
Gary died in 1989 and Janeatte continued to live in Plentywood.
Janeatte worked with other family members at The Greeter in Plentywood
and also worked at the Golden Wheel and later at The Loft.
Janeatte enjoyed cooking, baking, reading and collecting team
memorabilia for the Oakland Raiders, Oakland A’s and Atlanta Braves.
She enjoyed watching team sports on T.V. and talking about the games.
She kept scrapbooks of family activities and enjoyed visiting with her
children and grandchildren. She loved to shop with her daughters and
looked forward to her trip to California each year. Janeatte liked to
go to coffee and visit with her friends and shared special times at
lunch with her sister Darlene; she always remembered to call her
brothers and sister on their birthdays and special occasions. She very
much enjoyed Country Western Music, especially Conway Twitty and Alan
Jackson. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Plentywood.
She is survived by her four children and five grandchildren: Gary
and his son James of Minot, North Dakota; Tanya Wise and her
husband Chris and their children, Nicholas, Matthew, Karissa and Justin
of Antioch, California; Trisha Roberts of Minot and Kristi
Roberts of San Diego, California. Another grandchild, which will be
Trisha’s will be born in February of 2007.
Janeatte is also survived by five brothers and one sister: Leonard and
wife Darlene of Plentywood; Darlene Rice and her husband Gene, also of
Plentywood; Eugene, Lynn “Ole” and Robert, all of Reserve; and Gordon
and wife Linda of Plentywood. Also surviving are nieces, nephews and
cousins. Janeatte is preceded in death by her parents Lester and Minnie
Severson and her husband Gary.
Janeatte was our Mom, Grandma, Grandma-ma, Sister, Aunt and Friend. She
will be dearly missed, never forgotten and fondly remembered always.
Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood assisted with arrangements.
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A funeral service for
Jack Scott was held on July 21, 2006 at Highland Lutheran Church in
Outlook, Montana. Pastor David Curtright officiated and burial was in
Outlook. Jack, 78, passed away on Monday, July 17th at his
family home in Outlook after a four month battle with Pancreatic Cancer.
Jack, affectionately known as “The Champ” to his family was born April
13, 1928 to Lloyd Riley Scott, Sr. and Marvel “Peg” Webster in Omaha,
Nebraska. He was baptized into the Christian faith January 17, 1930
at Red Lodge, Montana.
During WWII, Jack served with the U.S. Navy and was later drafted into
the U.S. Army and served in Korea as a Sergeant First Class.
On March 9, 1952 he married Joyce Bethine Smith in Ashland, Nebraska.
To this union were born two daughters, Debra Jo and Peggy Elizabeth.
Jack was a cowboy and spent all of his life on horseback. He began by
working on ranches in South Dakota and Nebraska and after moving to
California to work with US Customs, continued with this passion by
working in feed lots as a pen rider in his spare time. He enjoyed team
roping and believed if you couldn’t do it on horseback it wasn’t worth
doing.
In 1976 he and his family moved to the Port of Entry in Raymond,
Montana, where he worked for US Customs until his retirement. Jack was
involved with many Outlook Community projects and was instrumental in
organizing the Sheridan County Roping Club in the late 70s. He was a
member of the Outlook and Plentywood American Legion.
Jack is survived by his wife of 54 years Beth of Outlook, two daughters,
Peggy Wirtz and her husband Tim, also of Outlook and Debbie Neiffer and
her husband Monty of Valentine, Nebraska.
Also surviving are four grandchildren: Lacey Wirtz Flickinger and
husband Britt of Williston, North Dakota, Megan Wirtz Myers and husband
Eric of Bismarck, North Dakota, Shelly Neiffer Rolfe and husband Matt of
Riverdale, Nebraska and Miles Neiffer of Tampa, Florida. There are also
two great grandchildren who were the light of Jack’s life: Tyson Cole
Flickinger and Rylee Lynn Myers. Also surviving are a brother Frank
of Glendale, Arizona, a sister Pat Miller of Mead, Nebraska and numerous
nieces and nephews. Jack is preceded in death by his parents and a
brother Lloyd, Jr.
Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood was in charge of arrangements.
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Funeral services for Chester
Ross were held on August 7, 2006. Pastor David Curtright officiated at the service at Fulkerson Memorial Chapel in
Plentywood; cremation followed the service, with interment of
cremated remains in Plentywood Memorial Cemetery to be held at a later
date. Casketbearers were Emery Brelje, Wes Brockmeier, Terry Fink,
Jamie Holte, Woody Michels, and Bob Schmidt; ushers were Hazel Brelje
and Kevin Wilson. All of Chester's other friends were considered Honorary
Bearers. Chester, 88, died Wednesday evening, August 2, at Sheridan
Memorial Hospital in Plentywood.
Chester was born April 3, 1918 in Outlook, Montana, the son of Charles
and Carrie (Oberg) Ross. He graduated from High School in Oakland,
California; and farmed with his family in the Outlook community. Chester
married Marian Seaberg at Tacoma February 14, 1948. They moved to
Outlook, where they made their home on the farm until moving to
Plentywood. Chester’s life revolved around the farming and ranching
operations, visiting with friends over a cup of coffee, and rodeo -- he
often attended the Miles City Bucking Horse Sale, the Wolf Point Wild
Horse Stampede, and Canadian rodeos. He was also an avid fisherman, and
enjoyed goose hunting trips to Canada. His mind was sharp and active
until his death; a man of definite opinions, he never changed his
thoughts to fit the audience. Chester kept track of politics and current
events and avidly followed the stock market. An athlete in his youth, he
went to the 1935 state basketball tournament with the Outlook team; and
he remained a lifelong sports fan. He was a good gardener and enjoyed
sharing the produce from his garden and orchard with his neighbors.
Chester was never seen without his trademark Stetson hat.
Chester is survived by his wife, Marian, of Plentywood; one son, Mike,
and his wife, Robyn, of Plentywood; and two grandchildren, Jesse
Sorenson, of, Cary, North Carolina; and Kolby Carrier and her husband
Justin, of Bozeman. He is also survived by a sister, Ruby Marush, of
Seattle, and her two sons, Dr. Arthur Marush, of Bronx, New York; and
Charles Marush, of Seattle, Washington. Besides his parents, Chester was
preceded in death by a sister, Betty Lou; and by two daughters, Mary Ann
and Susan, who died in childhood.
Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood had charge of arrangements.
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Linda Morrison was born
the second child to John and Blanche (Griggs) Otterstetter in Williston,
North Dakota on December 17, 1948. She died from ovarian cancer at
Sheridan Memorial Hospital, Plentywood, Montana on August 2, 2006.
Memorial services were held at on August 5, 2006 at Fulkerson Memorial
Chapel in Plentywood with Pastor David C. Curtright officiating;
interment of cremated remains was in Froid South Cemetery.
Linda enjoyed her childhood in Froid. In 1962 her family moved to
Fairview, Montana.
