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Clair L. Ross
BEACH, N.D. - Clair L. Ross, 73, of Beach, died Thursday, Jan. 7, 1999, in Bismarck.
Visitation will be 3-5 and 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, at the Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home Chapel, and from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10, at the United Community Church. Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11, at the church.
Brant E. Shankle
GREEN VALLEY, Ariz. - Brant E. Shankle, of Green Valley, passed away at home on Jan. 8, 1999, after a valiant battle with cancer. Brant was born Nov. 18, 1962, in Montana where he was raised and graduated from the School of Mines in Butte.
Brant loved his work as a mining engineer for Asarco, and was especially proud of the overland conveyor project he helped establish and run. Brant married
his high school sweetheart, Kelly, in 1989, and loved his family life at home with their two children. Everyone who knew him will miss his quick wit and gentle smile.
Survivors include his wife, Kelly, son, Dexter, and daughter, Emma of Green Valley; his mother, Karen Dooley of Billings; and his brother, Kelly of Minnesota.
Memorial services will be held in Green Valley at St. Francis-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church, Wednesday, Jan. 13, at 10 a.m. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Dexter and Emma Shankle College Fund, Westamerica Bank, P.O. Box 47, Novato, Calif. 94948.
George A. Stringham
CODY, Wyo. - George Ammon Stringham, 91, died Thursday, Jan. 7, 1999, at West Park Hospital.
Visitation will be 9-10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12, in the Relief Society Room of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Wyoming Avenue. Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Another service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, at the 6th Ward Chapel with graveside services in Memorial Gardens, both in Casper. Ballard Funeral Home is in charge.
Valentine 'Junior' Vetter
MILES CITY - Valentine "Junior" Vetter, 71, died Thursday, Jan. 7, 1999, at the Holy Rosary Health Center in Miles City.
A Rosary will be held Sunday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m. in the Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, Jan. 11, at 10 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Rite of Committal will follow in the Veterans Section of the Custer County cemetery.
W.W. 'Sam' Wickam
SHERIDAN, Wyo. - W.W. "Sam" Wickam, 72, died Thursday, Jan. 7, 1999, at his home of cancer.
No services are planned. Ferries Funeral Home was in charge.
Vivienne G. Amman
SHERIDAN, Wyo. - Vivienne Gertrude Amman, 70, died Sunday, Jan. 3, 1999, at her home.
Vigil services will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, at Kane Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 7, at Holy Name Catholic Church with cremation to follow.
Wm. Arnott
LA VERNE, Calif. - Wm. S. Arnott, 77, of La Verne, died Dec. 14, 1998, at Ontario International Airport. He was born Sept. 18, 1921, in Montana and lived in the Pomona Valley 50 years.
He was a pilot for United Airlines.
He was a military and commercial pilot for a total of 60 years.
He was a member of Christian Science.
He was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran of WWII.
He was the founder of United Airlines Historical Foundation and of Mt. San Antonio College's Classroom in the Sky.
Mr. Arnott is survived by his wife, Nell; two stepsons, Paul Click of Bullhead City, Ariz., and James Click of South Pasadena; two daughters, Ann Morency of Broomfield, Colo., and Alice Flood of Dallas; a stepdaughter, Carol Robison of Rio Linda; a brother, Philip Goan of Carefree, Ariz.
Services were held at Todd Memorial Chapel, Pomona. Private interment.
Memorial contributions may be made to United Airlines Historical Foundation, c/o Ray Lahr, 18254 Coastline Dr., Malibu, CA 90268.
Todd Memorial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
John 'Al' Bergum
HELENA - John Allan "Al" Bergum, 65, formerly of Glasgow, died Saturday, Jan. 2, 1999, at St. Peter's Hospital after a long illness.
Visitation will be noon-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 5, at the Retz Funeral Home. Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, at St. John's Lutheran Church with interment in Forestvale cemetery.
Brenda L. Brooks
BOWMAN, N.D. - Brenda L. Brooks, 39, died Wednesday evening, Dec. 23, 1998, at her ranch home north of Bowman after a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral Services were held Dec. 28 at the Assembly of God Church in Bowman. Pastor Leon Freitag officiated and burial was in the Bowman cemetery. A Family Service was held Dec. 27 at the Assembly of God Church.
Brenda Brooks was born Aug. 13, 1959, at Roundup, Mont., the daughter of Dr. Luther and Ruth Egge. She was reared at Roundup, where she received her elementary education. She graduated from Roundup High School in 1977. She attended the University of Montana, Missoula, and later graduated from Eastern Montana College at Billings with a bachelor of science degree in Education.
Brenda taught school at Big Dry Rural School at Jordan, Mont., for a year, three years at Cot-tonwood School near Lewistown, Mont., and at Central Montana Christian School in Lewistown.
