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Marilyn Coffee
The family of Marilyn Coffee cordially invites you to join in celebrating her life on July 16, 2016. The service will begin at 11 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church, 301 4th Ave E., Polson. We request you bring your thoughts, prayers, and fondest memories of Marilyn. Reception to follow.
William O. (Bill) Coffee
William O. (Bill) Coffee, age 75, passed away Feb. 12 at St.Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula from a brain injury brought on by a fall. Bill was born in Missoula on Oct. 20, 1934 to Oakley and Alice Coffee. He attended Paxson Elementary School and graduated from Missoula County High School in 1952. He attended Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. and graduated from the University of Montana in 1957 with a degree in business. Following college Bill served in the military and was based at the Presidio in San Francisco, Calif.
On Jan. 19, 1962 he married
his sole-mate and the love of his life, Marilyn J. Wolfe and together they raised four children. He always felt his family was his greatest accomplishment and he was both a devoted husband and father. Bill was a successful commercial and residential real estate broker in Missoula and an active member of the community. The downtown area was always near and dear to Bill. He was instrumental in forming the “secret trust” that borrowed money to purchase the Milwaukee railroad property which ran through Missoula and hold it until the university and the city could raise the money to purchase their respective properties. It was called the secret trust because its members, (most of Missoula’s business leaders) refused to be identified. Shortly thereafter, he helped host the R/UDAT design team’s study of Missoula’s river corridor which in turn led to the establishment of the river’s south side trail system; the Kim Williams trail system and Hellgate High School’s athletic field. He served as President of the Chamber of Commerce and was a member of many organizations including the Downtown Association; the Elks Club and was the Director of Economic Development Corporation. He was also an active member on the Missoula Symphony Board and a member of the Polson Rotary Club. Bill and Marilyn supported University of Montana Grizzly Athletics with a GAA membership and followed football and men and women’s basketball even after moving to Polson.
Bill was an avid snow skier and loved Flathead Lake. He and Marilyn moved to Polson in the late 1980s where he opened areal estate office with Bert Schultz and later worked with Lambros Real Estate. After many years as an entrepreneur, Bill took a position with the Mission Bay Real Estate Company where he continued to excel until his retirement in 2009. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Polson where he was an active member on the Building Committee.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Marilyn Coffee; children Stephanie Schad, Burlington, Conn.; Patricia (Trish) Kirschten, Missoula; two stepchildren whom he loved and raised as his own, Melinda Peters, Denver, Colo.; Deloit Wolfe Jr., Seattle, Wash.; six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and his brother John Coffee, of Missoula.
The celebration of his life will be held during the summer of 2011 on the shores of Flathead Lake. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society; Partners Hospice, 2687 Palmer Street, Suite B, Missoula, MT 59808 or the First Presbyterian Church in Polson, 301 4th Avenue East, Polson, MT 59860. Bill will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Emma Jean (Cordier) Rouillier
On April 17, 2011, Emma Jean (Cordier) Rouillier’s wait was over, as her husband Sam arrived on his horse wearing his white cowboy hat to take Emma Jean to her final home. After saying good-bye to her loving family of all ages, Emma Jean peacefully joined Sam and the rest of her family waiting for her in heaven. While her family and friends will miss her, they are happy that her pain is over and she is now dancing with Sam for eternity.
She devoted her life to giving love and compassion. Having her for a mother was the greatest blessing that God could have ever given her children. She was the foundation of their home and the anchor of their lives. To her family, her love was constant and unconditional.
Emma Jean was born on Oct. 28, 1930 in St. Ignatius to Victor and Pearl (Rein) Cordier. Emma Jean lived in the foothills of the beautiful Mission mountains with her parents and eleven brothers and sisters. At an early age, Emma Jean learned the value of a strong work ethic. Emma Jean worked at the Holy Family Hospital in St. Ignatius, and also worked for multiple doctors, before working for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe as Clerk of Court for 17 years where she made many friends and acquaintances.
On April 29, 1951, Emma Jean married
the love of her life Sam Rouillier. The happy couple lived in the house that Sam built next to his parents. There they raised their three children, Bill, Jill and Tim. In time, Emma Jean and Sam welcomed much loved and often spoiled grandchildren into their lives. Randy, Hollie, Matt, Tanner and Ray gave Emma Jean her greatest pleasure. She loved being an active part of their lives and also in the lives of her many nieces and nephews.
