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DALE W. COWGER
Dale W. Cowger, 79, of Billings, died unexpectedly on Friday, Feb. 20, 2004 due to complications following surgery.
A memorial service was held Feb. 25 at Faith Chapel, followed by a luncheon reception.
Dale was born in Red Lodge to Jessie and Vern Cowger on Nov. 21, 1924. He attended grade school in the one-room Hogan School eight miles west of Red Lodge. He grew up on the ranch near there, and graduated from Carbon County High School in 1942. Dale entered military service during World War II as Pfc with the Army Air Corps. Following his discharge he met his sweetheart, Betty, at Natali’s Cafe in Red Lodge in 1945, and was married Sept. 14, 1946. They were married for 57 years.
Dale and Betty left the ranch in 1953 with two daughters (Ginger and Jane), and a third child on the way. Her sister-in-law gave Betty orders to bring back a red-headed boy, which she did (Dana). Dale began working for the Yellow Cab Company as a taxi driver. Dale also worked several years as a salesman for Northern American Van Lines. He then went to work for the Yellowstone County Clerk of Court. He later became purchasing agent for the county, and also headed up and designed the county’s program for clearing unwanted abandoned vehicles from the county. He held both these jobs until his retirement in 1986. Dale and Betty, who worked for the U.S. Geological Survey, retired on the same day in March 1986 to spend their retirement years together.
Dale always took pride in his work, whatever it was. Even as a taxi driver, frequent patrons would request him. His son, Dana, recalls the time when he went on a camping trip with his buddies and forgot to do his paper route. When the phone began ringing, Dale went after Dana and hiked to the camping spot and took him back to deliver the newspapers. Even so, he helped Dana deliver the papers. Later that evening, Dale’s soft heart got to him and he took Dana back so he could finish his camping adventure. Dana has never forgotten that incident, and his dad’s work ethic yet tender heart.
Dale was a loyal and faithful father, husband and friend. He was an avid pool player. He loved flying radio controlled airplanes. He had many friends and enjoyed life to the fullest. He was energetic, enthusiastic and had a “can do” approach to getting things done. If you needed help, Dale was there.
Dale and Betty moved into a new house and enjoyed their last two years together there.
His brother, Norman, and daughter, Virginia, preceded Dale in death. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Betty; his daughter, Jane (Ken) Heidner of Wolf Point; his son, Dana (Susan) of Spokane, Wash.; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren (and two more on the way).
He will be missed by his family and friends.
THOMAS W. KERSICH
RED LODGE – Thomas W. Kersich, 86, of Red Lodge, passed away Wednesday evening, February 18, 2004 at his home.
Tom was born on December 11, 1917 in Red Lodge, a son of John and Veronica Kersich. He was educated in Red Lodge and later in Detroit, Michigan where he graduated from high school in 1934. He returned to Red Lodge in 1935 and worked at various jobs until being inducted into the U.S. Army in 1942. Tom served in North Africa, Sicily and in Europe until the end of World War II.
After his discharge, Tom returned to Red Lodge and worked as a carpenter in the Billings area until retiring in 1980. He loved the mountains and the outdoors, and spent much of his leisure time hunting and fishing. Mr. Kersich was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the B.P.O.E. Lodge #394, both of Billings.
He was preceded in death by four brothers, Joe, John, Nick and Pete Kersich, and by one sister, Mary Kersich.
Survivors include one brother, Albert T. (JoAnne) Kersich of Billings; two nephews, Timothy (Katrina) Kersich of Salem, OR, and Larry (LaVonne) Kersich of Henderson, NV; and one niece, Patti (Rusty) Gilbert of Hood River, OR.
A vigil service with rosary was held at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23 in St. Agnes Catholic Church. Funeral mass was celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24 in the church. Burial with military honors was in the Red Lodge Cemetery. Smith-Olcott Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be given to the B.P.O.E. Lodge 394 Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 20302, Billings, MT 59104.
Kathren Peterman
Kathren (Kathy) Peterman of Nome, Alaska, born Feb. 13, 1938, passed on to meet her God June 13, 2003, in Seattle, Wash.
Her devoted son fulfilled her wish three days before her death by taking her to her birthplace, Anacortes, Wash.
She lived and went to school in Whitefish. For a number of years she lived in Seattle. After moving back to Whitefish, she worked in Casey's and the Best Bet.
She lived her last few years in Nome, Alaska.
She is survived by her devoted son, Mike Julum and his wife Jill, who was very supportive and caring; her loving and precious daughter, Lindsay and husband Matt of Scottsdale, Ariz.; her daughter, Ursula; two nieces, Terrie of Eureka; Becky and her husband, Faisal of Amity, Ore.; great niece, Haylie of Whitefish; and great nephew, Myles of Eureka; one sister, Margaret Truax (Sis) of Whitefish, who will keep Kathren close to her heart until they meet again.
Alda Marie Ottero
RED LODGE – Alda Marie Ottero, 86, of Red Lodge, died Thursday, February 19, 2004 in Billings.
Alda was born on October 26, 1917 in the mining town of Rico, Colorado, high up in the Rocky Mountains. Her parents, Giacomo Ottero and Domenica Carlivato, came from Italy and met in Rico. Alda was 3 years old when the Ottero family traveled by train to Red Lodge, Montana for the wedding of Uncle Frank Carlivato in 1921. The Ottero’s liked Red Lodge so much they decided to stay, and on September 11, 1921, Alda’s brother, Remo Frank was born.
