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Aloysius Raymond Hewankorn
The last grandchild of Chief Koostahtah was laid to rest by his family and friends at Dayton Indian cemetery on Thursday, October 26, 2006. Al died on Monday October 23rd.
Al was born at Jette on January 10, 1936 to Jerome and Mary Hewankorn. He grew up on Dayton Creek with his parents and grandparents, Koostahtah and Suzette Big Knife. Like other traditional Kootenai homes, a large extended family lived together. This often included parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins. Often during his years of employment Al would be the main provider for the extended family.
He worked at the Plywood Mill in Polson for a few years but his main lifetime occupation was working in the woods. He cut wood, Christmas trees, and hauled logs for different companies throughout his career. Al also has the distinction of serving the longest term on the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Housing Board, from 1966 to 1999, a span of 33 years. He also served many years on the Shoreline Protection Board. Al was Sergeant-at-arms for the CSKT Tribal Council prior to being elected as the Elmo/Dayton Council Representative for the years 1982 to 1989. He was a founding member of the Elmo Road Corporation, which served to train and employ many community members during a period of high unemployment.
Throughout his life, Al taught many skills to his nieces, nephews, and other family members from cutting wood and Christmas trees to driving a tractor or stick shift pickup. He will always be remembered as a man who dedicated his life to working hard for his people from behind the scenes. Many benefited and continue to benefit from his influence on programs/Boards, policies, and as a role model.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Patricia of the family home on Dayton Creek; daughters Geraldine of Elmo, Josephine of Big Arm, and Darlene of Elmo; sons Al, Jr. of Dayton, and Michael of Elmo; his uncle Tony Anderson of Cle Elum, Washington; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Traditional Kootenai wake services began on Tuesday, October 24 at Elmo Community Center. Rosary was recited on Wednesday the 25th and funeral services were held on Thursday, October 26th with burial at Dayton Indian cemetery. Cross bearer was Adrian Hewankorn; pallbearers were Mike Finley, Gary Mathias, Vernon Finley, Jerry Hewankorn, Barney Finley, and Bud Mathias.
Bruce Farnum, 90, of Finley Point passed away at his home with his wife at his side on Thur, June 29, 2006. Bruce was born on Nov. 29, 1915 in Kedive, Saskatchewan, Canada to Joseph & Ida Farnum. They moved to Harlowton, Mt where Bruce grew up & attended school. After graduating from high school in Harlowton, Bruce attended the U of Mt. Bruce went to work for Community Creamery in Msla, which later became Beatrice Foods.
He continued to work for Beatrice Foods for 40 years. Bruce married
Edith Fite on Apr. 13, 1941 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Msla. Bruce & Edith purchased property on Finley Point on Flathead Lake in the early 1950's. They started a cherry orchard on their property, which they continued to operate. They moved to Finley Point full time in 1978. Bruce boxed as a youth and loved hunting, fishing, bowling and working in his cherry orchard. Bruce was a state-bowling champion in 1950. He also enjoyed playing poker at the Elks. Bruce was a lifetime member of the Elks #383 & the Moose Lodge. He was also a member of the Teamsters Union.
He is preceded in death by his daughter Valarie Zimmerman & brothers Don, Vince & Bill. He is survived by his wife Edith of Finley Point. Son- Gary & his wife Bonnie of Bonner, Mt. Grandson- Bryan Zimmerman and his wife Liana and their children- Whitney & Layne of Finley Point. Granddaughter- Robyn Zimmerman & her husband Steve and their children Maddyson & Keller of Dallas, TX. Visitation will be held on Mon, July 3rd from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Grogan Funeral Home in Polson. Funeral Services will be held on Wed, July 5th at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. John Payne officiating. Interment services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wed. at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Missoula. Arrangements are by Grogan Funeral Home.
Jeremy Douglas Stiffarm
Our beloved son and brother, Jeremy Douglas Stiffarm, 29, passed away on April 27, 2005 at his residence in Spokane, Washington. Jeremy was born to Karen Friedlander McCuistion and Steve Stiffarm in Missoula on May 7, 1975. As a relative or friend, Jeremy graced our lives with his content easy going demeanor. Since the day he was born, he brought absolute joy to everyone he knew and he became the nucleus of his comrades. With a heart of gold and a beaming smile everyone was always assured a good chuckle while in his presence.
