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Inez (Pat) McGovern
Inez (Pat) Bernice Rognlie McGovern, 71, passed away peacefully, in her sleep Sunday, Aug. 17, 2003, at Edgewood Vista in Kalispell. She was born in Somers at her grandmother Jacobson's home on Dec. 17, 1931 to Forrest and Gertrude Rognlie.
She spent her childhood playing on the hills around Boon Road and swimming in Flathead Lake. She was confirmed in 1943 at Eidsvold Lutheran Church in Somers. She graduated from Flathead County High School in 1949.
Pat was a natural artist, drawing life like pictures of people. Though she didn't pursue a career as an artist, her gift could be seen in everything she did. She yearned for knowledge and in 1950 attended Northern Montana College in Havre, Montana. Money was tight and a year later she came back to Flathead Valley to find work.
Several years later she moved to Seattle, Wash. She met and married her husband, John McGovern.
In 1964, her only child Michelle was born. Pat was a loving mother
and excellent provider. The family settled north of Seattle in Marysville, Wash. She was hired by Boeing in 1963. She would spend the next 30 years there, always working to expand her knowledge through college courses and on-the-job training. Eventually, she worked her way up to be an electrical engineer. She helped build the first Boeing 747. She was hand-picked to work on Air Force One, the presidential plane. Pat received many accolades during her long career and still managed to be the best loving mother, grandmother and friend anyone could ask for.
Following her retirement in 1993, Pat decided to move back to Somers. She spent her days doing crosswords, taking walks and enjoying her grandchildren. She was the kind of mother, grandmother and friend everyone wants.
In 1998, Pat was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. She began an uncertain journey always facing it with grace. In 2000, Pat moved to Edgewood Vista in Kalispell, a home-like facility specializing in the treatment of dementia. While there, she always had a smile and a laugh to share. She was loved by all who've known her and all who've met her over the years.
Pat was preceded in death by her ex-husband John McGovern; and father, Forrest Rognlie. She is survived by her daughter Michelle McGovern-Ahern and her husband Todd; grandchildren Megan and Kian Ahern, all of Somers; mother, Gertrude Rognlie of Kalispell; sister, Ellen Poier and husband Stan of Kalispell; and brother, Paul Rognlie and wife Lamoyne of Boise, Idaho.
Pat's wish was to be cremated. A celebration of her life will take place on Rognlie's Island in Somers on Saturday, Aug. 23. Pastor Wayne Pris of Eidsvold will officiate. Family and friends are invited to share a dish and a memory about Pat. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that a donation be made in Pat's name to the National Alzheimer's Association at 225 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1700, Chicago, Ill., 60601-7633. Please specify "for research."
Arrangements were under the direction of Buffalo Hill Funeral Home.
Scott Christian Levengood
Scott Christian Levengood passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2003, at his home in Lower Valley with his family at his side. He was 41-years-old, but lived a life full enough to fill 80 years. Scott was born in Butte on July 30, 1962, to Chris and Arlene Levengood. He attended grade school at Somers and barely graduated from Flathead High School in 1980. He married Karla Rose of Columbia Falls in 1985.
Scott worked various jobs for a few years, but his real career began on his 21st birthday. With his dad, they purchased the old Hacienda and turned it into Scotty's Bar. Scott was a bartender, sometimes a cook, mostly a gambler, but always a friend. Family and friendships were his finest treasures, but trap shooting was his life. Scott was the finest trap shooter to come from the state of Montana. In the years from 1988 to 2002, even while battling cancer, Scott became the most prolific winner of Montana titles in Montana history. In 1999 Scott had the high handicap average for the nation. Enjoying a successful trap shooting career prompted Scott to share his passion with others. He followed his dreams and built Scotty's Shooting Ranch. At his ranch he taught people the art of shooting, playing cards and living life to the fullest. His two sons, Chris, 16, and Zane, 14, were his constant companions and well on their way to following in their dad's footsteps.