Together Emma Jean and Sam enjoyed fishing, attending sporting events, concerts and fairs. Many family members often cramped into the car to go with Sam and Emma Jean to numerous fairs around the state. Their favorite vacation spot was definitely Mesquite, Nev.
Music was a major part of Emma Jean’s life. In her youth, she was a member of the Snake River Outlaw Band, where she was the lead singer, even appearing on television and the radio. Throughout her life, she continued to share her love of music with her family. During the last decade, she always purchased the “Top Ten” hits which her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews sang along to. Throughout her life she followed the music career of her son Tim, and is and will always remain his biggest and most supportive fan.
Emma Jean loved flowers, especially roses. Family and friends enjoyed visiting Emma Jean’s warm and cheerful home with her beautiful roses and vibrant flowerbeds adding color and beauty to the front yard. Emma Jean was often seen outside working in her flowerbeds, if not outside you could find her in the kitchen, where she loved to bake pies and her famous almond rocha.
Family was very important to Emma Jean. She loved having her family celebrate life at her home. Many dinners, card games, dice games and good times were enjoyed by Emma Jean both at her home and the homes of others. Emma Jean loved family time with her brothers, sisters and their families.
In May of 2000, Emma Jean lost her best friend and husband, Sam. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her infant brother John, brother Joseph, and her sisters, Leona and Geneva. Emma Jean is survived by her son Bill, his son Randy and step-son Jimmy, her daughter Jill and her children, Hollie and Tanner, her son Tim and his wife Peggy and children Matt and Samantha Ray. After Sam’s death, Emma Jean often commented how much comfort and joy her grandchildren added to her daily life and she often referred to Tanner as the bright spot of her day.
She is also survived by brothers, Victor, Leonard, Rusty, Fred and Raymond and her sisters, Francie and Jerry. Nothing pleased Emma Jean more than having the entire Cordier and Rouillier family together.
Many nieces and nephews will also miss their aunt who always remembered their birthdays with a card and with her love.
A celebration of Emma Jean’s life will be held on Saturday, April 30 at 11 a.m., at the St. Ignatius Catholic Church with a luncheon to follow in the basement of the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Tim Ryan Scholarship or Vic and Pearl Cordier Scholarship.
Arrangements are under the care of the Foster Funeral Home and Crematory in St. Ignatius.
Esther Loredia 'Rita' Largent
Esther Loredia "Rita" Largent, 70, of Pablo, MT passed away on Thursday, March 10, 2005 at St. Luke Community Hospital, Ronan.
Esther was born on January 14, 1935 in Petros, Tenn. to James & Ella (Lilles) Langley. She married
Louis Largent on June 22, 1950 in Watburg, Tenn. She and Louis moved to Cleveland, OH. for a short time and eventually back to the Mission Valley in 1957.
Rita loved to read, garden, play cards and take drives in the mountains.
She is preceded in death by her parents & a sister - Jewell Juanita Henry.
She is survived by her husband- Louis of Pablo, brother - JB Langly (Mary) of Clinton, TN., Sons - James (Connie) of Charlo, MT., John (Marianne) of Ronan, MT., Tony Largent of Polson, Alan (Brenda) of Ronan, daughter-in-law Jackie of Polson, Sister-in-law Eva Bray of Polson, brother-in-laws: Gene Largent of Tacoma, WA. & Bill Largent of Moiese, MT., grandchildren- Julie(Fred) Harris, Jesse (Jennifer), Wendy (Danell) Thingelstad, Tracy (Jonathan)Ayersman, Steve, Mike & John Largent and Brianna Largent and Jason Stevens & 8 grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, March 14, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. at the Lakeview cemetery, Polson with Rev. Glen Heilig officiating. Arrangements are by Grogan Funeral Home, Polson.
Thomas P. Tenas
Thomas P. Tenas, 78, of Elmo, MT. passed away on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at St. Joseph Hospital, Polson.
Tom was born on Sept. 11, 1926 in Grasmere, B.C., Canada to Samuel Pierre Tenas & Annie Pierre. He grew up in Canada until moving to Kalispell & Niarada, MT. at the age of 15.
He married
Anna Andrews and they lived in Hungry Horse, MT. where Tom worked on construction building the Hungry Horse Dam until the late 1950's. They moved to Elmo, MT. and Tom began working in timber industry where Tom worked as a logger and heavy equipment operator.
Tom was member of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribe.
