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Judi Ann Keikilani Hewitt Osborne, of Polson died suddenly on Saturday, March 8, 2008 at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula.
Judi was born on July 1, 1943 in Honolulu, Hawaii. She was raised in the islands by her Mother Barbara Brown and her father Robert Brown.
In her twenties she married
Gerrit Osborne, whom she later divorced. They had two daughters together. After the divorce, she and the girls moved to Colorado. After a decade of working at the Denver law Firm, and raising her girls, she moved to Montana for a quieter life.
In Polson, Judi again fostered her love of animals by volunteering for the Mission Valley Animal Society. She also joined St. Andrews Episcopal Church and began working at the Lake County Leader. Years later she co-founded 'The Zoo' pet store, where her beloved Dieter, a Bernese Mountain Dog, was her constant companion. When
'the Zoo' eventually closed, she went to work for Seconds to Go in the old 'Zoo' store-front that would raise funds for the animal shelter; thus, bringing so many of her interests, passions and talents together. Judi genuinely loved people and trading stories with 'her peeps' delighted her as much as raising funds for animals facing difficult circumstances.
Judi will be remembered for her pride in being a native Hawaiian, her generosity and warmth towards friends and strangers, and her abundance of love for animals. Her love for her family was most impressive and a true gift. She loved her granddaughter Joanie 'to the moon and back', and now every night Joanie is on the deck looking for the moon so she can see 'Nana'.
She is preceded in death by her father Robert Brown. She is survived by her mother Barbara Brown of Troy, ME, her daughter Malika Baggins (Scott Pfeiffer) of Troy, ME, her daughter Jessica Mercer (David) of Polson, her granddaughter Joanie Mercer of Polson and her best friend Sharon Hawke and her many four legged children.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 15th at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Polson.
Henry George Herzel age 85 of Polson passed away on Thur, Apr. 3, 2008 at St. Joseph Hospital from natural causes. He was born Oct. 25, 1922 at Butte, MT. & attended elementary school in Butte & graduated from Polson High School. He served with honor for 4 years in the US Navy & was a decorated Seabee serving during World War II. After serving in the military he returned to Polson where he farmer & ranched on Finley Point. He was a member on Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Elks, & Finley Point Volunteer Fire Dept. George also enjoyed hydroplane boat racing.
He was preceded in death by his parents Alphons & Marie Herzel and a nephew Thomas Herzel. He is surivived by his nieces Linda (John) Fulginiti, Rita Pleshia, Jean Herzel-Peter Fenton, Ann (Bill) Schmalzer & Carol (Ben) White, cousins; Ray (Arlene) Koetting, Erwin Koetting., brother Harry Herzel, & Rudy Herzel both of Spokane, WA. & his special companion Gloria Wilson, numerous other relatives in Germany & many life long friends. A vigil service will be held on Wed. Apr. 9, 2008 at 7 pm in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with Mass of Christian Burial on Thur. Apr. 10, 2008 at 11:00 am in the church with Father Jim Connor officiating. Military honors will follow services at the church. Cremation has taken place. Memorials made be made to the donors choice.
Keith Wilson Syverson, age 74 of Bigfork, passed away from natural causes on Monday July 28, 2008 at St. Joseph Hospital. Keith was born at Valley City, North Dakota to Paul A. and Bessie Syverson on June 27, 1934. His grandparents homesteaded in Belmont, north of Billings. He attended schools in Hot Springs and Polson. As a young man, Keith worked in logging camps on the North Fork of the Flathead River and in lookouts for the US Forest Service. He served in the US Army in Germany where he met Kathe, his wife. After his honorable discharge in 1963, he returned to Montana and began a 29-year career with Pacific Power & Light as an operator dispatcher. His father and mother preceded him in death. His wife Kathe, sons Mike and Mark and daughter-in-law Noorjahan and his brother Paul N. Syverson survive Keith. According to Keith's wishes, cremation will take place and no services are planned. Cremation will be under the care of Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory.