Linda was respected by all who knew her. She had a strong work ethic and
was always a “take-charge” person. She enjoyed interacting with people.
Most recently she worked at Rueb’s SuperValu in Plentywood, and prior to
that as the manager of Herman Oil in Medicine Lake. During her seven
years in Medicine Lake she made many new friends. They made her feel
welcome and she enjoyed being a part of their community. Linda’s
pleasures were adopting stray dogs, tending her flowers and decorating
the family home. She had a good eye for antiques, and liked jewelry, old
and new. She had shopping perfected to an art form. Many times she would
buy things we had no use or need for but they were on sale, so why not?
She had a remarkable spirit and a strong sense of justice, oftentimes
defending the underdog and serving as an advocate for people with
disabilities.
Linda and Jeff Morrison were married on March 20, 1990 in Las Vegas ...
they found time between sessions at the slot machines!
Linda was devoted to her husband, Jeffrey; sons Steve Johnson and his
wife Tam, of Fargo, North Dakota; Tony Johnson and his wife Stacy, of
Williston, North Dakota; daughter Bonnie Dean, of Williston; stepsons
Eric Morrison, of Seattle, Washington; Josh Morrison, of Minot, North
Dakota; and numerous grandchildren. She is also survived by her father,
John Otterstetter, of Fairview, Montana; her mother- and
step-father-in-law, Grace and Gene Thompson, of Tuscon, Arizona; by
sisters Fran Lagerquist and Rae Jean Koch, of Billings, Montana; Bonnie
(Doug) Moore, of Joplin, Montana; Wanda (Doug) Hansen, of Williston;
brothers Mike (Julia) Otterstetter, of Fairview; her treasured friend,
Melissa Berezay, of Plentywood, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was
preceded in death by her mother, Blanche; brothers Jacky, David, and
Kelly, and granddaughter Joccelyn.
Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood had charge of arrangements.
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Gladys Clark, 86, passed
away June 14, 2006 in Billings, Montana due to a stroke. Memorial
Services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, July 1. Pastor Carol Karres
will officiate at the service at Froid Lutheran Church; interment of
cremated remains will be in Grandview Cemetery, east of Froid.
Gladys Mabel Sundvold Clark was born on November 1st, 1919 on
the family farm south of Froid, Montana to Andrew & Marie Lein Sundvold.
She grew up on the farm and attended the Froid School. As a young woman
she worked for the Harris Clark farm where she met and fell in love with
Gerald Clark. They were married on October 12, 1941 in Plentywood
followed by a honeymoon trip to Minnesota in a borrowed pickup. They
made their home just a half-mile from his parents on the county line
road.
Gladys was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Gerald “Joe”
Clark in 1996. Recently she stated that she sure missed Joe. Three
brothers, Adolph, Norman and Lawrence, also preceded her in death.
Gladys was a homemaker all of her life raising 5 children and caring for
her husband. She always offered coffee or a cold drink and something
baked for visitors who stopped in. She would whip up a meal in short
order or pop something in the oven to feed her guests who always felt
welcome in her home. No matter where she was invited she always
contributed to the meal or potlucks. Her home is decorated with chicken
and egg collectibles. In recent years she pleaded, no more chickens, my
flock is full. Her entire family, especially grandchildren and
great-grandchildren were her pride and joy and she displayed many of
pictures of them in her home.
Gardening also a happy pastime, Gladys filled many tables with garden
produce. Her green thumb was legendary as she gave away bushels of
vegetables, many flower bouquets and starts from her forest of
houseplants. She carried buckets of captured rainwater to her
flowerbeds that produced some of the loveliest blooms around. Gladys
was also an avid recycler; if an item could be used again she would save
it and many times came up with a new use for something old.
She was a lifelong member of Froid Lutheran Church and often delivered
eggs and cream to Pastors and other church members. In the early years
she taught Sunday School at Froid Lutheran, for many years it was her
joy to present Bibles to all 4th graders in the Sunday
School. She donated many baked goods and garden produce to the sales
held at the church or community fundraisers. She was envied by many of
the ladies at church because of her favorite chauffeur, Grandson Mike,
who faithfully took her to church until he left for college. She was a
faithful attendee in the church WELCA meetings and also a bible study
group. Her faith was strong and almost every room in her home had an
inspirational or devotional card of the day. She closed each day with a
prayer and devotions from her bible.
Gladys was an avid letter writer; hardly a day went by that she didn’t
have a card or letter to send in the mail. Her calendar had birthdays
and anniversaries noted so she wouldn’t miss anyone dear to her. Her
children received weekly letters full of news from the farm and
surrounding area. Her last letter stated that she was tired and would
take a nap but also told of her donations to the church rummage sale and
making a rhubarb recipe from her granddaughter, Danette, and it was V.G.
She often used abbreviations in her letters that her children teased her
about but then began to use themselves. She was diligent in keeping a
daily diary recording weather events, family events and her thoughts for
the day. She would regularly check her diary from last year or earlier
to see what had happened on that day.
She is survived by three daughters and their families: Joann and
her husband Jay Archer of Billings, Montana; Francie and her
husband Billy Greenough of Fromberg, Montana and her children Danette
and Larry; and Debbie and her husband Wally Lindgren of Joliet,
Montana and their children Brad, Tiffany and Danielle. Gladys is also
survived by two sons and their families: Gary and his wife Joyce
of North Plains, Oregon and his children Scott, Sheralyn and Lisa; and
Jim and his wife Elaine of Froid and their children Marlene and
Mike. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren: Amber,
Ashley, Ariel, Jessica, Brandon, Marley, Abby and Ally; by two
great-great grandchildren and by two sisters: Dora Dobias of Sidney and
Lillian Urdahl of Homestead and many nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Froid Lutheran Church.
Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood has charge of arrangements.
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Memorial services for Barr E. Zeidler will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday,
June 13, 2006. Pastor Chansy Charles will officiate at the service at
the First Congregational Church in Plentywood; Masonic Rites by
Plentywood Lodge No. 91, A.F. & A.M. and Military Honors by the
Plentywood VFW and American Legion Posts will follow the Christian
services in the church. Bearers will be Barr's children, all his
grandchildren and great grandchildren, and the present and former
members of the Plentywood Volunteer Fire Department will be honorary
bearers. Bill and Eel Johnston will be ushers. Interment of cremated
remains will be in the Huffman-Wankel family cemetery northeast of
Raymond. Barr, 87, died Wednesday, June 7, 2006 at Sheridan Memorial
Hospital in Plentywood.
Born
at Plentywood November 22, 1918, Barr was the youngest of three sons
born to Leo G. And Jennie (Gibson) Zeidler. When Barr was 9 years old,
his mother died, and two years later, Barr’s dad married Violet
Peterson, Barr’s 2nd mother. He graduated from Plentywood High School,
and, in 1940, from Montana State in Bozeman with a degree in Animal
Husbandry and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He
served in the United States through World War II; and married Kathleen
Wankel at Fort Ord, California July 31, 1943. Discharged in May, 1946,
Barr and Katie (with their son Ron) returned to Plentywood, where they
have made their home since.
