Search Archived Marriage Records
John Schmidt
John Schmidt, 91, of Townsend, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2003, at Broadwater Health Center.
John was born May 11, 1912, to Peter and Dora (Fischer) Schmidt in Glen Ullin, North Dakota.
John served his country in the United States Army during WWII. He married
Martha K. Schock on March 19, 1945, in Butte. He was honorably discharged Sept. 19, 1945, and they made their home in Townsend.
He was a member of the Townsend United Methodist Church and the V.F.W. and Broadwater American Legion Post No. 42. John owned and operated the Townsend Standard Service Station for 20 years. He enjoyed fishing. John was known for being able to fix just about anything.
Survivors include his wife, Martha, of Townsend; his brothers, Carl and William, both of Spokane, Wash., Albert of Sun Lakes, Ariz., Bennie of Glen Ullin, N.D., Richard of Ft. Collins, Colo., and Julius of Coeur DAlene, Idaho; and sisters Adeline Dietz of Elgin, N.D., Clara Lester and Lenore Craze, both of Spokane, and Irene Bailie of Cheney, Wash.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Monday, Aug. 11, 2003, at Townsend United Methodist Church with Rev. Michael Hart officiating. Interment will follow at Montana State Veterans cemetery, Ft. Harrison. Connors Funeral Home assisted the family with the services.
Alice M. Van Diest
Alice May Van Diest at the age of 96 years went home to her maker on Aug. 4, 2003. She was born on Oct. 26, 1906, to Mary Matthews Knowles and George E. Knowles in Great Falls.
Alice attended school in Great Falls and graduated from Judith Gap High School. After attending Normal College in Dillon, she taught school at Roy, and Wheatland School between Boulder and Three Forks.
While teaching at Wheatland School she met her mate, Martin Van Diest. They were married
on Feb. 23, 1929, in Bozeman and moved to Helena in 1939.
Martin passed away in December of 1981. She was also preceded in death by a grandson David Sperry, a great-grandson Callin Klimpel, great-great-grandson Dakota Straughn, two sisters and her parents. She is survived by three children, Margaret (Don) Sperry, Stanley (Shirley) Van Diest, and Kay Phipps all of Helena. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 8 at Retz Funeral Home Chapel with interment at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604 or to an organization of the donors choice.
Ruth M. Jordan
Ruth M. Jordan, 88, passed away Aug. 3, 2003, while living at The Waterford. She was born to William R. Jordan and Mabel (Bolstad) Jordan in Luverne, N.D.
Ruth attended high school in Luverne, the State Teachers College in Valley City, N.D., and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Moorhead State University. She did post-graduate work at the University of Montana. She taught school in North Dakota, Wyoming and Helena for 44 years, 32 of them at the Bryant and Ray Bjork schools in Helena, retiring in 1977. She was the "Helena" Teacher of the Year in 1973.
Ruth was active in St. John's Lutheran Church, Alpha Chapter, AAUW, Needlepoint Guild and the International Study Group. She knitted 10-15 baby caps per month for the newborn at St. Peter's Hospital.
From childhood, her aim was to see the world. At one time she counted 48 countries she had visited. Some of the highlights were "helihiking" in the Canadian Rockies, hot air ballooning in Kenya, helicoptering in the Himalayas out of Katmandu and landing at a Sherpa Village, walking on the Great Wall of China, seeing the strange animals in the Galapagos, visiting Machu Picchu in the high Andes of Peru, seeing the Taj Mahal in the moonlight, plus cathedrals and castles in Europe and around the world.
She spent four summers as a Camp Fire Girl Counselor in Camp Tanadoona outside of Minneapolis and at Camp Adahi outside of Birdsboro, Pa. She joined the American Youth Hostels and hiked 50 miles on the Horseshoe and Appalachian Trail to sightsee in Valley Forge.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents and four brothers: twin brother John, and William, Richard and David. She is survived by her long-term friend and fellow teacher, Carolyn Westvelt and her sister-in-law and friend, Alice Jordan. She is also survived by her brother William's children: Noel (Carol) Jordan, Cynthia (Dave) Clausnitzer, William (Diane) Jordan, and Mark (Brenda) Jordan; by her brother Richard's children, John (Carolyn) Jordan, Robert (Kay) Jordan, Celine (Charles) Osborn, Ruthann Jordan and Paula (Kim) Jones; plus 20 grandnieces and grandnephews.
Cremation has taken place, and the ashes will be taken to the family plot at the Luverne, N.D., cemetery. Retz Funeral Home is caring for the arrangements.
