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Fern E. Moore age 96 of Polson passed away on Friday, February 10, 2006 at St. Luke Extended Care in Ronan from natural causes. She was born July 17, 1909 at Sheridan, Wyoming to Roy & Anna Retzlaff Minster. Fern attended school in Sheridan, & moved with her family to Pablo in 1918. Fern & George Moore married
on May 25, 1925 in Kalispell, & they were married
for almost 66 years. She worked with George in their outfitting business for 50 years. She & George ran the Monture Lodge near Ovando, Mt.
She did a lot of the books & correspondence & was an excellent cook for the groups that they outfitted. People from all over the United States & the world loved to come to the Monture Lodge to enjoy Fern's cooking. In her early years she served as the clerk for the Potomac School Board. She enjoyed sewing, reading & refinishing furniture, the outdoors & her garden, & was known for her great sense of humor. Her husband preceded her in death in 1991, her parents, a son Bill in 1962, 2 brothers & 3 sisters. She is survived by her son Leonard (Ethel) Moore of Condon, MT, a daughter Marian (David) Larson of Hayden, Idaho, a sister Anna Mae Cheff of Missoula, brother Garnet Minster of Kalispell, eight grandchildren, several great & great-great grandchildren along with several nieces & nephews & other relatives.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 17, 2006 from 9 am to 5 pm in the Grogan Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2006 at 1:00 pm in the Grogan Funeral Home with Rev. Ron Pierce officiating. Interment will follow at the Ronan cemetery. A reception will follow the services at the Ninepipes Lodge.
Brenda Lea Francis, 46, of Polson, MT died on Saturday, July 29, 2006.
Brenda was born on June 6, 1960 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Paul & Joan Orr. She grew up and attended schools in St. James, Minnesota. She married
and had two children from that marriage. She attended Anoka Technical School in Anoka, Minnesota. Brenda moved to the Mission Valley in 1999, where she has since resided.
Brenda was a member of the Mission Mountain Survivors Motorcycle Club. She loved spending time with friends and enjoyed being around other people. She especially loved attending barbeques.
She is preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her 2 children- Brandon Orr & Amber Francis of Polson.
Brothers & Sisters - Vickie (Dean) Boyer of Minnesota, Ken (Shari) Orr of Minnesota, Dennis ( Vickie) Orr of Polson & Sherry (Doug) Schmitz of Minnesota.
She is also survived by numerous other relatives.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 5th at 11:00 a.m. at the Grogan Funeral Home in Polson.
Marion J. Royer age 82 passed from this life to eternal life with her Savior on September 23, 2005 in Sun City West, AZ. She was born to Albert C. & Mary Ruth (Constable) Evans on January 30, 1923 in Mills, Wyoming, the eldest of 10 siblings. The family moved to Twin Falls, Idaho when she was a year old, and she attended schools in Twin Falls, Boise and Jerome graduating from high school in 1941 in Jerome.
She met and married
William Kenneth Royer on November 8, 1940. They resided in Twin Falls, Idaho until Ken retired from the Twin Falls Fire Department and they moved to a ranch in the Lost River Country between Mackey and Arco, Idaho. Moving back to Twin Falls in 1976 and in 1985 they both retired and moved into a 35' fifth-wheel travel trailer to travel for several years finally staying the winter in Wickenburg, AZ. And summer in Mackey, Idaho.
In 1996 they moved to Polson, Mt. to be close to family. Ken died September 5, 2000 and after the first year she began living with their daughter and her husband. Until the time of her death they lived in Surprise, AZ. In the winter and Polson, Mt. in the summer. She was a devoted member of Polson Community Church.
Marion is survived by their children David K. Royer (Monu) of Ft. Collins, Colo., Diane J. Alderdice (Lee) of Surprise, AZ, /Polson, Mt. and Richard K. Royer (Janet) of Phillipsburg, Mt. She also has three living sisters and three brothers, eight grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild.