Cecille Elizabeth Finley Matus, age 86 of Pablo, MT, passed away with her family by her side on Tuesday July 15, 2008 at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. Cecille was born in a tipi on October 10, 1921near Jette Lake to Sakali and Mary Susan Finley. Cecille attended schools at Elmo and the Ursline School in St. Ignatius. In 1960, Cecille married
Walter Matus at Twin Falls, ID. She was a seasonal worker working in orchards and fields and cutting Christmas trees throughout the Northwest. Most recently she worked with the Kootenai Culture Committee as a consultant with the Kootenai language. She spoke very fluent Kootenai. Cecille was very active in cultural activities. She and Walter were inseparable for more than 48 years of traveling all over the West, enjoying pow-wows, stick games, casinos and the outdoors. They spent about 40 years in and around the Yakima Valley in Eastern Washington before returning to the Flathead Reservation in 2004 to be closer to family. She enjoyed her bingo games, going to the mountains and picking huckleberries, camping, traveling, and especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. One of her most recent adventure included renovation of an RV for her and Walt to travel and meet other places. Her parents, her first husband Stanley Irvine, children Joseph Irvine, Juanita Irvine, LeRoy Irvine, Robert Irvine, sisters Nancy Joseph, Annie Finley, Sophie Finley, Madeline Finley, brothers Frank Lefthand, George Lefthand, and Simon Lefthand preceded Cecille in death. She is survived by her husband Walter Matus, sons Lloyd (Kathy) Irvine, Harold 'Bubbins' Irvine, Arnold (Jody) Irvine, Ronald (Laura) Matus, sister Alice Hewankorn, 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Wake service begins on Wednesday July 16, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. at the Elmo Hall. Rosary service will be held on Thursday July 17th at 8:00 p.m. at the Elmo Hall with Father Drew Maddock officiating. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday July 18, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the Elmo Hall with Father William McCann officiating. Interment will follow at the Dayton cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home.
Don Torgenrud created a good life in his 65 years. He was above all a devoted husband. Don and his wife Heather were constant companions for over 36 years, happiest when they were together, whether working in Don's law practice, driving their Norwegian Fjord Horses on their farm north of Missoula, cross-country skiing or reading books in the Norwegian language they loved so much.
At Great Falls High School Don was a State Debate Champion. He took first place in the Montana Voice of Democracy contest and went to the National Finals in Original Oratory. While still in high school he began reading the great philosophers on his own and his interest in equity and justice was a constant theme in his life. After three years in the Marine Corps and a degree in Philosophy from the University of California, San Diego, he worked as a carpenter and building contractor for ten years. At age 39, Don went back to school, earning a law degree from the University of Montana and opening a law office, first in Missoula and later in St. Ignatius. In 2006 he was honored with a Distinguished Service Award from the State Bar for 22 years as a charter member of the Ethics Committee.
Everyone who knew Don was impressed by his brilliant mind and prodigious memory. He could easily quote passages from books he had read even fifty years before. He could talk about many subjects with ease, honing in on the important issues and communicating ideas with clarity and wisdom. At the same time he was level-headed and down-to-earth, and the counsel he gave to others was always straightforward and practical. He also had a wonderful sense of humor and could be counted on to entertain friends with his well-told stories.
Don was born in Waukon, Iowa on October 16, 1942, and died at home on July 21, 2008. He is survived by his wife, Heather, and their two dogs and five horses, son Thor Torgenrud and granddaughter Jade, who live in France, mother Celia Torgenrud, sisters Penn Borden and Sherry Ferris and Sherry's husband Bob, all of Santa Barbara, brother Leif Torgenrud and his wife Laurie, of Spokane, brother Kevin Torgenrud and his wife Marty, and brother Colin Torgenrud, all of Polson. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald W. Torgenrud, Sr.
Don fought a valiant battle with cancer, sustained by his love for his family, friends, animals and books, and by his great personal courage. He will live on in all that he touched and those who knew him will always feel his presence in their lives.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate Don's life and share stories and memories on Sunday, July 27, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. at the Nordic Pines Sons of Norway Lodge, 5795 Highway 93 South, Missoula (casual dress). The family asks that donations in lieu of flowers be made to the Mission Valley Animal Shelter or the Missoula Humane Society. For those wishing to send cards, the address is Heather Torgenrud, P.O. Box 490, St. Ignatius, MT 59865.
Russell Everett Martin, age 65 of Polson, passed away on March 13, 2005 off the Island of San Pedro, Belize. He was born February 1, 1940 to Richard and Eva M.(Van Depas) Martin in Havre, Montana. Russell attended schools in Havre and Helena, also went to high school for 1 year before joining the Air Force. After his discharge from the military he worked with heavy equipment on the North Slope of Alaska for 13 years. Russell also worked in Saudi Arabia, Guam and Hawaii and helped plant an orange grove in Belize. Before he retired he drilled water wells for several years. Russell retired in 1998 to take care of his parents before their passing in 2000 and 2004. Russell enjoyed gardening, snorkeling, hunting, fishing, visiting with his many friends and relatives and was a certificated diver.