A memorial service will be 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, 2003 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Helena with a lunch at The Waterford, 915 Saddle Drive, immediately following.
Kenneth A. Rohyans
Kenneth Arthur Rohyans died Friday, July 25, following a three-month hospitalization in both Salt Lake City and Helena due to medical complications from a difficult hip fracture.
He was 84 years old. Ken was born in Fort Wayne, Ind., to Agnes Ankney and Arthur Vincent Rohyans. The family soon moved to Pittsburgh, Pa., where he completed his education, graduating from high school and becoming a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Ken attended the University of Notre Dame where he played football under Coach Leahy. Because his football and educational experience was interrupted by what he called a "brief altercation, " World War II, he often likened his tenure as center for the Fighting Irish as more "Rudy-like." During his tour of duty he landed with the second wave on Omaha Beach in Normandy. Ken's unit crossed the Rhine into Germany, where he was wounded. After recovery he rejoined his unit and continued fighting until the end of the war. He remained in Germany as part of the American forces liberating prison camps.
Returning to Notre Dame from World War II, he completed his degree in foreign commerce, graduating in 1946. Following graduation Ken joined a former army comrade in his family's box manufacturing business in the northeast. He then relocated to Texas to pursue his love of professional photography. Walking down the street one day he passed the Army recruiter's office and couldn't deny his desire to be part of the Army again. Recognizing a good catch, the recruiter immediately re-enlisted him as staff sergeant - his first step as a career officer. Ken married
Beth Coakley and almost immediately left to serve his country in the Korean War. After his tour in Korea was completed Ken continued to serve in many duty stations in the U.S. and Europe, including Scofield Barracks, Hawaii, and Fort Carson, Colo., where he was a winter mountain training instructor He also served with counterintelligence in New York and Germany. During Ken's tours of duty in WWII and Korea he was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge twice, the Bronze Star twice, the Silver Star, the Purple Heart and numerous Campaign Ribbons including Normandy, German and Korean. He ended his military career with the rank of major and as Commander of the Pocatello Army Reserve Center. In June 2003, Ken received a medal and certificate of appreciation from Montana Gov. Judy Martz, the Montana National Guard and Mr. Byung-fok Moon, former Consul General for the Republic of Korea, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Korean War.
Following his retirement from the Army, Ken was district executive for the Seattle Tacoma King County Boy Scouts of America. He later began his work with the developmentally disabled as Northwest regional executive for the National Association for Retarded Citizens. He continued his work as Montana director for the Montana Association for Retarded Citizens. Ken then was business manager for Progress Inc. in Helena. His fifth and final retirement was from Consultec.
Ken married
Jill Terrett in 1969 in Glendive. They moved to Federal Way, Wash. After their daughter was born they moved back to Montana and made their home in Helena.
Ken and Jill loved to travel. The highlight of their travels was a 6-week tour of Europe culminating with their daughter Amy's college graduation in Vienna, Austria, in 1997. Some of Ken's happiest moments were spent watching the Fighting Irish or the Steelers with martini in hand and Toby in his lap. He so enjoyed attending and reading about his grandsons' sporting events and accomplishments.
When asked what his greatest life achievement was, Ken adamantly replied, "My children." His parents, his son Paul, and Beth, the mother of their five children, preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife Jill and his children, which include "his, hers, ours and theirs." They are David (Karen) Rohyans, Santa Rosa, Calif., Kathy (Harold) Wells, Tacoma, Wash., Patricia Coakley, Friday Harbor, Wash., Barb (Marty) Denny, Puyallup, Wash., and Mark Rohyans, San Diego, Calif., Terri (Mick) Leary, Boulder, Amy (Brian) Rohyans Stewart, Boise, Idaho, and Becki Rohyans, Helena. Grandchildren are Joshua Lytle, Tess Lehn, Max and Nick Denny, Tyson Benson, Kahner and Reilly Leary. His sister-in-law, Jane Terrett, and her daughter, Chrissy Kartevold, and brother-in-law, Jack Terrett, also survive.
Ken was the true definition of a Renaissance Man. He was a father, grandfather, friend, war hero, sportsman, incredibly well read, intelligent, dignified, chivalrous and graceful. He made a lasting impression on every life he touched and he will be greatly missed by all.
Church services will be Tuesday, July 29, 2003, at 2 p.m. from the Plymouth Congregational Church. Military graveside services will follow at Montana State Veterans cemetery, Fort Harrison, with the local U.S. Army Reserve conducting. Family prefers memorials to the Helena Special Olympics, c/o Sandi McDonald, 4916 Lake Home Road, Helena, MT 59602.