A memorial service will be held at the Polson Community Church in Polson, Mt. October 10, 2005 at 11:00 am and at a later date at Shepherd of The Hill Methodist Church in Sun City West, AZ. Where she was an associate member in Arizona. In lieu of flowers Marion and the family have requested any memorials go to the Polson Community Church Building Fund P.O. Box 118 Polson, Montana 59860. It was Marion's dream to see her church completed. Arrangements and services under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, Mt.
Olive Mae Ecelbarger Henderson was born Jan. 13, 1915 on a farm near Big Run, PA to Wade & Edna McGee Ecelbarger. She attended the first 6 years of school in a one-room school near her farm & completed her education at the Elementary & High Schools in Big Run where she graduated in 1932 as the Salutatorian. She then got her BS Degree in Home Economics with a minor in Science & High School English in 1936 from Indiana State Teachers College in PA.
She also attended the UofWI & Indiana University. She married
Sheridan Henderson in 1941 & had identical twin boys, S. Hugh, II & Richard Dean. Olive & Sherd moved to Fort Howard, MD in 1946 where they lived for 38 years. Sherd worked at the VA Hospital there & Olive taught Home Economics in Baltimore County Public Schools & retired in 1970.
Sherd & Olive loved traveling & enjoyed meeting people. They had a summer home near Ocean City, MD for 16 years where they enjoyed friendships with people from DE, VA, & PA. Olive & Shed moved permanently to Polson in 1983 & for a few years spent their winters in Florida. They also did a lot of traveling around MT, Canada, & along the Pacific Coast with their son Hugh & daughter-in-law Sue. Olive is survived by her husband of 65 years, Sheridan Henderson, two sons & daughters-in-law, Hugh & Susan Henderson of Polson, & Dean & Linda Henderson of Baltimore, MD. She is also survived by her grandchildren & their spouses Carl & Stefanie Nordberg, Jack & Krissy Nordberg, & Jason & Jennifer Nordberg all from MT, Rick Henderson, Tammy & Michael Chaney, & Ronald & Paulinea Henderson all from MD.
Her great grandchildren are Brittany, Beau, Trey, Ansley, & Lauren Nordberg & Logan & Savanna Henderson. Olive has one surviving sister, Jeanne Swanson & was predeceased by brothers Meade, John, & Myron Ecelbarger. A visitation will be held on Wed., Jan. 24, 2007 from 9 am to 1 pm in the Grogan Funeral Home, followed by a memorial service at 1pm in the funeral home, with Pastor John Payne officiating.
Theresa Caroline Bonser Minson age 91 of Spokane formerly of Polson passed away on Monday, July 10, 2006 at a Spokane Rest Home from natural causes. She was born June 26, 1915 in Polson, Montana to Harry and Cecilia Deucharme Bosner. Theresa attended elementary school in St. Ignatius and graduated from high school in Lawrence, Kansas. She lived in Wyoming from 1950 to 1960 and moved to Missoula in 1961 and worked in the commercial laundry business from 1962 until 1972, and spent 9 summers working at the Elmo State Park. After her retirement she and her husband spent winters in Arizona, California, Oklahoma, Texas and Washington.
Her husband Louis preceded her in death in 1986. She is survived by her son Richard (Judy) Minson of St. Regis, Montana, sisters Emerald Barker of Polson, Mildred Gerber of South Dakota, Rachel Tomjanovich of Chicago, Illinois, Ethel Montgomery of Sun City, Arizona, 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday July 15, 2006 at 11:00 am in the Grogan Funeral Home with Father Marc Lenneman officiating. Cremation has taken place.