Barr’s life revolved around operation of Zeidler Hardware, which he took
over from his father, operated until his own retirement, and passed on
to his sons, Ron and Steve. After his retirement, Barr took a daily walk
down to the hardware store – to “check on the boys.” He usually walked
through Montana State Bank to make sure the girls were “doing everything
right” and to get some popcorn. A stop in at John’s Bar was also a daily
visit, to catch up on what Barr always referred to as “street talk.” His
coffee hour at CanAm with all his old cronies was also a highlight of
his day. He was always open ‘till late, and was available to help a
customer at any time. Active in civic affairs and promotion of the
community, Barr belonged to the Jaycees, Lions, The Sheridan Saddle
Club, the Athletic Club, served on the Parks Board and Police
Commission, was a charter member of the Plentywood Golf and Country
Club, belonged to the American Legion (and was the founder of and for
many years, managed in the Plentywood Legion Baseball program) the
Plentywood Masonic Lodge and appendant bodies; the First Congregational
Church and served on the church Executive Board, was a charter member of
the Plentywood Elks Lodge, and was a second-generation member of the
Plentywood Volunteer Fire Department, serving (as had his father) as
Chief for many years until his retirement. He was a gold card member of
the American Council of Spotted Asses.
Barr
was a kind, generous man who often “gave the shirt off his back”
(sometimes with free advice, too!) Always cheerful and fun loving, he
loved practical jokes and “pushing the buttons” on his family, just to
enjoy their reactions. Barr was “predictably unpredictable” – items that
didn’t sell at the store often appeared as gifts to family; and
sometimes things needed at home went to customers: his family recalls a
Thanksgiving dinner when their oven unexpectedly didn’t work ... Barr
had sold the heating element to a customer who needed it for their
holiday dinner!
Barr
is survived by his wife, Katie, and three children: Ron and his wife,
Shirley, of Plentywood; Debra Marriage and her husband Rick, of
Whitetail; and Steve and his wife Jeanne, of Plentywood; and by 10
grandchildren: Barr E. Zeidler Foster, Katie and Ann Marie Engstrom,
Susan Morris, Michele Marriage, Michael Marriage and his wife Sherri,
Chad Marriage and his wife Jenn, and Wynne, Todd, and Shane Zeidler. He
is also survived by 7 great-grandchildren: James Roberts, Megan and Tate
Marriage, Tucker Nelson, Reid Engstrom, Hannah Stockdill, and Nathan
Morris. Barr’s survivors also include his long-time Zeidler Hardware
employee, Jim Friedrich and his wife Joyce, of Plentywood; as well as
his brother-in-law, Bob Wankel and his wife Wanda, of Raymond;
sisters-in-law Cleone Wankel of Plentywood and Muriel George, of Nampa,
Idaho, and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides his father, mother, and
step- mother, Vi Zeidler, Barr was preceded in death by his two
brothers, Gib and his wife Helen, and Bob and his wife Betty.
Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood has charge of arrangements.
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Wallace W. Nordhagen, 79, of
Westby died May 28th, 2006 after a long and brave fight with cancer.
When learning that the cancer had spread, he remarked "he had finally
come to the end of the trail". But for Wallace, this trail throughout
life was an active and full journey. He was born to Ted and Anne
Nordhagen on October 18, 1926 on the family farm near Westby MT and had
a twin brother, John who did not survive birth. He was the youngest of 5
children, Clayton, Orville, Ruth and Gladys. Growing up in Westby,
Wallace was put to work in many of Ted's businesses, including not only
the farm, but later the Nordhagen Chevrolet dealership. This led to his
fascination with the American automobile, of which he never owned
anything but American made. A child of the great depression, he never
shied away from the farm work that took him from sunrise to sunset. This
work ethic carried with him throughout life and made him the fighter he
was in his battle with cancer.
In 1945, Wallace served in the Army during World War II and was proud of
his status as a veteran. In telling stories about this time, he always
mentioned the rough ride he endured on the ship that took him from the
US to Japan. As he put it, "it was tough on a farm boy that had his feet
firmly planted in prairie ground to have them set on the sea for a
month"! Wallace was stationed in Japan for 2 years during the war and
was honorably discharged in 1947.Upon returning from the war, Wallace
continued working on the family farm in Westby. Trips to Canada with his
friends would lead to Regina, Saskatchewan where he would meet his
future wife, Vicki. He convinced his soon to be bride that Montana was
the place she should be. They were married in June of 1956 and had two
sons, Curtis and Ted.After a brief move to Spokane, Washington to try
big city life, the pull of the prairie proved too strong and they
returned to the Westby area where Wallace would farm and live the rest
of his life.In addition to farming, Wallace also ran a successful Custom
Combining business. Along with his brother Orville and cousins in the
early 1960's, and on his own well into the 1980's, Wallace would venture
with crew and machines to Texas and work his way north, following the
harvest as he made his way back to his own wheat fields in Westby.
Combining throughout the years provided the opportunity for Wallace to
make many long-lasting friends in the small towns he called home while
away from Westby during the harvest season. It would also become a
source of summer work and income for many local youth that he hired,
along with providing them the opportunity to see the world outside of
Westby.
Upon retirement, Wallace enjoyed the simple things that life provided in
the big sky of eastern Montana. Wallace and Vicki also enjoyed traveling
to see family and friends, from Washington to California, and all points
in-between. Not ones for flying, they accumulated frequent-driving miles
and even in failing health, Wallace was planning more visits out of
town.He was proud of his sons and their accomplishments, and especially
enjoyed the quality time he had with his grandchildren and the special
bond he had with each one. Although not one for many words, he was quick
with a dry sense of humor that will always be remembered.
Wallace is survived by a loving family; his wife, Vicki of Westby who he
would have celebrated 50 years of marriage with this year: his son, Ted
and wife Tina of Westby, son Curtis and wife Angela who live in Tujunga,
California. Sister Gladys Moore and husband Bill of Coeur D'Alene,
Idaho; 3 grandchildren, Kris Nordhagen and Matthew Nordhagen of
Missoula, Montana and Taylor Nordhagen of Tujunga, California.Our family
wishes to thank all of those who kept Wallace in their prayers, and took
the time to visit him in the hospital while in Billings as well as
Plentywood and Williston. It was a comfort to see the smile it brought
to his face in seeing friends and family, and sharing in memories and
laughter from years gone by.In a life that has come full circle, a sense
of comfort is found in Wallace's passing. With his final days, Wallace
accepted Christ into his heart, and we look forward to beginning a new
trail with him in eternity.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 3, at Fulkerson
Memorial Chapel in Plentywood. Rev. Brandon Smithson officiated,
with interment in McElroy Cemetery. Casketbearers were Warren Barstad,
Larry Haugen, Brock Hjelm, Delbert Melby, Randy Nordhagen, and Bernt
Ward; Mike Kittelson was usher.
Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood had charge of arrangements.
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Mildred Amelia (Hark)
Wollan was born February 10, 1914 in Roberts County, South Dakota to
Adolph and Emma (Duwe) Hark, on sister Edna’s second birthday. The
sisters maintained a special bond throughout life.
Mother was preceded in death March 14, 1989 by her loving husband of 53
years, Clarence (Cap) Wollan. Others also waiting for her I our heavenly
home are their infant daughter, Rita, mother’s parents, brothers Morris
Hark and Robert Hark, sisters Helen Kaelberer and Edna Pistorius.
‘Millie’ is survived by ne brother, Ed Hark and wife Mae, of Plentywood;
children Ron Wollan (Joan) of Seeley Lake; Shaneen Bergette (Rusty) of
LaGrande, OR; Arlette McFadyean (David) of Kalispell; Blaine Wollan
(Kris) of Mount Vernon, WA; son Clair Wollan of LaGrande, OR, and cousin
Dora Kundiger of Flaxton, ND. Millie leaves 15 grandchildren, 25
great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren, as well as
numerous nieces and nephews.
‘Cap and Millie’ and five children moved from Plentywood to Eureka, MT
in 1947 where they owned and operated Eureka Feed and Grocery Store on
Main Street, which later included Little Fir Café. Mother rented rooms
in the old store building primarily to railroad crews, many of which
became life-long friends. She took pride in providing cozy, clean and
comfortable facilities. Somehow she found time to cut Christmas trees,
too.
After selling the store to Grant and Elaine Nelson, Mom and Dad
refurbished several home in Eureka until Dad retired. They spent summers
in the cabin at Radnor and winters were often spent with their children
in California, Washington, and Oregon during which time they had their
residence at Durado Apartments in Kalispell.
‘Millie’ moved to Canyon Creek, MT with daughter Arlette in 1991 and
relocated to Shelby, MT in 1992, where she resided until she passed away
May 24, 2006 after a brief illness in Kalispell, MT.
‘Millie’ treasured time spent with her neighbors and friends at the
Shelby Senior Center. A favorite saying of hers was “God and Shelby have
been good to me,” She especially enjoyed playing White, Pitch, Bingo and
many other games. She made friends easily and valued them highly
anywhere she made her home.
Mother loved her children unfailingly, no matter what choices we made or
what we did in life. She expressed her love of family, life and her Lord
through poetry, which we treasure, as well as writing a novel – a work
in progress.
How we MISS her.
Mother was a lifelong member of Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and she
and Dad raised their children in the Christian faith. She worshiped at
Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Eureka and Trinity Lutheran Church in
Kalispell. Pastor Ebel led a small group of worshipers in her pleasant
apartment in Shelby.
Memorials may be made to Senior Citizen Center, 739 N. Benton, Shelby,
MT 59474, Trinity Lutheran Church, 400 W. California, Kalispell, MT
59901, or a charity of choice.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 3, 2006 at Trinity
Lutheran Church in Plentywood, Montana. Pastor Jay Reinke
officiated at the service with interment in Outlook Cemetery.
Friends may call at Fulkerson’s in Plentywood.
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Memorial services for Robert L.
Smith were held on May 30, 2006. Pastor Carol Karres officiated at the
service at the Froid Lutheran Church; private interment of cremated
remains will be held at a later date. Urn Bearers were Calvin and Slade
Smith, ushers were Mike Olson and Arlie Madsen. All of Bob's friends
were regarded as Honorary Bearers. Bob died at his farm home west of
Froid Wednesday evening, May 24, after a long three years of throat
cancer.
Bob was born on the family farm at Froid May 4, 1939, the son of Alvin
and Marie (Brese) Smith. He grew up on the farm and graduated from Froid
High School, and married Carolyn Krogedal at Sidney February 27, 1960.
They have made their home on the farm since. Bob’s life was helping
people with his mechanical abilities; his farm, and his cattle. He was a
die-hard fisherman right up to the time of his death.
Besides his wife, Carolyn, he is survived by three sons and their
families: Yancy and his wife Heide of Glen Ullin, North Dakota
and their children Landon, Abby, and Laramie; Blaine and his wife
Debbie, of Duncanville, Pennsylvania, and their children Hannah, Alexa,
and Hunter; and Carter and his wife Jo Ann, of Culbertson,
Montana and their children Amber and Benjamin. He is also survived by
two brothers, Alfred (“Cotton”) Smith and his wife Donna, of Froid; and
Harold Damm, of Thermopolis, Wyoming; and by two sisters, Dorothy
Schledewitz and her husband Dave, of Townsend, Montana; and Alyce Arion,
of Plentywood, Montana; and by several nieces and nephews.
He is greatly missed with the great sense of humor he always had,
regardless of how much pain he was in. His wish was to tell everyone
good-bye.
Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood had charge of arrangements.
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Funeral services for
Bennie Miran Lee were held on May 29, 2006. Pastor David C. Curtright
will officiate the service at Plentywood Lutheran Church; interment will
be in Plentywood Cemetery. Casketbearers were his grandsons;
granddaughters were recognized as Honorary Bearers as were the members
of the Golden Years Club, and all of his other friends and relatives.
Ushers were Aaron Holter, Cal Cartwright, and Ralph Lee. Bennie, 82,
died peacefully at home Thursday afternoon, May 25, after a battle with
cancer.
Bennie was born June 4, 1923 at the farm home of his parents, Fred and
Emelia (Livdahl) Lee in the Archer community. He was baptized July 16,
1923, and on July 18, 1937 he was confirmed at Plentywood Lutheran
Church. He graduated from Redstone High School in 1943. He began playing
his brother’s accordion when he was 8 years old; though he was
right-handed, he turned the accordion upside down, the added strength of
his right arm made it easier to play. At age 11, he and cousin Stanley
Johnson playing the banjo, won first place at an amateur contest in
Plentywood. He married Alice Evenson at the Plentywood Lutheran Church
June 21, 1944. Bennie was a very kind, humble, generous, fun-loving and
outgoing man who loved life. He played baseball and softball, pitched
horseshoes, loved bowling, and took up golf at age 63 after he retired.
He never missed his kids’ sporting events, followed televised sports,
and was an avid Braves fan. He worked for a couple of years in Blythe,
California until the heat drove him back to Montana, where he worked
with his brother as a carpenter before starting with the Ford Body Shop
in Plentywood. From 1951 until his retirement he and George Rierson
operated the L & R Body Shop in Plentywood.
An excellent cook, Bennie loved to fix meals for his family whenever
they would visit; and always spent time with them – whether playing
cards, playing bean bag or just visiting and laughing, he was always
“there” for them. He was a very loving husband who always cared for
Alice through her illnesses.