Scott leaves a large loving family all living in the Flathead. He is survived by his wife Karla; three wonderful children, Amanda, Chris, and Zane; his parents, Chris and Arlene Levengood; four sisters, Sandy and Randy O'Connell, Christine and Steve Blair, Debbie and Joe Sidor, and Laurie and Lowell Panasuk. He is also survived by the best little brother in the world, Abe Levengood and his wife, Heather; mother-in-law, Lois Rose; brothers-in-law, Dave and Rodger Rose and their special friend Maura O'Halloran; nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.
A Rosary service was held at St. Matthew's Catholic Church. Mass of the Resurrection on Saturday, Aug. 16, at St. Richard's Catholic Church in Columbia Falls with Father Vic Langhans as celebrant. Burial followed at the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell. The family suggests memorial gifts be given to the Scott Levengood Memorial Fund, Box 2334, Kalispell, MT 59903.
Arrangements were under the direction of Johnson Mortuary & Crematory.
Dorothy Mae Vinnedge
Dorothy Mae Vinnedge, 93, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2003, at Lake View Care Center in Bigfork. She was born on March 10, 1910 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, to Rex and Zula (Good) Henry.
Farming was going to be the family livelihood therefore, they moved from Pennsylvania to New York state in 1922. Here, she met her future husband, Ellsworth. The Vinnedges were looking at a farm to buy and Dorothy "Robin" was sitting in an apple tree and met her "Boy to Be."
After graduating from McGraw High School in New York and while attending nurses training to become a registered nurse, she met Ellsworth again, and they were married April 27, 1931. Their marriage lasted 69 years.
Dorothy was a member of ALA Post 86, Bigfork, and the Cortland Memorial Hospital Alumnae, New York. Along with her years of nursing, owning a meat market, a sawmill, a mason for brick, block and rock, with house building, rabbits, dogs, and farm animals, the Vinnedges experiences grew and expanded. Dorothy always had time to help others.
After World War II, they traveled extensively through the original 48 states, and claimed Arizona and Oregon as home for the next 40 years. Bigfork was home from 1949 to 1965, and from 2000-2003.
Dorothy was always a tender-loving care person and every place they settled, she always found those older people who needed assistance. Mail runs, grocery stores, doctors or such, she was always there for them.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Ellsworth, and her sister Ruth. She is survived by her son, Wallace Vinnedge and Joan of Somers; five grandchildren, Steven, Pamela, Paula, Lydia and Harold; nine great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandson.
A graveside urn burial will be held at a later date at the Lone Pine Cemetery in Bigfork.
Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson Mortuary & Crematory.
Montana 'Monty' James Barnard, Sr.
Montana "Monty" James Barnard, Sr., 88, passed away on Monday, August 18, 2003, in Bigfork. He was born March 31, 1915 in Leedy to John Osmond and Virginia Florence (Banks) Barnard.
Monty attended various schools in his early years and graduated from high school in Malta. He worked as an electrician on Fort Peck Dam until 1936. He then moved to Polson where he worked for his father and many other jobs.
Monty is preceded in death by his wife, Orlena; and two grandchildren, Karon Lea Caverly and Timothy James Barnard. He is survived by two sons: Montana James Barnard, Jr. of Deer Park, Wash. and Robert Dean Barnard of Laurel; two daughters: Floretta Lucille (Barnard) Caverly of Bigfork, and Alice May Lee (Barnard) Clark of Hungry Horse; brother Eldon Barnard of Hinsdale; sister Flora McNeil of Yarnell, Arizona; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren ; and numerous nieces and nephews.
No services will be held for Monty. Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson Mortuary & Crematory.
Alton 'Al' W. Jennings
Alton "Al" Wesley Jennings, 83, an avid private pilot for 65 years, died at his home in Bigfork on Wednesday, July 30, 2003. He was born May 11, 1920 in Alameda, Calif. to Charles and Hazel (Ellery) Jennings. Al was proud of his heritage as the fourth great-grandson of William Ellery, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. His family history inspired him to delve into his genealogy and traced the Ellery ancestry back to the Mayflower. A legacy he proudly left for his family.
On Dec. 7, 1946, Al married the love of his life, Cecilia "Ceal" Oswald in Alameda, Calif. They continued to reside in California before moving to Bigfork 12 years ago.
