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Frank Weedman
Frank Allen Weedman passed away Nov. 22, 2002, in Seattle, Wash., due to complications with a recent illness.
Frank was a gentle, kind man, good father and loving husband who had a gift of being able to make friends wherever he went. He will be missed by those who knew him.
Frank was born in Harlowton on Oct. 13, 1923, to Helen Frisby Weedman and Henry Stanley Weedman. In 1941, Frank graduated from Shawmut High School. Shortly after graduation, he attended Kinman Business College in Spokane, Wash.
One year later, Frank joined the Army Air Corps and took pilot training in San Antonio, Texas. Frank was assigned to the European Theater, 414 Bombardment, as a navigator and he was wounded by flak during one of the 51 missions he flew over Germany and North Africa during WWII. He was awarded the Purple Heart and the Air Medal with Four Oak Leaf Clusters. After Frank flew his missions in Europe, he returned to Texas and took pilot training until his discharge from the Army Air Corps in 1945.
Frank continued his formal education at the University of Montana where he graduated with a degree in education in 1949. He taught school at Highwood and coached high school basketball. Five years later Frank started his career in insurance. Initially Frank was with Calvert Fire Insurance out of Las Vegas, and he was eventually assigned to the Boise office. It was here that Frank met his wife, Peggy Pyle, and they were married
in McCall, Idaho, on Sept. 20, 1952.
In 1954, Frank and Peg were transferred to Great Falls. In 1957, Frank went to work for State Farm. Frank worked for State Farm 29 years until he retired in 1985. During his years with State Farm, the family lived in Great Falls, Salem, Ore., and back to Great Falls. At the time of his retirement, Frank was chief claims adjuster for State Farm in the Great Falls office. In 1989, Frank and Peg moved to Helena.
Montana was always home for Frank because he loved the outdoors. When possible, he spent his spare time hunting or fishing. He was an avid re-loader and fly fisherman. He spent many a day with family and friends listening to college football games on the radio while driving to his favorite spots.
During these trips Frank enjoyed discussing family and Montana history. For those of us who did not have his experiences, it was a lesson on how things have changed, and yet, how things have not changed. During these times, those of us who had the fortune to spend a day with Frank would learn a little about life and history, as well as get in some hunting or fishing. It was the very best way to spend a day.
He was preceded in death by his twin sister, Lutie Margaret Strand, and brother, Henry Stanley Weedman. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Peggy; his daughter Amy and her husband, Richard Budde, Helena; his daughter Valerie Weedman, Helena; sons Gordon Weedman of Port Huron, Mich., and Jack Weedman, Riverton, Wyo.; and grandchildren Caitlin Budde and Hanna Weedman.
Memorial services will be held Friday, Nov. 29, at 11 a.m., at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Helena. The family suggests memorials to the St. Paul's Methodist Church Building Fund, 505 Logan, Helena, MT 59601.
Robert J. Nelson
A memorial service for Robert J. "Bob" Nelson of Wisdom will be held Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 2 p.m. at the Wisdom Community Building in Wisdom. Interment will follow in the Wisdom cemetery. A potluck lunch will be served following the services.
Bob was born May 5, 1918, in Wisdom to John and Marie (Hansen) Nelson. He attended schools in West Fox, Wisdom, and in 1936 graduated from Beaverhead County High School in Dillon. He spent four years in the U.S. Army in northern Africa and Italy. He returned to the family ranch in the Big Hole Basin. Bob died at the age of 84, on July 9, 2002, in Deer Lodge.
Survivors include his brother Ejnar Nelson; sister-in-law Mae Nelson; and nephew John H. Nelson, all of Wisdom; and niece Donna Gilman of Garrison. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Harold Nelson.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Wisdom Fire and Ambulance departments or a charity of choice in Bob's name.
Halle Suero
Mahalia Annalisa Noelle Suero, born on March 3, 2001, passed away in the arms of her beloved grandfather on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2001. She was the most beautiful baby in the world and brought nothing but sunshine and happiness to her family. We know that she was an angel from Heaven that God lent to us for a short time.