Alda graduated from Carbon County High School in 1936 and went to Denver, Colorado where she attended and graduated from Denver University with a teaching degree. During this time, Alda had a sweetheart. He went off to battle in World War II, and he didn’t return.
She returned to Montana in the spring of 1943 and began her 40-year teaching career at Bearcreek. Alda also taught in Red Lodge and Billings. She was awarded Teacher of the Year for the state of Montana. Alda was a member and past president of the Italian Victory Girls, and was the last board member of the Red Lodge Mausoleum Association before operation of the mausoleum was assumed by the City of Red Lodge a few years ago.
After retirement Alda helped many friends do their errands around Red Lodge and Billings because she still drove her little blue car with the AMO plates. She last drove her car on Monday, February 16.
She is missed by many loved ones and friends.
Alda was preceded in death by her parents, Giacomo and Domenica; and by her brother Remo, and his wife Eleanor. She is survived by a cousin, Alba Rodeghiero of Littleton, CO; nephews Jack and Richard of Denver, CO, and Michael of Payson, AZ; and niece, Jean Ottero-Skeens of Fort Collins, CO; numerous great-nieces and great-great nieces, and one great-great nephew, all of Colorado.
A Memorial Mass was held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 25 at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Red Lodge. Cremation has taken place and entombment of the urn was in the Red Lodge Mausoleum. Memorials may be given to the Steven T. Marchello Scholarship Fund to benefit childhood survivors of cancer at Wells Fargo Bank West, Southglenn Branch, Attn. Eric Brakowski, 2350 E. Arapahoe Rd., Centennial, Colorado 80122. Smith-Olcott Funeral Chapel of Red Lodge was entrusted with the arrangements.
NORMA CRUMBACHER
Norma Aino Crumbacher, 76, passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2004 in her home in Billings, Montana. She was born June 19, 1927 to John and Nelma Jacobson on a farm near Red Lodge, Montana. She attended schools at Roberts, Fox and Red Lodge. Norma graduated at the age of 16 as Salutatorian for the class of 1944 in Red Lodge.
Norma began her career in the banking business in Cody, Wyoming and later worked for O.P.A. offices of Carbon County during World War II.
On July 21, 1946 Norma married the love of her life, Howard (Bob) Crumbacher in Red Lodge.
Norma had a lengthy career as a legal secretary working for J. H. McALear in Red Lodge, Battin Keefer & Kelly in Billings and for fifteen years with Moulton, Bellingham, Longo & Mather. Norma and Bob worked together, with their daughter, Betty, for over nineteen years as owners of Crumbacher Gallery and Rimrock Art & Frame in Billings.
Among her many talents, Norma played the piano, sang and danced in the Festival of Nations programs from its origination until 1960. Norma was particularly proud of her Finnish heritage and was delighted with her recent trip with Bob to Finland. Norma was an excellent cook, seamstress and needleworker.
Norma looked for only the good in all people, and disliked gossip of any kind. She was an eternal optimist and never looked back at what might have been.
Norma is survived by her husband Howard of 57 years; daughter Betty (Bill) Spoonemore; and son Jack (Darla) Crumbaker. She also leaves grandsons Jason (Tracey) Spoonemore, Ryan (Jen) Spoonemore and Eric Hancock; granddaughter Shannah Hancock; great- grandchildren Morgan, Rylee, Logan, Emma Nell, Jordan and Colby; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Buzz and Bernice Christiansen and sister-in-law Irene Ollila.
Norma was preceded in passing by her father and mother, brother Eino and sister Toini.
Well done, Mom.
Funeral services for Norma were held Saturday, Feb. 28, 2004 at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd. Interment will be in Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Big Sky Hospice, PO Box 35033, Billings, MT 59107; American Lung Association, 825 Helena Ave., Helena, MT 59601; or a charity of one’s choice.
DEREK BRUCE DEWITT
Billings — Derek Bruce DeWitt, 24, was called Home by His Savior, Jesus Christ, February 22, 2004, in a motorcycle accident. Born December 7, 1979 in Billings, Montana, Derek’s family moved to Midwest, Wyoming when he was a year old. He was home schooled through high school until his 1998 graduation, and was active in the local emergency services. Derek moved to Boyd, Montana that spring to work in his grandfather’s masonry business. He graduated from the Montana Police Academy in Helena in 2000, and was employed by the Joliet Police Department. He also worked part time for the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. He was a volunteer on the Joliet Ambulance and Fire Department.
Derek was formerly married to Alicia Langlois of Joliet. Derek relocated to Billings, where he was employed by the Billings Police Department - Airport Division until his death.
He lived each day a little more fully than most of the rest of us. He brought a high level of energy into the room with him, and was quick to laugh or tell a story. His life was a shooting star - bright and brief.
Derek loved hunting, fly fishing and motorcycles. He enjoyed photography, a circle of close friends, his family and his job.
He is survived by his parents, Everett and Deb DeWitt, brothers Riley and Morgan, and a sister, Casey Layne, in Midwest, Wyoming. He is also survived by his maternal grandfather, Preston Sweeney, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Boyd and Lois DeWitt, his uncle Greg DeWitt, and his maternal grandmother, Betty Sweeney.
Memorial services were held Feb. 25, 2004 at West Side Baptist Church. A private family interment was to take place in Rockvale Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Montana Police Protective Association, 615 S. 16th Ave., Bozeman, MT 59715.
Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.