Jeremy was employed for the past five years at the Northern Quest Casino in Spokane. He enjoyed hunting, hiking and camping with his brother and mentor, Daniel along with his uncles and cousins. Each Fall, Jeremy gathered with his family in the aboriginal homelands to harvest game and wood for the family homes. He abided by many Kootenai traditions which led him to become a Crazy Dog (Indian Warrior). He performed a full tour of duty with the U.S. Navy during Desert Strike after graduating from Ronan High School in 1993. His proudest achievement was being 'the Worlds Greatest Uncle' to his niece Justyne and nephew Marcus. Jeremy took great pride in tending to his Sister's kids.
He is already missed by his numerous family and friends who loved to look into the biggest eyes that housed his tender loving soul. Jeremy leaves behind his Mother Karen (Dee-Dee) Friedlander and her husband, Mike McCuistion of Otis Orchards, WA; his Father, Steven Daniel Stiffarm of Poplar, MT; Sisters Rhonda Rae Dee Stiffarm (Jimmy) and Michelle McCuistion of Spokane WA; Brothers, Daniel Allen (Rachel) Stiffarm of Porter Corners, New York, and Jesse James McCuistion of Otis Orchards, Grandparents, Kenneth and Margaret Friedlander of Bonners Ferry, ID, Esther Hannon of Spokane, Great Grandmother, Adeline Mathias of Dayton, MT, Nieces, Justyne Patrick, Phoebe Stiffarm and Laniya Milus, nephews Evan and Marcus Stiffarm (the light of his life); Aunts and Uncles, Debbie (Darrell) Arp, and Cindie (Dennis) Wells; as well as numerous Aunts, Uncles and Cousins from throughout the Kootenai and Gros Ventre Cree Nations.
Jeremy is now at peace with his paternal Grandparents, Pete and Ruby Stiffarm, Great Grandfather, Alec Lefthand, Uncle Duane Edward Albert, best friend, Duane Boy Chief and his cockatiel, Bob. Funeral services begin Friday at the Kootenai Community Center in Elmo with a Rosary Recital at 8:00 P.M. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday morning at 11:00 A.M. with full Military Honors. Interment will take place at Dayton cemetery, Dayton, MT.
Arrangements are by Grogan Funeral Home, Polson, MT.
Alice A. Venetz age 89 of Kalispell died peacefully Friday, October 21, 2005 at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell, Mt. Alice was born December 5, 1915 in Earl, North Dakota to Alphonso and Fannie Vulysteke. She and her five siblings lived on a homestead in Western North Dakota. She graduated from high school in Sidney, Mt. Alice earned a nursing diploma from the Montana Deaconess School of Nursing in Great Falls, Mt. She worked as a nurse in Great Falls and Polson, Montana.
Alice married
Gordon Hall during WW II and they had two sons, Douglas and Daniel. In 1949 she moved with her sons to Polson, Montana. She married
Howard Venetz in 1951 and they had a daughter, Marilyn.
Alice and Howard enjoyed traveling together, visiting Hawaii, Europe and the Caribbean. Alice helped with their business, Flathead Electric Service, until Howard's untimely death in 1980. Together they built a retirement home near Big Arm in 1971. Her family enjoyed spending time there each summer. Her grandsons enjoy many memories of boating, campfires, catching frogs, and Gramma's chocolate zucchini cake.
Alice was an avid gardener, known for her beautiful flower gardens. She made many friends participating in local and state garden clubs. Alice was a dedicated mother and homemaker. She served as a 4-H leader for her daughter's 4-H group for 6 years. Alice was a 'snowbird' to Mesa, AZ. For over 20 years enjoying the warm weather and company of the fellow 'snowbirds'. She was a champion at shuffleboard and pool. Alice moved to Kalispell in 2002 to be close to her daughter, residing at Buffalo Hill Terrace and most recently at Immanuel Lutheran Home.
Her husband Howard, son Douglas and her siblings, preceded Alice in death. Alice is survived by her son DanVenetz of Oceanside, CA. daughter and son-in-law Marilyn and Gary Nyquist of Kalispell, grandsons Tyson and Chad Venetz and their mother Heidi Venetz of Tualatin, Or, and grandson Ryan Nyquist of Bozeman, Mt.
A memorial service will be held Friday at 2:00 p.m. November 4, 2005 at the Grogan Funeral Home in Polson. Memorials may be made to the Presbyterian Church of Polson or the Salvation Army.