RoseMary Sweet
RoseMary Sweet, 80, of the Waterford, at 915 Saddle Drive, Helena, died Sunday, Aug. 3, 2003, at St. Peter's Hospital.
She was born on Dec. 1, 1922, in Muncie, Ind., and spent her early years in Flint, Mich., where she graduated from Flint Northern High School and attended Baker Business University. In 1943 she married
Leslie E. Sweet in Flint. They later relocated to Milwaukee, Wis., and the Chicago area.
RoseMary moved to Helena in 1988. She was employed at various firms in Flint, Milwaukee, greater Chicago and Helena, most recently at Merit Mechanical.
RoseMary was a member and former elder of First Presbyterian Church in Helena. A lifelong volunteer, she shared her talents with many organizations including churches wherever she lived, the Girl Scouts of America, Hospice, St. Peter's Hospital, Talking Book Library of the Montana State Library and Helena Area Habitat for Humanity.
RoseMary traveled extensively and enjoyed fine dining, playing bridge, solving crossword puzzles, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. "Rosie" will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
RoseMary was preceded in death by her husband in 1978, two brothers and one sister.
Survivors include daughters, Suzanne (Suzi) Kopec of Helena, and Cynthia Sweet and partner James Clarry of Spokane, Wash.; a sister, Joanne Willett, and her husband Jerry, of Northport, Mich.; grandchildren, Andrew Kopec and wife, Jennifer of Belgrade, and Elizabeth Compton and her husband Zeb of East Helena; and great-grandchildren, Wyatt Kopec and Peta Compton of East Helena. She is also survived by stepson, Lowell E. Sweet and wife Mary Ellen of Delavan, Wis.
At her request, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Friday, Aug. 15, at 2 p.m., at the Waterford, 915 Saddle Drive, Helena. A reception will immediately follow at the same location. Burial will be at Glenwood cemetery, Flint, Mich., in the spring of 2004. Local arrangements are being handled by Retz Funeral Home.
The family suggests that memorials be made to Helena Area Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 459, Helena, MT 59624, or the organization of donor's choice.
Ethel O. Tosterud
Ethel O. Tosterud, lifetime Bismarck, N.D., resident until June 1 when she moved to Clancy, passed peacefully into eternity Tuesday, July 22, 2003, surrounded by her family.
Ethel celebrated and rejoiced at her 90th birthday, July 6. Her beloved sister, daughters, their husbands and most of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were in attendance.
Services were held Saturday, July 26, 2003, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bismarck with the Rev. Steve Sathre officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck.
Ethel was born in Bismarck July 6, 1913, to Helge and Ruth Engen. On Oct. 25, 1933, she married
Haaken Tosterud of Bismarck. They had four children, Dorothy, June, Barbara and Martin.
She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church and for many years was a circle member, a quilter and helped as a server for many church functions. She also volunteered at Med Center One for 30 years. Ethel was a devoted wife to Haaken, a loving mother to her children and grandchildren. Her faith in God, her great sense of humor and her love of music will never be forgotten.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Haaken, and son Martin. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law Dorothy and Les Morrison of Townsend, June and Bob Syvrud of Polson, Barbara and Dick Wilmot of Juneau, Alaska; daughter-in-law Bernadine Tosterud of Bismarck; sister Sigrid Engen of Bismarck; grandchildren Jim, Terry and Rodney Morrison, and Kevin, Susan and Eric Syvrud; and Ronald and Michael Wilmot. Ethel also had 16 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bert Alton Merdink
Winona, Minn. - - Bert Alton Merdink, age 82, of Winona, Minn., formerly of Helena, died Monday, Aug. 4, 2003, at the home of his daughter, Kathleen Ulbrich, Winona.
Bert was born Oct. 30, 1920, in Stephen, Minn., to Ray and Hannah (Berg) Merdink. He married
Helen Klopp on Dec. 29, 1945, in Minneapolis, and she preceded him in death on Feb. 13, 2002.
They formerly lived in Minneapolis, Hastings, Minn., and Helena.
He was a longtime member of St. Johns Lutheran Church, Helena. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II and the Korean War.
He is survived by a daughter Kathleen (Ken) Ulbrich, Winona; granddaughter: Annissa Ulbrich, Madison, Wis., and grandson Stephen (Lisa) Ulbrich and great-granddaughter Kylie, Corcoran, Minn.; grandsons Ben Frizzell, Missoula, and Andrew Frizzell, Missoula; a son, John (Julie) Merdink, Casper, Wyo., grandsons Jeremy Merdink, Gillette, Wyo., Ryan Merdink, Lysite, Wyo., and a granddaughter Jessica Merdink, Casper; a brother, Allan (Joyce) Merdink, Stephen; four sisters, Lois Benson, Stephen, Joyce Hager, Long Beach, Calif., Nona (Robert) Griggs, Torrance, Calif., and Bonnie (Orville) Elseth, Oconto Falls, Wis.; brother-in-law John (Ann) Klopp, Waukesha, Wis., as well as sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. Bert also had many dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Helen, son David Merdink, daughter Janice Frizzell and a brother William Merdink.