Music has been a central part of his life; playing accordion at dances,
fiddle and accordion jamborees in Plentywood, Williston, the State Line
Club or other places; and loved to entertain at the nursing home. He
loved to care for his large yard and took pride in keeping it beautiful.
Bennie is survived by his wife of nearly 62 years, Alice, of Plentywood;
and his six children and their families: Janis Johnson and her
husband Wally, of Plentywood; Dennis Lee and Sissy, of Sidney,
Montana; with Shannon Lee and David Lee, both of Billings, Kristi
Strouff and her husband Joe, of Sidney and Shane Lee, of Sidney; son
Terry Lee and his wife Mary, of Billings; with Mike Lee, of
Wahpeton, North Dakota, and Kendra Lee, of Woodbury, Minnesota; Gary
Lee and his wife Tana, of Sidney; with Gina, Chris, and Allison;
Luane Ebel and her husband Dwight; with Damian Ebel and his wife
Angie; Dana Ebel and his wife Feliciti; Thea Holter and her husband
Aaron; and Kara Ebel, all of Williston; Debbie Cartwright and her
husband Cal, of Las Vegas, Nevada; with Trevor, Nick, and Calista. He is
also survived by 15 great-grandchildren and by three brothers, Elmer
Lee, Arnold Lee and his wife Betty, both of Plentywood; and Reubin Lee
and his wife Norma, of Glasgow, and by brothers-and sisters-in-law,
numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.
Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood had charge of arrangements.
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John Wivholm passed away
Sunday, May 7, at Sheridan Memorial Hospital in Plentywood from
pneumonia and long-term complications of diabetes. Funeral services were
held on May 11, 2006 at Union Congregational Church in Medicine
Lake, with Rev. Tim Hutslar officiating. Interment, with military
honors, was in Medicine Lake Cemetery.
John Franklin Wivholm was born November 5, 1925, in Grenora, ND, the
oldest child of Frank and Elsie Wivholm. He grew up in the Volmer-Dagmar
area, attended country elementary school, Grenora High School, and
graduated from Medicine Lake High School.
He joined the Navy in 1942 and served a signalman on the flagship USS
West Virginia in the Pacific Campaign. The ship was involved in the
Leyte Gulf and Surigao Straits Battles. The USS West Virginia helped
transport 1500 American and British survivors of the Bataan Death March.
John was stationed in Okinawa when the Atomic bomb was dropped on Japan,
and was on the ship in Tokyo Bay when the Japanese signed their
surrender.
He was discharged in 1946 and returned to farm in the Medicine Lake
area. He married Barbara Crohn of the Volmer area in 1950, and they have
lived in Medicine Lake where they raised their family of seven children.
John was a charter member of VFW Post 8869. He was a member on the
Daniels-Sheridan Credit board for 13 years, and served on the Sheridan
County Planning Board. He was a member of the Union Congregational
Church in Medicine Lake.
John loved farming, John Deere green, and trading for new vehicles.
After retiring from farming, he enjoyed staying involved and helping his
son and grandson with their farming chores. He invested in some
high-tech lawn care vehicles, and enjoyed helping his neighbors and
family with lawns and gardens.
He enjoyed fishing with his buddy Norman, a good game of cards, his
computer with Solitaire and the e-mails to family and friends, and
traveling to visit kids and grandkids. He recently connected with his
best friend on the USS West Virginia through the Internet and he and
Barbara traveled to Kansas to visit and catch up on 55 years!
John was a "people person" and always had a smile and joke to share. His
health had failed in the past two years after a fall resulted in a
broken hip, but he still enjoyed visiting, and entertaining all the
nurses on his various stays in the hospital.
His parents and a brother Allen of Glendive, MT, preceded him in death.
He is survived by his his wife, Barbara Wivholm, of Medicine Lake, his children Janet (Paul) McCabe of Medicine Lake;
David (Brenda) Wivholm of Merritt Island, FL; Duane (Debbie) Wivholm of
Mandan, ND; Nancy Niemann of Harker Heights, TX; Dallas (Debbie) Wivholm
of Grass Valley, CA; Jeff (Doris) Wivholm of Medicine Lake; and Mary
Anne (Eric) Stream of Anchorage, AK; sixteen grandchildren; and three
great grandchildren. Also surviving are a sister Jean (Vern) Guenther of
Florence, MT; a brother Dale (Marlene) Wivholm of St. Paul, MN;
sister-in-law Phyllis Wivholm of Glendive, MT; and numerous nieces,
nephews, and cousins.
Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood had charge of arrangements.
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Mary Lou Nelson, 79, of
Plentywood died April 30, 2006 at the Sheridan Memorial Nursing Home.
Funeral services were held on May 2, 2006 at the First
Congregational Church in Plentywood with Pastors David C. Curtright and Chansy George officiating.
Mary Lou Nelson was born April 28, 1927 at the Sheridan Memorial
Hospital in Plentywood to Forrest and Mary (Fitzer) Matkin. She was
raised on the Matkin Ranch east of Redstone where her grandfather J.D.
Matkin settled in 1900. Mary Lou went to school 10 years in Redstone and
she graduated from Plentywood High School in 1944. She attended the
University of Minnesota. She returned to Montana to marry the love of
her life, Morris S. Nelson, on Sept. 29, 1946 at the First
Congregational Church in Plentywood. To this union, two daughters, Mary
Ann and Jo Arlene, were born. The Nelsons farmed south of Plentywood.
Mary Lou went to work for KGCX radio as manager of their Plentywood
Satellite. In 1962, Mary Lou and Morris, along with partners Ed, Keith
and Claire Krebsbach of Sidney and Williston, built the first commercial
FM radio station in Montana. Mary Lou was the general manager of that
station and Morris was the chief engineer. Although the call letters for
the station have been changed from KPWD-FM to KATQ-FM-AM, the original
station still exists. In 1968, the station was sold to Baker
Broadcasting and the Nelsons bought The Vogue, a women’s specialty shop.
They owned The Vogue for 16 years and during that became known in the
surrounding area for their semi-annual style shows. In 1984, the Nelsons
sold The Vogue, but continued to farm until the mid- 1990s.
They spent winters at Palm Desert, Calif. for many years until they
discovered Sedona, Ariz. They purchased a condominium in Sedona in 1990
and spent their winters there for nearly 10 years. They met many
wonderful friends during their time spent there.
The Nelsons’ four grandchildren – Andy, Tim, Jamie and Brandon – gave
them great joy. Many trips were enjoyed with those grandchildren – from
Yellowstone Park to Disneyland and Disney World to Canada, Big Sky, Big
Fork and Red Lodge. Each of those children spent time on the Nelson farm
as well.
Mary Lou was a charter member of the Assembly of Rainbow for Girls. She
was active in 4-H as a child and again as a mother of a 4-H girls. She
judged the junior miss contest during the 1980s in Kalispell and was a
public representative on the Montana State Board of Cosmetologists. She
was a lifetime member of the Order of Eastern Star, a longtime member of
the Retail Merchants and the originator of the Village Hostesses. She
was twice named grand marshal of the Sheridan County Harvest Festival
parade.A hostess at heart, Mary Lou enjoyed cooking, especially desserts
and comfort food. Lemon pie was her specialty and she supplied family
and friends with hundreds of them over the years.