Florence Wilma (Campbell) Turnbull age 96 passed away at her home on Flathead Lake on Thursday, March 22, 2 007. She was a 19-year cancer survivor before succumbing to the recurrence of her cancer. She was born November 8, 1910 in a homesteaders log cabin on the Powder River of Eastern Montana the oldest child of James Bular and Twyla Mae (Bickle) Campbell. She started her education in a one-room schoolhouse on the river before moving to Miles City, and Stevensville, and graduating from Missoula County High School in 1929. she received a one-year teaching certificate from Montana State Normal College at Dillon.
She married
George Edward Turnbull December 12, 1933 in Missoula. They farmed in the Drummond Jens area before moving to Charlo November 8, 1938. They farmed there for 23 years then moved to Missoula where her husband worked for the Forest Service. He retired in 1975 and they moved to Flathead Lake where she has resided since. She and George spent the winters in Yuma, AZ until the death of her husband, and then she spent winters with her daughter in California.
Florence loved crocheting, and flower gardening especially her roses. She held various offices in the Charlo Women's Club, PTA, Lake County Federation of Women's Club, she taught Sunday School classes at the Methodist Church, was a leader of a camp fire group, and a member of the 21 Club, and also chaperoned many school activates.
Florence was preceded in death by her husband Ed Turnbull, sister Lynn (Hap) Willsey, brother Gordon Campbell and son-in-law Don Walsh, her parents, 3 brother-in-laws, and 1 sister-in-law. She is survived by her daughters Nancy (Stuart) Fryberger of Charlo, Betty (Fran) Mocabee of Missoula and Alice Walsh of Torrance, CA. a sister Norma Duff of Kenmore, WA, 9 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Memorials may be made in Florence names to the American Cancer Society, Mission Valley Methodist Church, or the Charlo Senior Center.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 29, 2007 at 2:00 pm at the United Methodist Church in Polson, with Rev. Jim Dickinson officiating. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory.
Sharon Arlene Watt
Beloved wife, Mom, Grandma, Sister and friend, Sharon Arlene Watt went to live with the Creator on September 12, 2005.
She is and will always be greatly loved and missed. Sharon was 57 years old. She was born on June 10, 1948 to Virgil and Lucy Gilson. She attended elementary school in Drummond, MT and attended high school in Missoula, MT. Her loving family, her husband Robert Ray Watt of Pablo, her four children Richard Newton, Jr. of Portland, OR, Sherry Tempel of Great Falls, MT, Regina Swartz of Vancouver, WA, and Robert Wayne Watt of Bigfork, MT, survive Sharon.
Also surviving her are her nine grandchildren Tristan and unborn baby brother, Ryder Newton, Nick, Mike, and Bryon Tempel, Cassie, Kerianne, and Ed Swartz, Dakota Wright, and Logan Watt. Sharon has five sisters and two brothers; Joan Rautz, Wanda Phillips, Evalina Garcia, Carol Hitchcock, Suzie Coughren, Charlie Gilson, and John Huffman. A visitation was held on Friday, September 16, 2005 from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Grogan Funeral Home Chapel. The funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Polson with Rev. Paul Rowold officiating. Interment will follow the services at the Lakeview cemetery.
A reception will follow the services at the Flathead Indian Senior Citizen Center. Memorials may be made to the donor's choice of any children charities in the Flathead Valley. Arrangements are by Grogan Funeral Home in Polson.
Donald Tangedal age 69 of Polson died suddenly on Sunday, February 5, 2006 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born near Westby on October 25, 2936. Upon graduating from Westby High School after growing up on the family farm, he joined the military in 1956.
He then started his long career in the oil industry, first working for the Ecklund Brothers, then Matador, and then Koch Industries where he worked until retiring in 1992. He married
his wife patty in 1963. They were married
for 43 years.
He is survived by his beloved wife Patty, son Michael; daughter-in-law Nadine; daughter Christie, son-in-law Brian and grandchildren Ella and Noah; siblings; Curtis (Janice), Stanley (Muriell), Eleanore Stuckey (Bob), Elton (Yvonne), and Norman (Lyn).
He was a member of the Polson Elks Club, the sons of Norway, and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. He loved spending summers on Flathead Lake, playing with his grandchildren, fishing in North Dakota, playing cards and golf, spending winters in Arizona, and most of all entertaining friends and family. He will be remembered by all those who knew him as an obsessive storyteller with an infectious sense of humor. He was an astute observer of human nature with an excellent knack for impressions, especially those of the Scandinavian variety.