Ralph C. Gipe age 88 of Polson passed away on Wednesday April 27, 2005 at his residence sourrened by his family. Ralph was born September 7, 1916 in Cedaredge, Colorado to L.A. and Sophia Gipe. At the age of three his family moved to a farm in Valley View near Polson, Montana. Ralph grew up on this farm and ended up living there for 72 years. Ralph and his two brothers all attended Valley View School through the eighth grade, and then graduated from Polson High School. After graduating Ralph worked on the construction of Kerr Dam, but his love for farming would eventually bring him back to the family farm. On the side he worked at the Valley View School as a Clerk. This is where Ralph was to meet his future wife Amelia Borden, the new teacher there! They married
May 10, 1942. Ralph and Amelia had three children a daughter Doreen, and two sons Ron and Harlan. Ralph and Amelia took over the family farm in 1942.
Ralph was voted Lake County Conversation Farmer of the Year in 1983, he loved to farm! He always said, 'A man who tills the soil is as close to God as you can get.' Ralph was president and director for the Lake County Farmers Insurance Company, which was founded by his father and several other farmers in 1928. He was a member of the Polson Community Church where he spent many hours building, joyfully planting, and taking good care of the grounds.
Ralph loved his family, his greatest joys were teaching his boys and grandsons how to fish, hunt, and enjoy God's creation. He enjoyed many wonderful hunting trips into the Bob Marshall and other areas.
His parents, L.A. and Sophie Gipe & brothers Lawrence and Gordon Gipe, preceded Ralph in death.
Ralph is survived by his wife of 63 years, Amelia Gipe; daughter Doreen Ratzburg & husband Dayle of Ledger, Montana; sons Ron Gipe & wife Kathy of Lakeside, MT. & Harlan Gipe & wife Shirley of Polson, MT.; 11 grandchildren & 14 great grandchildren & two special friends: Rebecca & Diane.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Lake County Hospice caregivers Awnie Faught & Lynda Edwards.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. at the Polson Community Church, Polson. A reception will follow the services at the church.
Memorials may be made to the Lake County Hospice or to the Polson Community Church, Polson..
Arrangements are by Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory, Polson, MT.
Margaret Ann (Peg) Harriman
The spirit of Margaret Ann (Peg) Harriman age 76 of St. Ignatius, Mt. left on Apr. 5, 2005. Margaret Ann Harriman was born on May 4, 1928 to Laurence & Margaret (DeVoe) Drew if Somers, Mt. Peg was raised on Juniper Bay South of Somers where she spent her days on the lake skipping rocks or in the gardens with her father. She attended grade school at Somers & high school in Kalispell. After graduating high school she went to the U of M in Msla. Mt. where she studied botany & graduated with a bachelor's degree of botany in 1950, she was a member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority. While attending the University she met her future husband David Harriman of NY. Peg & Dave married
April 14, 1951 & moved to Coeur d' Alene, ID. where they worked for the State of ID. Fisheries Dept. running a hatchery on Lake Coeur d'Alene.
In 1952 they brought a small private hatchery on Post Creek North of St. Ignatius, Mt, where they lived & worked out their lives & raised their family, 2 daughters & 2 sons. For 45 years of working the hatchery & raising their family, Peg & Dave worked with many friends developing environmental awareness & encouraged others. Peg was involved with the charter of the Flathead Resources Organization (FRO) & later became its chairperson. Peg was preceded in death by her parents, brother 'Ivan Algren', husband David Harriman, & a daughter Cynthia Harriman Larson.
She is survived by her daughter Polly Harriman & husband John of the Bay Area, CA. sons Alan (Sue) Harriman of St. Ignatius, Mt; Brooke Harriman of Red Springs, NC. Peg also leaves her grandchildren Ryan Bramlette, James David Harriman, Katie, Rachel, & Nick Harriman, Laura & Steven Larson, McKenzie, Lane, Justin, & Megan Harriman, & nephew Charles Mathews Dick III, of Austin, TX. There are many close friends she wished to thank for their support. Richard Eggert, Connie Niemeyer, Phyllis Castor, Don & Nancy Smith, Mary Brock & so many others we are unable to list. The family is going to have a service in Pegs garden on Sat. Apr 9, 2005 at 2:00 pm.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers or gifts, donations be made to the Public Radio Station KUFM in Missoula, which was a constant companion. Arrangements & cremation under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory, Polson.