Mary Lou’s greatest loves were her husband of 59 years, their daughters
and their spouses, four grandchildren and her great grandchildren. She
is survived by her husband Morris, her daughters Mary Ann Bottman and
John of Billings and Jo Arlene Ausk and Jim of Terry; her grandchildren,
Andy Bottman and Jenni of Portland, Ore., Tim Bottman and Tereza of
Portland, Ore., Jamie Ausk Crisafulli and Richie of Glendive, and
Brandon Ausk and Karlee of Seattle, Wash.; great grandchildren Jameson,
Nelson, Basil and Giarratana Crisafulli and Jonah Bottman.
Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood had charge of arrangements.
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Funeral services for
Gordon Overby were held on May 5, 2006. Pastor David C. Curtright
officiated at the service at Plentywood Lutheran Church; interment was
in Plentywood Memorial Cemetery. Gordon, 68, died of cancer Saturday
evening, April 29, 2006, at his home south of Plentywood.
Gordon was born Aug. 5, 1937, in Plentywood, Montana. He grew up on the
family farm south of town and graduated from Plentywood High School in
1955. During his high school education, he became one of the Charter
Members of the Future Farmers of America. He married his highschool
sweetheart, Marilyn Crowe, at the Plentywood Lutheran Church on
September 19, 1957. Gordon graduated from Montana State University in
1959 as a distinguished military graduate with a Bacherlor's degree in
Agriculture. After graduation, he began active duty as a paratrooper in
the 101st Airborne Division in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. After he was
honorably discharged from the army in 1963, he and Marilyn moved back to
Sheridan County where he farmed until his retirement in 2000.
A good and faithful man who enjoyed all people, Gordon lived a life of
service to his family, his community and his church. He conscientiously
served on the boards of the Federal Land Bank, Plentywood Lutheran
Church, the Plentywood Golf and County Club, the Sherwood Airport (where
he helped plan and oversee several major renovations) and was a member
and Past Master of Plentywood Masonic Lodge #91, and of the Shrine.
Curious about everything and a master of trivia, Gordon could fix
anything. His building expertise lead him to his first love: airplanes.
He was licensed as a private pilot in 1987, and at his death had just a
few hours left to complete a Glider pilot's license. Gordon, with the
help of his friend Brad Johnson, constructed his own airplane, a "Kit
Fox, " licensed in the experimental category.
Gordon had an insatiable desire to travel and experience other lands and
cultures and make new friends. He traveled extensively through the US,
Canada, Europe and the Mediterranean with family and close friends, and
was still planning trips for the years ahead.
Gordon and Marilyn loved the last four winters spent in Mesa, Arizona,
enjoying their retirement. They especially enjoyed the culture and
history of the area as well as the social activities with new and dear
friends at Venture Out. One of this pilot's favorite places was Falcon
field and the renowned Air Museum there!
Gordon is survived by a loving family: his wife, Marilyn, of Plentywood;
daughter Jonna Lynn Underwood and her husband Craig, of Grass Valley
California; son Kirk and his wife Gail of Billings Montana; two
brothers, Curtis and his wife Myrta of Plentywood; and Rick and his wife
Kay of Spokane Washington; and by two grandchildren, Daci Overby of Las
Vegas NV and Darcell Unterseher and her husband Jeff, of Glendive
Montana, 4 nephews and 2 niece. He was preceded in death by his mother
Ella and father John, two cousins, George and Joyce Christiansen, and
one aunt, Magna Sondeno.
Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood had charge of arrangements.
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Memorial Services for Harry
Ming will be held on April 24, 2006. Pastor Barbara
Westhoff will officiate at the service at Plentywood Lutheran Church;
private scattering of cremated remains will take place later. The
Sheridan Electric family, all of Harry's Antelope friends, and Cliff
Johnson are all recognized as Honorary Bearers; ushers will be Kenny Melby, Tim Neff, and Chad and Scott Olson.
Harry, 47, died in an accident Tuesday evening, April 18, while he was
clearing ice from high-voltage power lines for Sheridan Electric
Cooperative a few miles southeast of Westby, Montana in Divide County,
North Dakota.
Harold M. Ming was born March 22, 1959 at Dickinson, North Dakota; the
son of Ray and Carol (Paulson) Ming. After his father died, the family
moved to Montana, where Harry grew up and graduated from Antelope High
School in 1977.
He married Marilyn Nistler in Plentywood December 18, 1982.
Harry worked in the oilfields in this area until he went to school to
become an electrical lineman in 1985. After graduation, he and Marilyn
and their two older boys lived for a while in Ellsworth, Maine, where he
worked until a lineman’s job opened with Sheridan Electric Cooperative
in 1987.
They returned to Montana and have lived in Westby since.
Harry was known for his unending patience, kindness to everyone, his
bright smile, and constant hard work. He would do anything for anyone,
never knew the word “no,” and was never heard to complain about
anything.
He and Marilyn were inseparable – the perfect couple who complemented
each other perfectly.
Harry was his three sons’ most avid fan, who never missed a ball game or
other activity, and whose lifetime goal was to see his sons become the
confident, capable, caring men they are . . . he saw them as his
greatest success.
Harry never judged anyone, lived his life by the Golden Rule, and often
became a defender of people he felt were being unfairly treated in any
way.
He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church at Westby.
Harry is survived by his wife, Marilyn, of Westby; and their three sons:
Jared, of Havre, Montana and Justin and Josh, both of Westby. His
mother, and stepfather (who Harry regarded very highly) Carol and Don
Hovet, live at Antelope. He is also survived by four brothers and two
sisters: Earl Ming and his wife Karen, of Sandy, Oregon; Bill Ming and
his wife Maria, of Tigard, Oregon; Dennis and Maureen Ming, of Bismarck,
North Dakota; Darryl and Tracy Ming, also of Sandy, Oregon; Laurie
Delfino and her husband Sherman, of Roy, Washington; and Lynnette Powers
and her husband Steve, of Westby.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ray Ming.
Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood has charge of arrangements.
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Funeral services for Velma
Johnson were held on April 24, 2006. Pastor David C.
Curtright officiated at the service at Plentywood Lutheran Church;
interment was in Plentywood Memorial Cemetery. Casketbearers were
Wilfred Fawcett, Tom Lidahl, Mike Michels, and Howard, Kent, and Tim
Syme; ushers were Clarice Carlson and Ruth Wilson. Velma died Tuesday
evening, April 18, at Sheridan Memorial Hospital in Plentywood; she was
90.