She is survived by her mommy and daddy: Ignacio and Michelle Suero; her loving big brothers: Gabriel, Caeden and Ignacio Jr. Suero; Grandparents: Warren and Shirley Lavinder of Helena and Agustin and Ana Suero of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; aunts and uncles: Larry and Marie Lavinder of Helena, Kim and Steve Dyrdahl of San Diego, Calif., Stephanie Lavinder of Helena, Raphael and Teresa Suero of New York, many more aunts, uncles and cousins.
We now have the most precious of Angels watching over us.
Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, Nov. 6 at 1:00 p.m. from Hagler-Anderson Chapel with the Rev. Steve Moody officiating.
William 'Bill' Lee
William Harry Lee died Oct. 31, 2001, in Helena. He was born May 22, 1923, in Butte.
Most of Bill's education was in Sheridan, Wyo. He joined the U.S. Army in 1940 and became a member of the 2nd Battalion of the 322nd Infantry Division. He was honorably discharged in 1946 having earned the Medal of Good Conduct, American Service Medal, American Defense Service Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon and Bronze Star.
He continued his education after his military service, taking courses in management from Montana State University.
In 1946 he began his 36-year career with the Mountain Bell Telephone Company in Sidney, Mont., and was transferred in 1955 to Glasgow where he was plant facilities supervisor. In 1969, he and his family were transferred to Helena where he worked as the manager for materials and auto operations until his retirement in 1982.
Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing and boating. He deeply loved his family and immensely enjoyed spending time with them.
He was a member of the Helena Church of the Nazarene where he faithfully attended for 32 years. While living in Glasgow he attended the Nazarene Church, was a little league baseball team manager, a member of the Lions Club for five years, was a member of Toastmasters for 2 years and served as the Chapter Chairman for the American Red Cross.
He married
the love of his life, Irene Albright on Nov. 29, 1946, in Billings.
Survivors include his wife Irene, son, David (Dave) Lee and wife, Theresa of Highlands Ranch, Colo.; daughter, Alice (Ali) Tiegs of Hagerman, Idaho; six grandchildren, Patrick Robbins, Rhonda Tonole, Hollie Benton, Tammie Collom, Krista Goranson and Derek Lee and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by Harry "Hank" Lee of Billings.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Betty Robbins, of Yakutat, Alaska; parents, Harry and Beatrice Lee; brothers, half-brother LeRoy Casey and half-sister Lenora Williams; sisters, Betty Bryson and Alyce Miller.
Visitation will be from 1 to 8 p.m. today, Nov. 4, 2001, at Retz Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 5, 2001, at the Church of Nazarene with Military Graveside services to follow at the Montana State Veterans cemetery.
Memorials may be sent to: Runge Scholarship Memorial, Northwest Nazarene University, Nampa, Idaho, 83686.
Lester H. Slenes
Lester Hans Slenes, 86, of Great Falls, formerly of Helena, died Friday, Nov. 15, 2002, in a care facility in Great Falls.
He was born June 29, 1916, in Corbin, Mont., to Henry Slenes, Sr. and Albertina Lofgren Slenes. After graduation from high school, Lester entered the U.S. Army on Sept. 30, 1941, in Missoula and served in the 54th Fighter Squadron. He was honorably discharged Dec. 22, 1945, at Fort Lewis, Wash.
Lester married
Marie Bridges in 1946 in Helena. One daughter, Margie, was born to this marriage. Marie preceded him in death in 1967. Lester worked for the United States Postal Service from 1946 to 1972.
Lester was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, a member of King Solomon #9 A.F. & A.M., The Scottish Rite Bodies, Algeria Shrine and a dual member of Josephine Hepner Chapter #89 and Past Patron of Mountain Star Orders of Eastern Star.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Albert Slenes and Henry Slenes, Jr., both of whom died in 1966.