On Aug. 26, 1989, Brenda married
Paul Brooks at Roundup. They moved to the ranch north of Bowman, where Paul ranched and Brenda continued teaching. She taught two years at Lincoln School, Ludlow, S.D.; three years at Reva, S.D.; and two years at Painter School southwest of Ladner, S.D., when she became ill and was forced to quit teaching.
She was a member of the Assembly of God Church, Bowman, and the Harding County Teachers Association. Brenda loved to fly and she earned her private pilot's license. She enjoyed skiing, camping, and loved motorcycling with her husband, Paul. She loved animals and music, and was an accomplished pianist and flutist. Throughout her many months of agony and pain, her faith in God never wavered. This dear young lady so loved her husband Paul, her parents, and her brother Curtis, her family, friends and neighbors, and the many students she taught throughout the years. She will be missed by her family and many, many friends and students that she touched in such a unique and special way.
She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandpar-ents. Survivors include her husband: Paul Brooks, Bowman; her par-ents: Dr. Luther and Ruth Egge, Roundup; and her brother and his wife: Curtis and Jan Egge, Boise, ID.
Memorials may be sent to Zion Lutheran Church, Roundup, MT 59072.
Richard John Buerkle
PARK CITY - Richard John Buerkle, 52, of Park City, passed away Friday morning, Jan. 1, 1999, at Saint Vincent Hospital in Billings. He was born at home in Kulm, N.D., on Christmas Eve 1946, the son of John C. and Eleanora Buerkle. Richard weighed only one and one-half pounds and following his birth was transported to the local hospital in a shoe box, where he began his fight for life - and never gave up fighting.
He grew up working on the family farm in North Dakota using horses in a time when most were using machines to farm. Growing up in a North Dakotan German family, he spoke German until he entered the first grade, where he learned English as a second language. Richard attended schools in Kulm until his father passed away and the family moved to town. Always having an interest in farm and ranch lifestyles, he began taking odd jobs as a hired hand and cowboying. Richard then began riding on the rodeo circuit for a number of years as a bronc rider. From his childhood on, he was also very interested in tinkering with "greasy machines" as his mother used to say.
In 1969, Richard moved to Park City, where he worked many years for Jerry Foos, who was instrumental in helping him get settled in Montana. He also worked for other farmers in the Park City and Broadview areas. In addition, he worked a number of years for Pierce Packing in Billings until they closed.
In 1986, Richard married
his wife, Susan, and they eventually settled in Park City and began building Rich's Repair and Tire Service. Their business was created and built using old fashioned work ethic and their bare hands. As a hard working businessman, Richard was a very honest and outspoken man. His motto was, "work comes first, then play." He was well known for his honesty, not only in the community in which he lived and was involved, but also up and down the highway with the over-the-road truckers. Above all, he was devoted to the Alcoholics Anonymous program for 14 years and always to God, which allowed him to realize and fulfill his dreams. His sudden death was a tragedy to all who were touched by him. He will be sorely missed.
Survivors include his mother, Eleanora Buerkle of Kulm, N.D.; his wife, Susan Ilona Buerkle of Park City; his son, Richard John Buerkle II of Reed Point; his brothers Gerald Buerkle (Lucille) of LaMoure, N.D., and Roger Buerkle (Laurie) of Fargo, N.D.; his stepsons, Eli Vincent Cuelho of Manhattan and Ira Immanuel Cuelho of Melville; four nephews; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; and his five grandchildren that he adored.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, at the Park City Civic Center. Should friends desire, memorials may be sent to the Park City Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 292, Park City, MT 59063, the Montana Rescue Mission, 2822 Minnesota Ave., Billings, MT 59101, or the charity of one's choice. Michelotti, Sawyers & Nordquist Alderson Chapel has charge of arrangements.
Larry A. Davidsen
FAIRVIEW - Mass of Christian Burial for Larry A. Davidsen, 62, Fairview, will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, 1999, at the St. Catherine's Catholic Church, with Father Ned Shinnick presiding.
Casketbearers will be Larry's sons: Steven Davidsen, Larry Davidsen, Wade Davidsen, Eddie Davidsen, Donnie Davidsen and Regan Taylor. Honorary Casketbearers will be his daughters: Lori DeShaw, Darcie Davidsen and Doree Thilmony. Ushers will be Richard Cayko and Arnold Huether. Interment will be in the Fairview cemetery, under the direction of Fulkerson Funeral Home, Sidney.