Born at Fortuna, North Dakota September 28, 1915, Velma was the daughter
of Samuel Allen and Effie Idella (Swank) Garber. She attended the New
York Hairdressing Academy in Fargo before she came to Plentywood to work
at Leona Crosby’s beauty shop. She later worked for the Mac McCoy family
before she married Kenneth Syme at Plentywood Lutheran Church October
30, 1937. They lived in the Raymond community, and raised their family
on the family farm. A highlight of their time together was a trip in the
Bicentennial year of 1976, when Ken was the “wagon boss” for their group
of 35 recreational vehicles as they made a “covered wagon” trip around
the state of Montana. Ken died November 12, 1977, and Velma moved to
Plentywood a short time later. She remained active in the Plentywood
Lutheran Church and WELCA, participated in the quilting program; and
volunteered at the Glenwood Thrift Shop as long as she was able, and
especially loved to go shopping. She and Clair Johnson were married
November 17, 1983 at Belgrade, Montana, by former Plentywood Lutheran
Pastor Herb Knutsen. They built a new home in Plentywood, made some
special bus trips, and simply enjoyed their “golden years” together.
After Clair’s death March 5, 1994, Velma stayed active in her familiar
activities, including the church, the Raymond Homemakers, and the
Sheridan Garden Club as long as she was able. She lived briefly at
LaCasa Personal Care before she was hospitalized after a fall. Velma
made up for her small stature with her always bright smile, sparkling
eyes and feisty disposition. She was always in “her” seat in “her” pew
in church, attentive to the message, and never failed to comment about
what she thought.
Velma is survived by two children, Odelle Syme, of Raymond, Montana; and
Ardelle Brenteson and her husband Ray, of Dagmar. Besides 7
grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren,
she is survived by two sisters, Dottie LeHew and Glee Markiss, both of
Polson, Montana.
Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood had charge of arrangements.
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Funeral services for
Karen Sachow were held on April 19, 2006. Pastor Ryan Wickman officiated
at the service at the Plentywood Community Church; interment was in
Dooley Cemetery. Casketbearers were Curt Flakne, Melvin Hall, Jeff Hill,
Milt Hovland, Larry Garrick, and Daniel Knutson. Friends gathered to
visit with the family at Fulkerson’s at 7:00 PM Tuesday. Karen died
Easter Sunday, April 16 at Sheridan Memorial Hospital in Plentywood
following a long struggle with cancer. She was 64.
Karen was born at Plentywood October 31, 1941, the daughter of Andrew
Marvin and Nova Pearl (Beery) Klakken. When Karen was a month old, her
mother died, but before her death she had arranged for Karen to be
adopted by her best friend, Nina Sachow and her husband Ervin. At age
two Karen contracted an infection which left her somewhat
developmentally disabled. She grew up in Plentywood, where she attended
Plentywood High School. Karen has been a housekeeper, working for many
friends and neighbors, and she cared for her adoptive parents the rest
of their lives. Karen loved people and attended nearly every community
function, usually traveling on her favorite bicycle, which she has used
since she was 12 years old. Karen was a devoted member of the Plentywood
Community Church, always in her favorite seat in the rear of the
church, and always acting as an unofficial church greeter. She helped
with vacation bible school, working in the kitchen and with the youngest
children. Since her church’s official closure, she has participated in
the Plentywood Baptist Church. Karen loved gardening, cooking, and
baking, and loved to distribute “The Greeter”every Tuesday.
Always interested in everything that was going on, she was a visible
presence at most every community event. Known as “the card lady,” Karen
sold cards for all occasions, and maintained a voluminous correspondence
with her family and friends – the highlight of any day was her trip to
the post office, always anticipating a “long letter” in response to one
of hers. She maintained close ties to her birth family of brothers and
sisters, and particularly enjoyed trips to Iowa and Mississippi to
visit, even though she thought it was “way too HOT!” She loved to shop
for bargains, and loved buffets where she could sample the varieties of
dishes (and avoid fish and onions!!) One of God’s special children,
Karen could be a bit difficult from time to time, but she cared deeply
about other people, never knew a stranger, and always tried to help
anyone she could.
Karen is survived by two brothers, Wallace Klakken, of Gravity, Iowa;
and Dennis Klakken, of Hanna, Wyoming; by a sister, Arlene Jones and her
husband Louie Vernon Jones, of Meadville, Mississippi, and by her two
cats, “Sweet Pea” and “Lilly”. Besides her birth parents, Marvin and
Nova Klakken, and her adoptive parents, Ervin and Nina Sachow, Karen was
preceded in death by a brother, David Klakken, and a sister, Althea
Treftz.
Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood had charge of arrangements.
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Memorial Services for
Marie S. Jensen were held on March 22, 2006. Pastor
Kristy Daniels officiated at the service at Volmer Lutheran Church;
interment of cremated remains in Volmer Cemetery will take place later.
Marie died early Sunday morning at Sheridan Memorial Nursing Home; she
was 93.
Marie, the daughter of Soren ("Sam") and Karen Sorensen, was born at
Vibek, (Varde), Denmark February 28, 1913. The family moved to the
United States, arriving in New York on July 4, 1913, and lived in
Kensal, North Dakota until they moved to the Volmer community in 1918.
In the fall of 1931 Marie moved to California, where she met Harald
"Slim" Jensen while they were working in Solvang. She and Slim were
married at Monterey, California March 18, 1933; they lived in Solvang
until they moved to Volmer in the fall of 1935. They farmed in the
Volmer community for many years, and operated the Brush Lake Resort from
1945 through 1957. After Slim's death October 2, 1980, Marie lived on
the farm until she moved to Plentywood in the fall of 1983. Marie was
always busy; she loved doing fancy needlework, especially hardanger,
counted cross-stitch, crewel embroidery and other sewing projects.; and
was known for the delightfully patterned tablecloths she fashioned from
gingham material. She loved doing nice work, and was always fussy to get
it "just right." Gatherings of the Sorensen families for birthdays,
holidays, and other occasions were always special. Marie loved dancing,
and even after Slim's death, she enjoyed dancing at the Blue Moon in
Plentywood as long as her health allowed. Her family and friends
remember her love for card games, whether skip-bo, cribbage, whist, or
playing "31" at the nursing home ... Marie's smile and lively eyes
always shone with a hand of cards! She was an active member of the
Volmer Lutheran Church and WELCA. She was also a charter member of the
Volmer Helping Hands Club. A highlight of her life was becoming an
American citizen September 30, 1938.
Marie is survived by one son, Elliott, and his wife Judy, on the family
farm in the Dagmar community; and by all five of her siblings: brothers
Peter and Jeppe Sorensen of Dagmar; and sisters Anna Jensen of
Plentywood; Julia Parker of Linden, Michigan; and Sylvia Ottenbreit of
Spokane, Washington; and by a sister-in-law, Olga Klibo of Solvang,
California.
Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood had charge of arrangements.
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The Funeral Liturgy for
Delbert Marsh was celebrated on March 20, 2006.