Tom enjoyed shooting pool, hunting, fishing, mechanics, stick games, playing chess, attending Pow Wows & baseball. He especially loved his dog 'Buster'.
He is preceded in death by 7-children- Doris, Tommy, Randy, Mary, Marcelene, Joseph & Nate.
He is survived by his wife- Anna of Elmo & his children- Betty Nichols, Frankie Tenas, Annette Tenas & Vern Tenas all of Elmo, Bernadine Tenas, Alvina Tenas & Ron Tenas all of Dayton, Tim Tenas of Turtle Lake & Janice Tenas of Polson. He is also survived by 2-sisters- Lucy Caye of Elmo & Theresa Pierre of Grasmere, B.C. & 34 grandchildren & numerous great grandchildren & several nieces and nephews.
Traditional wake services will begin (today) Wed. March 16th at 6:00 p.m. at the Elmo Hall in Elmo. Rosary will be held on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the Elmo Hall. Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Friday, March 18th at 11:00 a.m. at the Elmo Hall with Father Gary Reller officiating. Burial will follow at the Dayton cemetery.
Vivian B. Connell
Vivian B. Connell, age 83 of Polson, passed away from natural causes on Friday March 11, 2005 at St. Joseph Hospital in Polson. Vivian was born on September 18, 1921.
She attended public school in Polson. In 1938, Vivian married
Leonard W. Connell. She lived and worked her whole life doing many different jobs in Polson. She was active in the community and was a member of the Royal Neighbors of America and the Rebecca's Lodge.
Vivian enjoyed sewing, cooking, gardening, and her children and grandchildren. Her parents; her husband Leonard, 3 sons preceded Vivian in death, Leonard W. Connell, Jr., John 'Jack' Connell, and Jimmy Connell, and 1 granddaughter. She is survived by her daughter Ada McCay of Pablo, MT, a son Richard Connell of Polson, MT, her sisters Betty Lou Khein of CO, Joy Saterlee of WA, and a brother Cecil (Betty) Connell and family of Missoula, MT. Vivian has 5 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
A graveside memorial service will be held on Saturday March 19, 2005 at 3:00 p.m. at the Lakeview cemetery in Polson. A reception will follow the graveside service at the VFW Hall in Polson. Arrangements are by Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory.
Mabelle E. Lee
Mabelle E. Lee age 94 of Hot Springs, Montana passed away on Monday, March 14, 2005 at Evergreen Health Care in Hot Springs from natural causes. She was born West of Sparland, IL on June 30, 1910 to John J. and Iona Ray DeWalt. She married
Hershell Hall in Lacon, IL on February 4, 1935. They had one son, Gordon. Hershell and Mabelle later divorced in 1944.
After meeting Glenn Benny Lee in 1955, Mabelle converted to Catholicism and they were married
on September 8, 1956 at Washington, IL in St. Patrick's Church. They had a loving marriage and friendship. They loved to bowl and belonged to bowling leagues into Mabelle's 80's. She bowled on three teams a week in her early 70's. Mabelle was the league secretary for several years and won several trophies. She received two of those bowling trophies for picking up the 7-10 split. Mabelle and Glenn enjoyed riding the bus to their beloved Cardinal's games in Chicago and St. Louis with fellow Caterpillars employee fans, and they enjoyed going to harness races.
After Glenn retired from Caterpillar, they belonged to the CAT retirees club playing bingo, going to Cardinal games, attending dinners, and proudly walking union picket lines. Upon Glenn's death in September of 2000, Mabelle moved to Kalispell and lived with her granddaughter Tonya Marsh and her family until January of 2001. She then moved to Hot Springs to live with her son, Gordon. Mabelle worked in the woolen mills at Lacon, IL, as a waitress for several years, and at the Caterpillar Tractor Company. She is a past member of the Hotel, Restaurant, and Bartenders Union, United Auto Workers Union, and she was a member of Caterpillar Retirees Club and the American Legion Auxiliary.
Mabelle was preceded in death by her parents John and Iona DeWalt, her husband Glenn, brothers Warren, Anthony and Wilfred, sisters Margaret, Mildred and Helen. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Gordon and Paula Hall of Hot Springs, grandson and wife, Mike and Rose Hall and her great-granddaughter Allie of Kalispell, granddaughter Patti Hall of Shelbyville, TX, great-granddaughter Shannon Rehbein, great-great-granddaughters Macelynne and Jesselynn Rehbein, all of Shelbyville, TX, granddaughter and husband Michelle and Ross Light, great-granddaughter Lindsey and great-grandson Eric of Aurora, CO, granddaughter and husband Kristi and Richard Johnson and great-granddaughters Jessica, Jaimie and Justine of Kalispell, MT, granddaughter and husband Tonya and Jay Marsh and great-grandsons Joshua and Tanner of Kalispell, MT, great-granddaughter Ryan Hein of Kalispell, MT.