Funeral services will be held on Monday February 13, 2006 at 10:30 in the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with Rev. Paul Rowold officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeview cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home.
Mary 'Neta' Young, 76, of Polson died on Wed., Sept. 27, 2006 at her home at St. Joseph Retirement Community in Polson.
Neta was born on March 3, 1930 in Sheridan, MT. to Paul & Marie Cooke. Neta was the third generation in her family to be born in Sheridan, MT.
Neta had lived in Polson for several years. She worked as a bookkeeper at Valley Pumps in Polson before her retirement. She is preceded in death by a daughter- Kathleen Elizabeth & a son- Randall She is survived by a granddaughter- Mariah Gragert of Durango, Colo.
Cremation has taken place and no services are planned.
Arrangements are by Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory of Polson.
Else Payne, 73, of Pablo, MT. passed away on October 28, 2006 at St. Luke Hospital in Ronan.
Else was born on Sept. 29, 1933 in Romania. After living in several locations in Europe during WWII, Else and her family moved to Wenachee, Washington when she was 18 years old.
She met Dan Payne and they married
in 1962. One year later they had twin boys Philip & David and in 1965 their daughter Lisa was born.
Else and Dan moved their family to Pablo in 1965.
Else loved to quilt, and she was very active in the Lutheran Church. She was a wonderful cook. Else's grandchildren, Britney, Joel, Julianna & James were the delight of her life.
She is survived by her husband of 42 years Dan of Pablo, Sons: David & wife Carolyn and their children Juliana & James of Anacortes, WA. And son- Philip and wife Bonnie of Missoula. Her daughter Lisa and husband Ozdemir and children Britney & Joel of Pablo brother Arnold Arndt and his wife Lela and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at the Mt.Calvary Lutheran Church in Polson with Rev. Aaron Stinnett officiating.
Arrangements are by Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory of Polson.
Evans G. Innes, 53, passed away Friday, Aug. 26, 2005 At St. Joseph Hospital in Polson.
He was born August 26, 1952 in Fairbanks, Alaska to Gilbert & Billie Innes.
Evans grew up in Fairbanks and attended Joy Elementary, Main Junior High & Lathrop High School. He had many happy memories of his early childhood years that were spent hunting and fishing with his dad and family. His first job was working atB & M Food Mart, the family store.
In 1970 he married
Debi Cox and they had two children, Evans & Jessica who were the joy of his life. He was proud of his Alaskan heritage and always took great joy in sharing stories of Alaska wherever he went. His outgoing personality always brought a smile to all when he entered a room and his love for his family and friends was evident to everyone.
He worked for several trucking companies throughout Alaska, including Earth Movers, Sourdough Express and was owner/operator of Innes Trucking. He was well known on the haul road as Hippy & Big I.
Evans moved to Montana in 2000 and spent the last few years boating on Flathead Lake, near his home in Polson, entertaining family & friends whenever he got the chance. In April of 2004 Evans became the proud grandpa of Wesley Joseph Innes, which was a highlight of these last years.
Even in the hard times there was always a smile on his face and that is how he will be lovingly remembered.
He leaves behind many loved ones. His mother, Billie Innes of Polson, MT., sister and brother-in-law Susan & Art Jernstrom; brother, John Innes, sister and brother-in-law Sheila & Jed Williams all of Fairbanks; son & daughter-in-law Evans & Lisa Innes of Bozeman, MT; daughter and son-in-law Jessica & Bobby Wilken, Sarah and husband Janoathan Selle of Fairbanks; grandson Wesley Innes of Bozeman.
He preceded in death by his father, Gilbert Innes.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Sept.1, 2005 at 6:00 p.m. at the Door of Hope Church in Fairbanks.
Arrangements are by Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory of Polson.