Lester is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Margie and Chuck Stein of Great Falls; grandchildren, Catherine Gray and her husband Michael of Pottsboro, Texas; Anne Stein of Great Falls; Charles 'Chip' Stein, III of Great Falls; great-grandchildren, Michael Gray, Jr. and Darlene Gray, both of Pottsboro, Texas.
Viewing hours will begin at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18, at Retz Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, at the Retz Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. George Harper and Officers of Josphine Hepner Chapter #89 Order of Eastern Star will preside. Interment with military honors by the Lewis & Clark Veterans Council and Officers of the King Solomon #9 A.F. & A.M. will follow at Forestvale cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Shriner's Hospital for Children, c/o Algeria Shrine, P.O. Box 1174, Helena, MT 59624 and/or to the Masonic Home of Montana, 2010 Masonic Home Rd., Helena, MT 59602.
Allen Huizinga
Allen Ray Huizinga, 45, died peacefully in his sleep Thursday evening.
Allen was born Dec. 25, 1956, in Butte to Marge and Eldon Huizinga. Allen worked at the Montana Developmental Center in Boulder for many years. He then moved to Helena to be closer to his parents.
He was preceded in death by a brother and both parents.
Survivors include four brothers; two sisters; his special friend, Pam Fasano of Helena and numerous nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place. Allen will be buried at the Mountain View cemetery in Butte. Family services are pending. Memorials to the donor's choice.
Edith Lane
Longtime Helena resident, Edith Olive Lane, passed away Nov. 15, 2002, at the Big Sky Care Center of complications following a fall. She was born on March 9, 1915, to Alexander and Jennie (Highsted) Swanson at the family farm in Bridger Canyon near Bozeman. Her first grade was in a one-room country school, the Upper Bridger School. The family then moved to Bozeman where she attended grade school and high school, graduating from Gallatin High School in 1934. She then graduated from Montana State University in 1939 with a degree in business administration. She was a member of the Kappa Delta Sorority. After college, she worked as a secretary in Bozeman and Helena, including what was then called the Montana Welfare Department. Edith and William A. Lane were married
in Bozeman on June 27, 1942. Shortly following their marriage, Bill entered the Navy during World War II. They lived for a time in San Diego, Calif., where Bill was stationed until he was sent to the South Pacific Theater.
She was preceded in death by her husband; a sister, Frances and brothers, Frank, Andrew and Norman, who was killed in World War II.
She is survived by sons Bob Lane of Helena, Bill Lane of Golden Colo., and their families; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a sister, Betty McGiffin of Helena; a niece, Virginia Dahl of Bozeman and great-nieces and nephews.
Edith was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church where she was in Mariners and Circle. The church was a central focus in her life. She was also a member of the Helena Homemakers Extension Club for many years and alongtime member of the Josephine Hepner Chapter #89 Order of Eastern Star.
Church members, family, friends and caregivers were especially important and sustaining to Edith in her last years and, in particular, the last months when their comforting support was vital.
The family wishes to acknowledge the professional and compassionate treatment and care given to Edith by her doctors and the nurses, therapists and staff of St. Peter's Hospital during her last two illnesses and by the nurses, therapists and staff of Big Sky Care Center during her last months.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, at First Presbyterian Church. Memorials in Edith's name are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church, 535 N. Ewing, Helena, MT 59601. Retz Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.
ROY L. ROWSEY
Roy L. Rowsey, 56, of the Deer Lodge Valley passed away on Feb. 22, 2001, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula.
Roy was born on April 11, 1944, in Havre to Glenn and Dorothy (Porter) Rowsey. Roy grew up ranching, hunting, fishing and trapping in the Big Hole Valley.
On Nov. 2, 1962, Roy married
Peggy J. Smallwood in Anaconda. Roy worked as a sheet metal worker in Anaconda, Butte, Missoula and Bozeman before settling in Helena in 1968. Roy worked at American Sheet Metal and Roofing Inc. as a sheet metal worker prior to purchasing the business in 1976. In 1995 Roy and Peg moved to a small ranch in the Deer Lodge valley.