Visitation will be held at Wright & Salmon Funeral Home in Peoria, IL on Tuesday March 22, 2005 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a rosary at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be Wednesday March 23, 2005 at 10:30 a.m. at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Peoria, IL. Burial will be at the Resurrection cemetery following the service. Arrangements are by Grogan Funeral Home of Polson, MT and Wright & Salmon Mortuary of Peoria, IL.
Theodore William Feldman
Theodore William Feldman age 89 of Polson, MT. passed away on Wed, Mar. 9, 2005 at St. Luke Extended Care in Ronan, from natural causes. He was born on Dec. 5, 1915 to Theodore & Evylen (Sontag) Feldman in Garden City, KA. His family moved to Jamestown, CO at an early age, where he was raised & attended school. Ted worked in the Colorado silver, copper, and zinc mines as a teenager; served two terms in the Army during World War II, working in coal mines in Idaho & on searchlights in Renton, WA. On April 8, 1942 he married
Dorothy Mae Shetler from Denver, his wife for 52 years.
Following the war, Ted began a 33-year career with the Boeing Company as a research mechanic specializing in hydraulics. He worked in The Boeing Jet Lab, testing rockets, the Moon Rover (that went to the moon), the jet hydroplane, as well as airplanes. Ted and Dorothy traveled the country after retiring, while staying active in their church, the Village Chapel, in Renton. Following Dorothy's death, Ted continued to live in the Renton area until 1999, when he moved with his daughter, Peggy Cummings & family, to Polson, MT. He resided at St. Joseph Assisted Living for five years. Ted was preceded in death by his parents, wife Dorothy, two brothers (James and Edward), & sister, Mary. Ted is survived by his two daughters, Peggy (Frank) Cummings of Polson, MT & Jo (Steve) Messuri of Calabasas, CA, 3 grandchildren, Aaron Cummings, of Bothel, WA, Emily (Roger) Griffin of Portland, OR, & Mary Cummings, a student in Los Angeles, CA, a sister-in-law Helen Fravel of Longbranch, WA, & nine nieces & nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Fri Mar 18, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. at The Village Chapel in Renton, WA; with Pastor Russell Snyder officiating. Interment will follow at Washington Memorial cemetery in Seattle, WA. Arrangements are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home of Polson, & Bonnie Watson Funeral Home in Seattle, WA.
JAMES W. HOLLEY
JAMES W. HOLLEY died on March 4, 2005, in Polson, after a long illness. He was born April 8, 1921, in Terry, to James and Mary Walker Holley. He graduated from Lodge Grass High School in 1938 and attended Montana State College (now University) in Bozeman.
He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942 and was stationed in Italy where he served until 1945. He graduated from the University of Montana in Missoula in June 1947. He worked for General Motors until he bought and operated Flathead Bowl in Polson with his brother-in-law Bob Kenyon. There he met Myrna Farrell, whom he married
on November 4, 1950, in Polson. They moved to Seattle in 1953, where he worked for Boeing for 32 years. After James retired in 1985, he and his wife moved to Surfside, Washington, on the Long Beach Peninsula. They returned to Polson in 1995.
James is survived by his wife, by their children and spouses Alyson and Jim Stogsdill, of Sodotna, Alaska; Jim and Lisa Holley, of Seattle; and Michael and Marte Holley, of Los Angeles; and by their granddaughter, Holley Stogsdill, of Anchorage. Also surviving are his siblings Mabel Fuller of Rochester, Minnesota; Fern Kenyon of Bellevue, Washington; Helen Thompson of Auburn, Washington; and Keith Holley, of Rochester, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews.
The family thanks the staff of Evergreen Health & Rehabilitation Center and Dr. David Gorman for the exceptional care James received.
A memorial service will take place at a later date. James was an avid reader and in lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Polson Public Library, P. O. Box 820, Polson, Montana 59860.
Einar Sigmund Thorsrud passed away in Beaverton, OR at the Maryville Nursing Home on June 15 at the age of 69. He succumbed to complications of Parkinsons.