Larry A. Davidsen was born on Dec. 17, 1936, in Fairview, to parents, Glenn A. and Esther Florence (Barnhart) Davidsen. Larry attended Fairview Schools, graduating from Fairview High School with the Class of 1954. After high school Larry enlisted in the U.S. Army. After his discharge Larry went to Billings Business College and then worked for the Pierce Packing Co. in Billings. On May 29, 1963, Larry was united in marriage to JoAnn Esser in Absarokee. They lived one year in Billings before moving to Fairview where Larry worked with his father in Davidsen Hardware. JoAnn died Sept. 23, 1993. Larry continued to live in Fairview. On Dec. 31, 1998, he was united in marriage to Pat Knels at the Zion Lutheran Church, Fairview.
Larry was very active in the community where he served as a volunteer fireman and was active in the Chamber of Commerce. He especially enjoyed sports and was an avid sports fan. He played pool, basketball, baseball, bowling and golf. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and loved the outdoors.
Larry died Saturday, Jan. 2, 1999, at the Sidney Health Center.
Larry is survived by his wife, Pat of Fairview; five sons, Steven Davidsen of Helena, Larry Davidsen and Melody of Fairview; Wade Davidsen of Fairview; Eddie Davidsen and Meri of Fort Collins, Colo., and Donnie Davidsen and Rhonda of Saskatoon, Sask; three daughters, Lori DeShaw of Billings, Darcie Davidsen of Bozeman and Doree and Mike Thilmony of Fort Morgan, Colo.; three stepsons, John Knels of Fairview; Don Knels of Fairview; David Knels of Minot, N.D.; a stepdaughter Julie Ann Klein of Fairview; a sister, Cheryl Cox of Farmington N.M.; cousins, Doris Taylor, Fairview and Eileen Kountz, Bozeman; and 27 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, JoAnn, and grandson, Jordan Davidsen.
Daniel Drazich
LEWISTOWN - Daniel Drazich, 75, died Saturday, Jan. 2, 1999, at a Lewistown nursing home of cancer.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, at the Montana Mental Health Chapel with interment in the Lewistown City cemetery. The Cloyd Funeral Home is in charge.
Harold George Frey
SHEPHERD - Harold George "Tuffy" Frey, age 82, of Shepherd passed away on Jan. 2, 1999. Tuffy was born Dec. 7, 1916, to Henry H. Frey and Tina Frey on the Hoskins Basin just north of Billings.
He moved with the family from Hoskins Basin to the Frey Homestead in Shepherd in 1929. After the passing of his father in 1962, Tuffy purchased the home place and operated the farming and cattle business until it sold in 1969. He then purchased his present place working it until his retirement in 1996.
During his life, he acquired the nickname of "Tuffy" for some of his youthful actions. He herded sheep and tended to other sheep herders in the Three Forks and Gallatin area at the age of 17. Working and saving his money in a Red Velvet Tobacco can, he returned home and purchased cattle. Tuffy was considered to be a good judge of cattle and always seemed to know when to buy and sell for the better prices. Tuffy was always surrounded with animals, especially horses and dogs of which his favorites were "Black Beauty" his horse and "Nickie" his dog. He also enjoyed fellowshipping and spending time with people along with reading his Bible. Tuffy felt that a "stranger" was just a friend he hadn't yet met.
Tuffy was preceded in death by his parents, Henry H. and Tina Frey, and a sister, Ethel McDermott and her husband, Ed. Remaining family are a brother, Herman K. Frey and wife, Mickey; sisters, Elsie Jansma and husband, Ted, Betty Pinnick and husband, Roy. He will also be missed by nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles, and many family friends.
Visitations will begin Tuesday morning at the Smith Downtown Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 6, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Shepherd with interment to follow at the Shepherd cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Shepherd.
Smith Downtown Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Rudolph O. Gramm
MILES CITY - Rudolph O. "Rudy" Gramm, 79, died Friday, Jan. 1, 1999, at his home.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7, in the Chapel of Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home with interment in the family lot in the Custer County cemetery.
Beata M. Gumpf
Beata M. Gumpf, 92, of 3940 Rimrock Road, passed away Sunday, Jan. 3, 1999, at St. John's Lutheran Home. She was born April 13, 1906, in Cheboygan, Mich., the sixth child of Jacob and Beata Marie Reinhardt, and grew up in Sheboygan, Wis.
She was married
to Ralph E. Gumpf on April 10, 1929, in Washington, D.C. The couple also lived in Chicago for two years before coming to Billings in 1942. Beata attended George Washington University and later received a bachelor of elementary education from Eastern Montana College of Education. She was the first teacher of Trinity Lutheran Christian Day School when it opened in 1955, and taught 11 years in the Billings School District from 1956 until retirement in 1966.
She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she served in many capacities, especially the Lutheran Women's Missionary League at the local and state levels.
Beata was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph, and is survived by two sons, Ralph Jr. (Dian) of Madison, Wis., and David J. (Janice) of Riverside, Calif., and four grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7, in Trinity Lutheran Church, 537 Grand Ave. Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, St. John's Lutheran Home, or to the charity of your choice.