During World War II, he became a captain in the Army Air Corps, instructing glider pilots who ferried troops behind German enemy lines. In later years, he and his wife traveled to Germany several times, where they became friends with German Army glider pilots.
Al was a member of the National World War II Glider Pilots Association, Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Quiet Birdmen, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the Montana Pilot's Association, and the International Cessna 170 Association. Al finally "hung up his helmet and goggles" and sold his prized Cessna 170B, hangared at Ferndale Airport, which was the other "love of his life" for over 30 years.
He was a member of St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Kalispell and St. Catherine's in Bigfork. He was active in the Bigfork Community Players.
Al's wonderful sense of humor, endless repertoire of jokes and story telling will be missed by his family and many friends.
He is survived by his wife, Ceal, three daughters and one granddaughter: Jane Jennings of Riverside, Calif.; Joani Eisentraut, her husband William "Ike", and daughter Cayce of Columbia Falls; and Rose "Pinkie" Cutrone and her husband Lazzaro "Larry" of Bridgewater, N.J. He is also survived by his nephew, Jay Alton Jennings, his wife Jane, and two nieces, all of California; and a sister-in-law, nephew and two nieces, all of Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Jessica Ellery Eisentraut.
Visitation at the Buffalo Hills Funeral Home in Kalispell. August 6, from 5-7 p.m., was followed by the recitation of the Rosary. The funeral Mass celebration will be held at St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Kalispell today, Aug. 7, at 12:10 p.m. with Father Vic Langhans as the celebrant. Al will be laid to rest in the Montana Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison (near Helena) with full military honors on Friday, Aug. 8, at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in Al's name to St. Matthew's Catholic Church, 602 S. Main St., Kalispell, MT 59901 or Home Options Hospice, 175 Cameron Loop, No. 100, Kalispell, MT 59901.
Buffalo Hill Funeral home is caring for the family
Marie Magdalene Christensen Day
Marie Magdalene Christensen Day, 72, passed away on Saturday, July 12, 2003, at her home in Somers.
She was born on Jan. 8, 1931, in Kalispell, to Jens Nelson and Susan Marie (Coram) Christensen. Marie grew up in Somers above the fish hatchery on Spring Creek Road. She attended area schools and continued her education at college in Havre.
On June 30, 1952, she married John V. Day in Missoula. After a year in Washington state the Days resided in Pablo for a short time before settling in Somers.
Marie raised five children and became an avid knitter, pursuing several different methods of knitting. She also enjoyed reading, gardening and playing pinochle with her friends. She was a friend and mentor to many and a member of the Flathead Lake Lions.
Marie was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and two brothers, Martin and Jens.
She is survived by five children, Verna M. Day of Kalispell, John M. Day of Somers, Marguerite S. Whitted of Maple Valley, Wash., Joyce C. Day of Somers, and David Patrick Day of Covington, Wash.; one brother, August Morton Christensen of Kalispell; grandchildren, Adam Buntain, Clea Buntain, Sabrina Day, Justin Whitted; and numerous other relatives.
Memorial services were July 18, at Johnson Mortuary with Pastor Steven Snipstead officiating.
The family suggests memorial gifts be given to the Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation, P.O. Box 1266, Forsyth, MT 59327; to Hospice, 175 Commons Loop, Kalispell, MT 59901; or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson Mortuary and Crematory.
Donald K. Peterson
Donald K. Peterson, 76, of Bigfork died of natural causes Friday, June 13, 2003, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. Born in Cut Bank on Nov. 13, 1926 to Emma and Carl William Peterson, Don was the youngest of nine children.
A graduate of Cut Bank High School, Don joined the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. After his military service and a move to Missoula and the University of Montana, he participated in Grizzlies varsity basketball and golf. A life-long sports enthusiast, Don competed most heavily in basketball, golf, fast-pitch softball, and bowling. On Nov. 25, 1949, Don wed Dorothy Marie Eide of Cut Bank.