Einar was born in Gjovik, Norway on April 4, 1938 to Ole and Marta Thorsrud. He spent his early years receiving his education there and enjoying the family farm.
In 1956 when he was 17 years old, his uncle Nels, who had earlier immigrated to Montana, asked Einar to come to Irvine Flats to farm his land. Einar did. Later that same year Einar joined the US Army. He received several commendations even though he had not yet learned to speak English.
Einar married
Darlene Hill in 1968, adopting her two children: George and Dorothy. They also became parents to three sons: Eric, David and Mark. Darlene passed away in 1982.
He ranched in Irvine Flats (Radio) until his health forced him to sell to his neighbors in 2000. He continued to live on the farm with his wife, Susie, whom he married
in 1991.
Einar enjoyed his farming, cleverly making and repairing much of his equipment. He also enjoyed raising a herd of cattle. He was an avid skier and a nearly unbeatable pinochle player. He took his family to Norway several times so they all could enjoy that part of his life.
He was a member of Sons of Norway, Farm Bureau, and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
Einar is survived by his wife, Susie, and his five children: George of Libby; Dorothy (Mike) of Polson; Eric (Lisa) of Hillsboro, OR; David of Philadelphia, PA; and Mark (Christie) of Tualatin, OR. He has eight grandchildren: Jerry, Tommy, Deena, David, Tomas, Arianna, Tara and Eryn; and two great grandchildren: Chyenne and Paige. He also has his brother Andreas of Gjovik, Norway and his sister Anne Marie of Lillehammer, Norway. Preceding him in death were his parents Ole and Marta.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20 at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with Reverend Don Jacobson officiating. Memorials may be made to OHSU Parkinson's Center of Oregon, 1121 SW Salmon St., Suite 200, Portland, OR 97205 or to a charity of one's choice. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by Grogan Funeral Home, Polson.
Rodney Little, age 71 of Polson, passed away from natural causes on Wednesday July 4, 2007 at his home. Rodney was born on November 27, 1935 to Floyd and Velma Little at Colville, Washington. Rodney married
Kathleen Marie Milner in 1955 at Reno, Nevada. They later divorced and then remarried
Kathleen Marie in 2005 at Polson, MT. Rodney served in the US Army. He was a logger, oil field worker, and worked in the plywood mills. He was a member of the VFW. Rodney enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing and his family. His parents and grandparents precede Rodney in death. His wife Kathleen Marie Little, son Daniel Raymond Little, sister Randy Petzel, brother-in-law Roy Petzel, one grandchild, and 2 great-grandchildren survive Rodney. Rodney was greatly loved and will be greatly missed. Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.
Rev. Canon Loren S. Foot, 87, died of natural causes at Evergreen Health Center, Polson on June 2, 2007.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Cora Bateman, his stepmother, Gladys, his step-sister, Lea, his wife, Lucile, his brothers-in-law, Tom Mahan and Leo Miller, his sister-in-law, Shirley Mahan, and his grandson, Cameron York.
Born in Choteau, Mt, in 1919, his family later moved to Helena, Mt, where Loren attended Hawthorne Elementary and Helena High. He went on to attend Carroll College, the University of Montana, and U. OF M. Law School, and Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA. Where he received his M.Div. in 1976.
During WW II Loren was an air traffic controller in the Pacific Arena, continuing in that field in his civilian career with the Federal Aviation Administration for thirty-two years. After retiring he was ordained in the Episcopal Church and was a beloved priest for thirty-one years, both within the church and the outside community. Father Foot was passionately involved in the Cursillo/Pathways movement for over thirty years and was a spiritual director to many.
Before retiring, Loren served as a Montana priest in Eureka, Ferndale, Polson and the Episcopal Cathedral in Helena. However, he continued shepherding all who he encountered until the day he died. This second career or 'calling' spanned thirty-one years.
His forty-five year marriage to Lucile Mahan began in 1941. Their three children, Sharon (Rev. John) Payne, Michael (Mary) Foot, and Corey (John) York, live in the area and treasure the quality time they had with their father these last three plus years, since he returned to Polson. After Lucy's death in 1986, Loren retired from St. Andrew's in Polson and moved to Helena, where he married
Erys Smart Mahan at the Congregational Church (UCC). She was now an official 'Congrepalian'. They have been married
twenty-one years. Living in many places during his life, Loren made many wonderful and lasting friendships, his warmth and sense of humor drawing people to him.