Arthur Swanson
With wit, wisdom, and dignity, Arthur Swanson died at his home in Polson on Saturday August 26, 2006, at the age of 66, after a three-year battle with cancer. Art was born on June 19, 1940 in Sandpoint, Idaho and grew up in Fairfield, Montana, where he graduated from high school in 1958. On June 21, 1963, Art married
the love of his life, Barbara Standish, in Choteau, Montana. He served in the US Army Infantry at Fort Carson, Colorado for two years and returned to Montana where he graduated from the University of Montana with a degree in economics and finance in 1968. The family moved to Portland, Oregon and Art worked for the Department of Housing and Urban Development as an appraiser and underwriter until his retirement in 1995.
He traveled with his job and worked on many disasters. After retirement, Art and Barbara moved back to Montana and settled in Polson, Montana. Art enjoyed building fine furniture, woodcarving and boat building. He made many beautiful pieces of furniture for the family, which will always be cherished. Art loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed fishing and hunting with friends. Art is survived by his wife, Barbara, children Kirsten Swanson of Juneau, AK, son Gregg and daughter-in-law Kim Swanson of Seattle, WA, sisters Shirley and husband George Slater of Great Falls, MT and Karma Ruether of Billings, MT, and Barbara's sister and brother-in-law Janet and Roger Hinther of Missoula, MT, who helped in so many ways; plus many cousins, nieces and nephews.
A 3-day family reunion was held in July at the Swanson home and gave everyone an opportunity to reminisce and say good-bye. His father 'Whitey' Swanson, mother Gladys Ross and brother Dean Ross preceded him in death. He is also survived by his special pal, Snuffy, who he rescued many years ago. At the request of Art, no services will be held. A celebration of Art's life will be held in the future.
The family suggests memorials to the Mission Valley Animal Shelter, 239 N. Reservoir Road, Polson, MT 59860 or St. Pat's House, 501 W. Alder Street, Missoula, MT 59802. Arrangements are being handled by Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory.
Raphaela Ann Bisson Matt, 'Rae Ann' passed away on Friday December 29, 2006 at Kalispell, MT with her daughter Abby and her grandson Michael at her side. Rae Ann was born September 18, 1958 in Polson, MT to Reva Johnson Bisson and Raphael Bisson. Rae Ann was an intelligent and witty student of life, a talented artist with a loving heart and a will of iron.
Rae Ann received her GED and three AA degrees from SKC College and attended one year at the University of Montana. She worked at the Job Corp and was a bartender at various bars throughout Lake County. She attended various PowWows, painted landscapes, and enjoyed other artwork. Rae Ann was preceded in death by her treasured grandparents NT (Norin) and Lavina Johnson and both of her parents.
Those left to mourn her passing are her husband Gary Joe Matt, her daughter Abby and her grandson Michael. She also leaves behind her brothers Jim and Mike Howes, her sisters Tammy Sargent, Peggy Lundin, her maternal Aunts Marilyn Johnson Sanzone, Debbie Johnson Pniak, Roxanne Johnson Kyro, Brenda Johnson Reinholz, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, good friend Bonnie Hout, other friends and her two dogs.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday January 2, 2006 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Grogan Funeral Home Chapel. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday January 3, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at the Grogan Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow the services at Lakeview cemetery in Polson, MT.
Louis Wesley Jepson died March 6, 2007 at age 79 in Kalispell.
Lou was born in Merrill, Nebraska, March 22, 1928, the first born child of LeRoy Wesley Jepson and Laura Maretta Goodwin. He grew up living in Riverton, Wyoming where he graduated from high school. Immediately following high school, Lou enlisted in the Army at age 18. As he prepared to leave for the service, and later a tour to occupied Japan, his own dad hugged him firmly. This would be the last time they would see each other, his dad died during his tour. So, this led to a hardship discharge from the Army and Lou was able to return home to be support for his mom and family. Eventually, the family moved to Polson, where Lou met the love of his life, Loretta Wilhelm.