Peterson's career as an educator and coach began in Florence-Carlton, even before completing his degree in mathematics. Math principles formed the foundations of stellar athletic accomplishments throughout his career. A noted speaker, he lectured on topics from athletic directorship to fundamentals for elementary sports programs. Don earned faculty and/or administrative appointments in Frenchtown, Belt (twice), and Choteau before retirement from Laurel in 1980. Upon retirement, he held the record for the most victories in the history of Montana high school basketball and was honored with enshrinement in the Montana Coaches Hall of Fame.
After retirement from education, Don launched a second career in the crop insurance business. "Pete" sold the insurance business in 1994, then emerged from retirement again to coach Bigfork High School boy's basketball for two years. After involvement in six decades of Montana High School sports, Coach Peterson's storied mentorship concluded in Bigfork in 1996. Active in church and community, his final years were spent in Bigfork with friends and family.
Don is survived by Dorothy, his wife of more than 53 years, and their six children: Ric (Lancaster, Tex.), Lon (Cut Bank), Dee Baxter (Laurel), Rand (Boiling Springs, S.C.), Lori Valgardson (Mount Vernon, Wash.), and Rolf (Laramie, Wyo.). Additionally, he is survived by his sister, Helen Schuette (Cut Bank); 13 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements were through the Bigfork Funeral Home with services at Bethany Lutheran Church in Bigfork at 2 p.m., June 16, 2003, and interment at Crown Hill Cemetery in Cut Bank on June 17. A memorial service in Laurel is planned (date to be announced).
Roy Dean Gilbert
Roy Dean Gilbert of Lolo, Mont., was born Oct. 11, 1959 in Kalispell, Mont.. to Walter and Rose (Shefferd) Gilbert. He passed away on June 8, 2003 after being involved in a motorcycle accident near Florence, Mont.
Roy was raised in Kalispell, attended Demersville School and graduated from Flathead High School in 1977. In 1980, Roy married Mary Heston, and in 1981 they had a son, Treavor.
From the time Roy could walk, he went to the woods with his father who was a lifelong woods worker. Roy followed in his father's footsteps and was an avid outdoorsman and logger. Through years of hard work, Roy formed a logging company called GW Logging with his lifelong friends Orville Wise and Barry Smith. He was at his best with a fishing pole in his hand, boating and camping, riding his Harley, and goofing off with his son and friends.
Roy was preceded in death by his father and best friend, Wally Gilbert in 1993. He is survived by his mother Rose Gilbert of Kalispell, his son and daughter-in-law Treavor and Kristin Gilbert of Seattle, Wash., his sister and brother-in-law Debbie and Jim Thompson of Bigfork, half-brothers Gary Gilbert of Kalispell,and Jay Gilbert, his half-sister Gloria Gilbert; Roy's nieces and nephews including Frank Gilbert, Tia Yaryan, Jaine Thompson, TJ Thompson, Beth Smith, Jamie Karlan, and cousin Ron Profitt who was like a brother. He is also survived by many special friends, co-workers, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Roy's passing will leave a void in many people's hearts. His presence and personality touched many people around him and he will always be fondly remembered and greatly missed. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday June 13, 2003 at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home in Kalispell, Mont. Burial followed at Glacier Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.
Allajune Meeks Apt
Allajune (Terry) Meeks Apt, age 77, of Winter Haven, Florida, died June 2, 2003 in Greensboro, N. C. She was born Dec. 1, 1925, in Joliet, Ill. A loving mother, Terry was a constant in all her children's activities. She served as a community volunteer in many areas, including Girl Scouts, literacy action programs, and food drives. She was preceded in death by Walter O. Apt, her husband of 48 years.
Survivors include children Lucinda A. Wall, Greensboro, N.C.; Walter O. Apt Jr., Marietta, Ga.; Susan D. Ellison, Swan Lake, Mont.; Anne L. Apt, Knoxville, Tenn.; C. Melissa Apt Massat-Bourrat, St. Affrique, France; Kathryn A. Pindzola, Johnson City, Tenn.; grandchildren Lora Anderson, Christopher Smith, Eric Ellison, Elizabeth Ellison, and William O. Apt; and three great-grandchildren.
A service will be held June 9 at Marietta National Cemetery, Marietta, Ga. Memorial gifts may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Ave, Greensboro, or Hospice at Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital, 1220 N. Elm St, Greensboro.