To state a few activities, Loren belonged to SAE Fraternity and Bear Paws in college, Toastmasters, Masons, Barbershop, Red Cross, and Flathead Cherry Growers.
He will be missed SO MUCH by his friends and family which include his three children and spouses, his two step-daughters/nieces, Coleen (Chuck) and Molly (Rick), his wife, Erys, his sister, Marian Miller, his step-sister, Shirley, his brother-in-law, Jack Mahan, eight grandchildren, four great grandchildren, thirteen step-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and lots of godchildren. Loren, Father Foot, father, husband, uncle, brother, step-father/grandfather, grandpa, friend, mentor, Griz fan, loving man of God, you have left your gentle 'Foot' print on the earth.
Memorial donations suggestions: St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Heritage of Faith Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Port Polson Players, Camp Marshall Episcopal Church Camp.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 1pm in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in Polson, with military honors following services at the church. A reception will be held in the basement of the church following services. On August 4, 2007 at 10:30 am a memorial service will be held at St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral, in Helena, with a reception to follow. Arrangements and cremation under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson.
Sam P. Smith, Jr., passed away on July 7, 2007, in Evergreen Care Center in Polson, MT. from natural causes.
Sam was born February 18, 1921 in Alexander City, Alabama to Sam Phillip Smith, Sr. & Luxie Tallulah Graves-Smith. In 1924 when the family farm was purchased by Alabama Power Company to create a dam for a hydroelectric plant, the family relocated to Quincy, Florida and began farming tobacco. The farm still remains with the Smith family.
After graduating from Greensboro High School, Sam enrolled in Alabama Poly Tech (renamed Auburn University). With the threat of war on the horizon, he moved to Baltimore, MD and went to work in the Glen L. Martin airplane factory.
When Pearl harbor was bombed he enlisted in the United States Army and was assigned to the 505th parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR) of the 82nd Airborne Division with whom he served in the European Campaign through Sicily, Italy and Normandy. For their performance in the invasions, the 505th was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. Sgt. Smith was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Sam, as were the service members of his era, was extremely proud of his part in securing and maintaining the freedoms we, as a Nation, enjoy.
In 1945 he married
Sylvia Eunice Tjon, whom he met while both were convalescing in a United States Army Hospital in Ashville, NC.
Upon their discharges from the service, Sam & Eunice moved to Quincy, Florida and remained for two years. After the birth of their son, Phillip, they moved to Wolfpoint, Montana and lived with Eunice's family on their family farm. In 1948 the family moved to Polson where he worked construction with his brother-in-law Mars Rolfson for two years.
Daughter Janice was born in St. Joseph Hospital in 1949.
Sam purchased the Phillips 66 station and started Smith Motors, a Dodge, Chrysler & Plymouth Dealership in 1950.
His second daughter, Marcia, was born in 1962.
In 1965 he purchased the old Safeway building and converted it into the showroom, parts department and a five bay service area of Smith Motors. This is currently the City Hall and Fire Station for the City of Polson.
During his 22 years in Polson, Sam was elected Mayor of Polson, 1957, President of Chamber of Commerce, President of Rotary, member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and a life member of the Elks Lodge #1695. He often mentioned the movie 'Timber Jack', which was filmed on location in Polson during his tenure as Mayor, and the 'lively' parties the cast and crew enjoyed at the 'Rocky Point Lodge'; and, the Rebel's Barracuda, a 280 Inboard Hydro-plane boat he and his son raced in the Copper Cup (Phil flipped the thing) and other races in the area.
In 1970, Sam began working in Kalispell for Stockton Mobile Homes and in 1972 married
Carol Schultz.
Upon retiring from his partnership in Stockton Mobile Homes in 1978, he and Carol moved to Lakes Whales, Florida. They were divorced in 1985.
With his health failing in 2002, Sam moved to Knoxville, TN to be with his daughter Marcia and son-in-law Chris Rosser.
In 2005, he returned to Polson fulfilling his wish to spend his remaining years in the town he loved.
He is survived by his children- Janice Smith-Kassen (John) of Polson, Samual Phillip Smith, III of Polson & Marcia Rosser (Chris) of Knoxville, TN & a sister- Thelma Fisk of Platka, Florida & several nieces and nephews.
No Services are planned. Cremation and arrangements are by Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory of Polson.
Remembrances of Sam may be sent to Marcia & Chris Rosser, 6708 Musket Trail, Knoxville, TN