Ralph H. 'Diggin' Wiggin, age 87 of Polson, passed away from natural causes on Tuesday March 6, 2007 at St. Luke Extended Care Facility in Ronan, MT. He was born in Harlem, MT on December 14, 1919 to Andrew and Esther Wiggin, the oldest of six children. After Ralph was born, his family moved to his parent's homestead near Zurich, MT. They later moved to Charlo, MT and then moved to Pablo, MT, where his father, Andy Wiggin, worked for the Reclamation Project running dragline. There in Pablo is where his parents built a home and all his siblings were born. They had a milk cow, chickens and a large garden. Ralph attended school through the 8th grade in Pablo, and then he went on to Ronan High School graduating with the Class of 1937. Ralph later met the love of his life, Korrine Wigen, at a county dance. Ralph and Korrine were married
September 1, 1941. They soon settled in Polson and Ralph was the auto body repairman for the Dodge and Plymouth garage then later for Tower and Robinson GMC Pontiac. He became known as the best in the business. Right before the war, Ralph worked as a drag saw operator for Rauthers Tie Mill near the Flathead Mines. In 1944, he joined the Army, and was sent to Europe as an Infantryman. Ralph served in the 317th Infantry Regiment 80th Division Company B under General George Patton. He saw action in the Battle of the Bulge, Rhine River and Argon Forest across France, Germany and Austria. During his service in the Army, Ralph was awarded the Bronze Star. At wars end, he was stationed in Munich, with the RTO, running the Rail System. Ralph was discharged in 1946 and returned to home in Polson. He went into business for himself, in 1956, and was known as DIGGIN WIGGIN. Later, he and Korrine built a new home in the Mountain View area and they raised cattle, put up hay and all that goes along with a small farm. He served with the Red Cross during the Gulf War. Ralph was American Legion Commander 3 times and District Commander for one year. He was a member of Hardwick Post #112 for over 50 years. Ralph also enjoyed his membership with the IOOF. He loved to fish and hunt, watch his cows, his dog 'Blue', and playing cards with his friends. He also loved the family gatherings with the children and grandchildren all attending. His wife Korrine, his parents, his sisters Blanche, June, Hazel, and Alice, and a brother John preceded Ralph in death. Surviving Ralph include his sons Tom of Kalispell, Ernie (Sherree) of Polson, daughter Janice (Dave) Tromp of Missoula, 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. A visitation will be held for Ralph on Sunday March 11, 2007 from noon until 5:00 p.m. in the Grogan Funeral Home. Funeral service will be on Monday March 12, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Polson with Rev. Rudy Ringhoff officiating. Interment will follow the services at Lakeview cemetery with full military honors. A reception will follow the services at the First Baptist Church Hall. The family is suggesting memorials in Ralph's name to either the American Legion or to the Polson Veteran Honor Guard. The Ralph Wiggin family would like to graciously thank the staff at St. Luke Extended Care Facility for their loving care for Ralph. Arrangements are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home.
Carolyn Ruth McClellan, 73, of Polson, MT. passed away on Mon., Apr. 25, 2005 at Community Medical Center, Msla. Carolyn was born on May 9, 1931 in Oberlin, OH to Paul & Kathryn Court. She grew up & attended schools in Oberlin, OH. She graduated from high school in Oberlin. Carolyn attended Bowling Green State University & received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education in 1953. She taught school in Lakewood, OH, for a year.
She married
Robert Bruce McClellan on Apr. 10, 1954. They moved to Bremerhaven, Germany while Robert was in the military. Carolyn taught school while in Germany. After his military service, they moved to Deerfield, Ill. (near Chicago) & lived there for 33 years. Carolyn continued to teach & retired in 1979. Carolyn received her Master's Degree in Education from DePaul University, Chicago in 1970. After their retirement in 1979, she & Robert retired & moved to CA, in 1990 & eventually moved to Polson, Mt. in 1992.
Carolyn is preceded in death by her sister- Kay Court in 1992. She is survived by her husband- Robert of Polson 2-sons- David & his wife- Marthe of Barcelona, Spain & John of Helena, MT. 2-grand-children- Jonathan & Samantha & a sister- Jean Court of Oberlin, OH. Cremation has taken place & a memorial service will be held on Fri, Apr. 29, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at the Grogan Funeral Home, Polson.
William F. Orchard age 78 of Polson passed away on Thursday March 22, 2007 at Missoula Community Medical Center in Missoula from natural causes. He was born August 12, 1928 at Bronxville, New York, after high school he attended college for 2 1/2 years in California.
William married
Suzanne House in San Gabriel, California in 1949. He worked selling supplies and premiums to circulation departments of newspapers in California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. He liked to travel, play gold and enjoyed reading.
He his survived by his wife Suzanne of Polson, daughter Kristine Orchard Parker, and sons Thomas F. Orchard and Richard W. Orchard, and 6 grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time. Arrangements and cremation under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson.