Father Bob Sewvello celebrated the Mass at St. Joseph Catholic
Church in Plentywood; interment, with military honors, was in
Plentywood Memorial Cemetery. Casketbearers were Terry & Butch Kallem,
Diane & Dave Patterson, Michelle & Derl Fellon, and Tim & Candy Marsh;
Carol and Larry O'Toole were greeters. Recognized as Honorary Bearers
were the members of V.F.W. Post 4018 and American Legion Post 58 of
Plentywood and their Auxiliaries. A Vigil rite was held on March 19, 2006
at St. Joseph Church. Delbert, 79, died Friday morning, March 17 at
Sheridan Memorial Hospital in Plentywood.
Delbert John Marsh was born April 20, 1926 at Madoc, Montana, the son of
Frank and Eugenia (LaRoche) Marsh. He graduated from Plentywood High
School in the class of 1944, and entered the United States Marine Corps.
He spent his 18th birthday on a troopship in the south
pacific, and saw action on Okinawa in the final months of World War II.
He was among the first US Servicemen to Nagasaki following the atomic
bombing of that Japanese City, and helped with medical care for the
survivors of that event. After serving with the occupation forces in
Japan for a year, he was discharged from the Corps August 26, 1946, and
returned to Plentywood. He worked with his family moving buildings until
he joined as one of the principals in Boundary Builders. He married Faye
Lee November 19, 1955 in Sundance, Wyoming; they have made their home in
Plentywood where he was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Delbert
worked throughout northeastern Montana as a contractor and builder until
he retired, and then obtained an electrical contractor’s license “for
something to do” – and kept on working as long as his health allowed.
Besides his work and family, Delbert continued his military service as
an officer in the Montana Army National Guard. In 1961Governor Donald
Nutter appointed Delbert as Commanding Officer of the 163rd
Regiment of the Montana Guard, but before he could assume command, the
governor was killed, and Delbert returned to Plentywood, where he
retired from the guard in 1972 as commanding officer of the Plentywood
detachment. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Delbert is survived by his wife, Faye, of Plentywood, and four children
and their families: Les and his wife Niki, live in Great Falls,
their children are Dan, Sean, Megan, Dane, and Jessie; Anette
Marsh also lives in Great Falls, her children are Maria, Ty, and Hunter;
Robert Marsh lives in Frederick, Maryland, his son is Alex; and
Tracie Marsh and her special friend Wayne Keith live in Plentywood;
her children are R.J, Ashley, Cassie, Gina, and Shane. Delbert was
preceded in death by his daughter, Kelly Alsberg; her husband,
Chuck, lives in Neshkoro, Wisconsin; their children are Byron, Rory, and
Jesse. He is also survived by two great-granddaughters, Paige and
Austin; Chuck’s special friend Robyn, and her daughter, Rayne, and by
two brothers and three sisters: Leona Cray, of Spokane, Washington;
Percy Marsh and his wife Edith, of Scottsdale, Arizona; Ken Marsh, of
Plentywood; Beulah Polly, of Lehigh Acres, Florida; and Carol Robertson
and her husband Norman, of East Helena, Montana. Besides his parents and
daughter, he was preceded in death by brothers Rupert, Floyd, Don, and
Marty, one sister, Florence Hutchings, and grandchildren Catherine
Marsh and Christian Barry.
Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood had charge of arrangements.
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Funeral services for L.
A. "Tony" Larson was held on March 11, 2006. Pastor
David C. Curtright officiated at the service at Plentywood Lutheran
Church; interment was in Plentywood Memorial Cemetery. Casketbearers
were Dick & Song Yon Bratton, Jim & Faye Grandalen, Milt & Shirley
Hovland, Harley & Julie Kleppen, Elton & Sylvia Overby, and Harlan & Jan
Skillingberg. Ushers were Gary & Arlene Christensen and Shorty
Timmerman. Tony died of natural causes at his Plentywood home Monday
evening, March 6; he was 92.
Tony was born January 21, 1914 at Crosby, North Dakota; the eldest son
of Norwegian immigrants Herman and Bertha (Ringdahl) Larson. He grew up
in the Crosby community except for a 9-month period when the family
returned to Norway; and attended Crosby schools through the 9th grade.
Tony worked at a number of jobs during the depression years, farming
with his family and neighbors, graveling streets in Crosby, hauling
coal, and went with his brother and cousin to work in Washington state,
harvesting wheat and apples; then, in 1937, went to Chicago, where he
worked for the Marshall Fields Co. until the summer of 1939 when he
returned to Crosby. He started working at a "cream station", receiving,
testing, and transporting cream to the dairy; and opened a cream station
in Plentywood, Montana for the Power Creamery Company. He married
Mildred Ness at Columbus, North Dakota September 14, 1941; and as soon
as he could moved his bride to Plentywood. He was working for the
Power's in Plentywood when he contracted Tuberculosis and was
hospitalized for nearly a year; the family then lived on the family farm
near Crosby while he recuperated. In the fall of 1944, Tony returned to
Plentywood to work for Frank and Newman Power starting a new creamery,
and worked there until the business was closed in 1972. Although he did
most everything in the creamery, he always saw himself as a "butter
maker." After the creamery closed, Tony worked as a custodian for the
Plentywood school until he and Mildred both retired when he was 65.
Through the years, Tony's life revolved around his family and his
church. He was a faithful member of, and served in many capacities and
offices in, Plentywood Lutheran Church. He was among those responsible
for construction of the present church building in 1959, and, although
in declining health, was pleased to be able to help in construction of
the church's new parish hall last summer. A quiet, gentle man, he and
Mildred enjoyed traveling as long as they were able; and although he
voluntarily gave up driving last spring, he stayed active, getting
around town on his red electric scooter. He loved making doilies, a
craft he first learned while hospitalized with TB, and has kept up
through the years. Since Mildred's death December 29, 1999 after 58
years of marriage, Tony has remained active with his circle of close
friends; Tuesdays were always dinner night with Orlando and Edna Bruvold!
He and Shorty Timmerman cut and split firewood as long as Tony's health
allowed; and they started every day at 5:30 AM with the coffee gang at
the E-Z Way Bakery.
Tony is survived by twin sons and their families: Don and his wife Ginny
live in Plentywood; and David and his wife Connie live in Yuma, Arizona.
His grandchildren are Michelle Heisler and her husband, Tim, of Billings
and their children (Tony's great-grandchildren) James and Stephanie;
Randi Larson, of River Falls, Wisconsin; and Michael Larson, of
Eatonville, Washington. He is also survived by one sister, Mabel Lokken,
of Sheldon, Iowa; and sisters-in-law Mabel Larson, of Milwaukee, Oregon
and Muriel Ness, of Billings, as well as by his extended family of close
friends, Orlando and Edna Bruvold, Lawrence and Nettie Welo, Shorty
Timmerman, and the early morning coffee table crew at the E-Z Way. He
was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Mildred; and by
a brother Melvin.
Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood had charge of arrangements.
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