Lou and Loretta married
in 1953. They moved to Hamilton to build their lives and family. Lou worked for the Northern Pacific Railroad which took them to Portland, Oregon in 1958. It was here that he began to work as an accountant for A.D. Ford & Son Contractors, and then for R. Hoe & Co (later, Pacific Hoe Saw Manufacturers) for the next 30 years.
Lou knew no stranger. Wherever he went, he made a friend. He was a talker an all-out friendly guy. His involvement with youth would be the most remembered thing about Lou. He and Loretta always left an open-door for those who needed a 'safe' place to go. Lou provided that father figure many of these young people seemed to lack in their own lives. To this day, many still call him 'Dad'.
Always involved, his interests included: Little League coach, Cub Scouts and Boy Scout adult trainer, Sunday school teacher, Bell choir, various singing choirs, church Elder, basketball coach, church financial secretary, volunteer for CASA, and others. He loved sports, wood working and crocheting!
Above all, Lou's trademark would be the fiddle. From the age of 14, he has loved music. Being raised in a family that built their lives around the guitar, mandolin, piano and fiddle, Lou picked up fiddling, and has been 'fiddling around most of his life'. Lou carried his fiddle to various family and group activities. He was part of a country western group called 'One Way Train' that played gospel music. This group brought great joy and fellowship to his life. When Lou moved back to Montana, it didn't take him long to begin playing his fiddle for the senior citizen homes and church activities.
In 2002, Lou and Loretta sold their home in Portland and returned to their roots in Elmo, Montana. They live where Loretta spent much of her growing years. They immediately became part of their community. Living near Flathead Lake and with mountains in view, Lou couldn't say enough how blessed he was.
His life was full. He loved his wife, his Lord, his family and friends. A life fully lived. He will be so greatly missed.
Lou is survived by his wife, children: LeRoy (Cheryl) of Aloha, OR; Sandra Johanesen (Ron) of Portland, OR; Wesley (Lauri) of Forest Grove, OR; Louis of Elmo, MT. Sister Edith Brown of Portland, OR; brothers Bill Jepson of Townsend, MT and James Jepson (Paula) of Portland, OR. He also leaves behind 11 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Visitation for Louis will be held on Sunday March 11, 2007 at the Grogan Funeral Home from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday March 12, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church of Polson with Rev. Dave Anson officiating. Private family interment will be at the Lakeview cemetery.
Robert Lee Sams, Jr., 52, of Polson, MT. died on Sunday, January 28, 2007 at St. Joseph Hospital in Polson.
Robert was born on August 22, 1954 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Robert & Maxine Sams.
He grew up in Houston, Texas and attended Stephen F. Austin State University where he received a B.A. degree in Marketing.
Robert eventually moved to California where he met Sallye Brandenburg. They were married
on August 24, 1991 in Big Bear, California.
He and Sallye lived in Riverside & Simi Valley, Calif. Before moving to Montana in 2005. Robert was involved in youth baseball and softball programs and he loved to umpire. He was thoroughly enjoyed watching his children play ball.
He was currently employed at Snow Creek Tractor in Kalispell.
His parents precede him in death.
Robert is survived by his wife Sallye of Polson and his three children Son- Tyler Sams of Texas, daughter- Sallie Sams & son- Eric Sams of Polson. He is also survived by his two sisters- Pam Contestabile of Houston & Debbie Delarosa of Portland, Texas and numerous other relatives.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, February 6, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. at the Foursquare Church, 40677 Foursquare Lane, Polson.
There has been a fund set up to assist the family at the Whitefish Credit Union in Polson.
Lillian Marie Horner slipped peacefully into the arms of her savior surrounded by her family on Tuesday August 1, 2006. Lillian was born in Polson, MT on March 23, 1923 to Julius and Lena Meiers. She graduated from Polson High School. Lillian spent many years helping her father and mother in Meiers Studio. Lillian married
Delmar Horner on May 18, 1944 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where Del was stationed during WWII.