A memorial service is today, Thursday, Aug. 7, at 2 p.m. at the Central Lutheran Church in Winona with the Rev. Scott Olson officiating. Interment will be at Montana State Veterans cemetery, Helena.
Memorials may be directed to St. Johns Lutheran Church, Helena. Funeral arrangements were made by the Fawcett-Junker Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Winona.
Jean Chilton Buck
Jean Chilton Buck, 87, died May 28, 2003, in Montrose, Calif.
She moved to Helena from Canada in 1936 and worked at J.C. Penny for many years. She was an accomplished figure skater and competed in ice waltzing with her brothers Mike and Jack Chilton.
She is survived by her husband, Gordon Buck; her son, Dennis Buck; her daughter and son-in-law, Dianne and Jeff Reynolds; and her brothers, Jack Chilton and Jim Chilton.
She has been interred in Montrose, Calif.
Arline Keller
Arline Dolores Keller, 59, of Helena, died at the Fort Harrison Veterans Hospital on June 8, 2003.
She was born in Missoula on Aug. 12, 1943, to Raymond Thomas Alva Keller and Thelma Mae Anderson Keller. She attended Elliston and Helena schools and worked as a secretary for several Helena businesses. In 1974 she joined the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, for four years.
Survivors include her son, Sean Greystone of HeBei Province, China; a sister, Kelly Sias of Ronan; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Gary in 1972 and James in 1990.
Graveside services with military honors were held on June 16, 2003, at the Montana State Veterans cemetery at Fort Harrison. Letters can be sent to the family at kellerfamilymt@yahoo.com. Retz Funeral Home cared for arrangements.
Louise P. Murdock
Louise P. Murdock, 82, died at her home in East Helena on Friday, Aug. 1, 2003. She was born July 24, 1921, in Helena to Melvin D. Mizner and Minnie Cramar Mizner.
She married
John J. Murdock in Seattle on Jan. 8, 1945, and they were blessed with two sons. Louise and John were wed 59 years until his death in 2002. Louise retired after 30 years from U.S. West and enjoyed being active in the Telephone Pioneers of America. Her interests were in fishing and she enjoyed gambling.
Louise is survived by her son Melvin J, his wife, Barbara, and their children Melvin and Bonita; her son Gary J., his wife, Alice, and two sons, Kelly and Kelsey. Also surviving is her brother, Melvin E. Mizner of Seattle, and Phyllis Kelly, along with four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place and the family will have a private service. Memorials are suggested to Hospice of St. Peters, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601 or to the donors choice. Retz Funeral Home is caring for arrangements.
April Jeanmarie Asbury
April Jeanmarie Asbury born Aug. 19, 2003, in Helena to Jim and Gail Asbury, passed into the arms of Jesus that same evening at Benefis East neo-natal intensive care unit in Great Falls.
Her parents, siblings and extended family were overjoyed at the news of the birth of this little girl. Although she was only with us a short time, she will be loved and remembered by all.
April is survived by her parents, Jim and Gail Asbury of Helena; brothers, Don of Missoula, Bryan, Bradley and Austin of Helena; and sister, Maria of Great Falls. She is also survived by her paternal grandfather, J.B. Schnee of Cut Bank; maternal grandparents, Don and Jean Krautter of Alpine, Wyo.; along with aunts and uncles: Pastor Arthur and Connie McCafferty of Lincoln, Paster Martin and Lual Krautter of Deer Lodge, Roger and Nancy Calhoun of Alpine, and Dr. Bruce and Judy Buer of Great Falls.
Her surviving cousins are: Angie and Adam Buer, Joel and Daniel Krautter, and Carrie, Autumn and Jesse Calhoun.
April was preceded in death by her grandmother, Eileen Schnee and another sibling, Baby Asbury.
A Christian burial and interment service will take place at Amesville cemetery in Etna, Wyo., on Saturday, Aug. 30. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, Sept. 2, at 11 a.m. at East Valley Foursquare Church, 708 E. Groschell, East Helena. A lunch reception will follow at the church.
Memorials may be made to the children's ministry of East Valley Foursquare Church called "Faith Kidz."