Roy enjoyed life to the fullest and could do anything. He was a pilot and had his own airstrip at his home in Helena and the ranch in Deer Lodge. Roy loved the ranching life, taking care of horses and cows. He was a creative man and always liked building projects and helping family and friends. In 1994 he and his family built a cabin in the Big Hole Valley. Roy enjoyed hunting, fly fishing and teaching his grandchildren to love the outdoors. He enjoyed playing cards and games with family and friends.
Roy was preceded in death by his father, Glenn; brother, Ray; and mother-in-law, Betty Lou Smallwood.
Roy is survived by his wife, Peg; son, Roger of Helena, son and daughter-in-law, Russ and Patty of Helena; grandchildren, Rachael, Ross, Reid, Rick and Rylan; mother, Dorothy of Butte; sister, Darlene and husband, Jerry Harpster of Butte; sister, Glenna and husband, Don Waltee of Whitehall; brother, Ralph of Wasilla, Alaska; father-in-law, Preston Smallwood of Helena; sister-in-law, Nelda and husband, Ken Clawson of Helena; sister-in-law, Betty Jane and husband, Joe Pickett of Vacaville, Calif.; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held this summer at the family cabin in the Big Hole Valley. The family suggests memorials to the Shriner’s’ Children’s Hospitals.
DEWEY 'DUDE' SHANDY
Dewey “Dude” Shandy, age 77, of Helena, died Feb. 25, 2001, from lung cancer at the Rocky Mountain Care Center.
Dewey was born on Feb. 14, 1924, in Broadview, Mont. His family later moved to Joliet when he was a child, they were engaged in farming. He attended various rural schools in the Joliet area.
As a young man he worked in the Billings area. He was drafted into the Army during the Japanese Occupation and recalled into the service during the Korean War.
When discharged, he moved to Lincoln in 1952. In Lincoln he worked as a logger for the Mixer Company. In 1953 he went to work for John A. Thompson & Son of Lincoln as a heavy equipment operator for their logging and mining operation. In 1981 Dewey went to work for Western Fuel Inc. as a fuel truck driver until the time of his death.
Dewey married
Anita M. Thompson on Oct. 16, 1954, in Laurel.
His hobbies were working and visiting with his customers and collecting “stuff.”
Survivors include his wife, Anita of Lincoln; daughter, Cindy Simenson of Lincoln; three sisters, June Regnier of Billings, Nellie Witcher of Joliet, Helen Brown of Forsyth; numerous nieces and nephews and a very special friend, “Grand-Dog” Missi, his constant companion.
Dewey will be missed by all his family and friends.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date. The family would like to suggest memorials be sent to the Lincoln Ambulance Service or the Parker Medical Center in Lincoln. Retz Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.
Robert T. Plunkett
MISSOULA - Robert T. Plunkett, 84, died Friday, April 5, 2002, at his home in Missoula. He was born April 4, 1918, in Grand Forks, N.D., to William and Frances Plunkett. He graduated from high school in Park River, N.D., and earned his degree in mining engineering from the University of North Dakota.
Robert was a veteran of World War II and served with the First Special Service Force (The Devil?s Brigade.) Robert lost a leg in a minefield accident in Anzio in 1944. Like many other members of the FSSF, Robert overcame his handicap and lived a productive life.
Following the war, he married
Janis M. McMahon. He worked as an insurance executive with Glacier General Assurance Co. in Missoula and as a private investor.
Robert was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans. He was a voracious reader with interests ranging from astronomy to the classics. He had a remarkable memory, an enduring gift for humor, a deep interest in the political process and a patriot's love for America.
Survivors include his wife, Janis of Missoula; daughter, Lisa of Missoula; son, Tim (Marti), and grandsons Chad (Lisa) and Andy (Rebecca) and granddaughter Lauren, all of Minnesota.
Funeral services have been held with entombment at the Sunset Memorial cemetery mausoleum.