After the war, they settled in Polson to raise their three children. Lillian is survived by her husband Delmar, her three children Randy and Dee Horner, Franci and Bob Dailey, and Julie and Lonnie Hankinson; her seven grandchildren Randy and Jeff Horner; Shawn, Bo and Lena Dailey, Rial and Tucker Hankinson; one great-grandchild Korbyn Horner; and four step-grandchildren Bryan, Kayla, Justin and Mandy; and many beloved friends. Visitation will be held on Friday August 4, 2006 at the Grogan Funeral Home Chapel from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday August 5, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with Rev. Paul Rowold officiating. Interment will follow the services at Lakeview cemetery. A reception will follow the service at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. Arrangements are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home.
JOHN FREDRIC PETERSEN, 63, of Polson, MT. passed away on March 9, 2008 in Seattle, WA
John was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on June 2, 1944 to Hans & Marie Petersen.
John's favorite memories of his childhood happened at Tullibee Lake, where he was a fishing guide. After graduating as a Doctor of Veterinary medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1968, and attending Iowa State University for an additional year of training in equine medicine, John spent two years in the Navy (during the Vietnam conflict) at the national Institute of Health's primate center. There, he was put in charge of approximately 4, 000 monkeys, a stint which helped him forever decide against further practice with primates! However, after opening his first veterinary hospital in Great Falls, MT, he was surprised beyond belief when one of the first requests of a client was to help with the care of their chimpanzee! John opened his second veterinary hospital in Cut Bank, which was run and subsequently bought by a colleague, Dr. Gary Cassel.
John moved to Helena and met and married
Lianne. They moved to the Mission Valley to establish Southshore Veterinary Service on March 1, 1978, where he has since practiced for almost 30 years. His practice in the Mission Valley, was primarily on dogs, cats and horses, but of the many unusual pets he was able to help, the list included, but not limited to: iguanas, snakes, eagles, bobcats and the like- a turkey named Calvin stands out. Calvin came as an emergency, years ago near the time of Thanksgiving; so instead of serving turkey on Thanksgiving, John was stitching up a turkey! The irony of that story placed John, his previous colleague, and the City of Polson on Paul Harvey's humorous radio show.
One of the greatest joys of his life was to be able to help clients with their pets. The other greatest joys were his family; church, friends and time spent reading his Bible and praying. After these joys, his hobbies included aviation, hunting, landscaping and gardening.
John is preceded in death by his father and mother: Hans & Marie Petersen, Aunts' No No and Lil of Minneapolis, former parents-in-law: Richard and Bernice Kullberg of Cut Bank, MT
He is survived by his wife of 30 years: Lianne, former wife, Nora Kullberg Seekins; daughters: Lidia Koppel of Bozeman, Abigail Schenk, Bethany and Lena Petersen of Polson; son: Jon Seekins of Great Falls, grandchildren: Davis and Taea Koppel of Bozeman; son-in-law Trevor Schenk; mother-in-law Hazel Goosey; brothers and sisters-in-law: Kelly and Dianne Courage of Lolo, MT, Alan and Shannon Hay of Aiken, S.C., Ronnie and Lauren Hall of Aiken, S.C.; Uncle Homer and Aunt Betty of Newport, WA. Aunt Betty Seltzer of Minnesota; nieces and nephews: Jenna and Michael Courage, Brandon Hall, Abby and Hanna Hay. He is also survived by his colleagues and friends at Southshore Veterinary Service.
A closed casket visitation is planned for Thursday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Grogan Funeral Home in Polson. A graveside with military honors will be held on Saturday, March 15th at 1:30 p.m. at the Lakeview cemetery in Polson.
Memorials may be made to Compassion International, LSAR Animal Rescue and the Mission valley Animal Shelter.