Russell and Dona Mae 'Peaches' James married
April 1, 2004 in Polson.
His parents, a brother Byron Martin and his first wife Melanie Brueggeman Martin, preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife Dona James Martin, son Mike of Colonial Heights, WA; a grandson Austin and many stepdaughters and stepsons.
Funeral services will be held Friday, March 25, 2005 at 1:00 pm in the Grogan Funeral Home with Rev. Paul Rowold officiating. Burial with military honors will be held at Lakeview cemetery, Polson.
William Franklin (Bill) Skates, age 79 of Polson, died from cancer on Friday July 18, 2008 at St. Joseph Hospital. Bill was born in Haakon County, South Dakota to Walter and Ruth Skates on November 21, 1928. Bill lived life to its fullest and loved his family who were all dearest to his heart. He enjoyed baseball, fishing, golf, and bowling. His parents and a sister Wanda Hellod preceded Bill in death. Bill is survived by his wife, of 59 years of marriage, Beverly Jean Skates; his children Rick Skates, Debbie Denton, Randy Skates, and Shelly Merwin; grandchildren Kristie Fenster Maker, Tiffani Bugli, Natalie Farley, Jason Denton, Jeff Denton, Aubrey Enderle; great-grandchildren Makayla, Olyvia, Addison, Whitney and Nicole Marie; siblings Jack Skates, Marge Boehrs, Bud Skates, Doris Brown, Bob Skates and Fred Skates. A vigil service will be performed on Wednesday July 23, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Father Jim Connor officiating. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday July 24th at 11:00 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
Bernice Iris Mix, age 89 of Missoula, formerly of Polson, went to be with her Heavenly Father as she was surrounded by her family on Monday July 28, 2008 at the Village Health Care Center at Missoula. Born to Armeda and Carl Shaw, Bernice was raised on farms at Fort Benton and Great Falls, Montana. Bernice married
George Tyler Mix on January 20, 1947 at Kalispell, MT. She moved to Polson in 1957 where she lived until 2007. Bernice enjoyed the last year and a half at the Village Health Center where she had wonderful care, made many friends and enjoyed many activities. She loved little dogs; she was full of compassion and enjoyed giving candy to the nurses and all who came to visit her. Bernice loved being with family and going out to lunch. Her husband in 1992, 3 brothers, 2 sisters, her parents and a son-in-law, Gale Hires, preceded her in death. Bernice is survived by her 3 children; Pat (Jerry) Fisher, Nancy (Clark) Fiorentino, Dan (Sylvia) Mix, all of Polson, 4 step-children Norman (Lois) Mix of Kennewick, WA, Roy (Bev) Mix of Missoula, Ada Hires of Longmont, CO, David Kemp of Helena, 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. A visitation was held on Wednesday July 30, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Grogan Funeral Home. Funeral services were held on Thursday July 31, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Grogan Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Mix officiating. Interment followed at Lakeview cemetery with grave dedication by Bishop Gordon Terry officiating. A reception followed the services at the LDS Church. Arrangements are under the care of Grogan Funeral Home.
Corinne 'Keenie' Cone Christopher, Polson, Montana was gifted from heaven January 23, 1936 in Plains, Montana to George and Frances Cone along with big brother, Wyatt. Followed by baby brother, Clancy. She married
the love of her life, Richard J. Christopher, from Great Falls on June 15, 1957. Serendipity moved them to Polson in June 1963 where they began a legacy at Hubbard's Pharmacy, later renamed Harbour Pharmacy. After forty-five years of service to the community Keenie and Dick retired to their garden and church in 1999. She is survived by her life work, four children. Kim presides over the Twentieth Judicial District; Jeff practices Physical Therapy at St. Joseph's Hospital, Courtney teaches Art at Hellgate High School in Missoula. Tiara shared her mother's love of family and nurtures the extended family Dick and Keenie created. Kim has three boys, Nick in San Diego, Remington and Isaac. Jeff married
Julie Smith and has two girls, Bryn and Jacey. Courtney enjoys his daughter Kaleigh. Tiara married
Dr. Justin L Knowles and lives in Missoula with their sons, Roman, Ramsey and Christian. Most of Keenie's activities have been God-centered and children-oriented. A fountain of unconditional love she benefited every life she touched. Keenie brought joy to her interests in Community Concert, the Bell and Choral Choirs with Presbyterian Church, PEO and bridge. She will be dearly missed; few lives have benefited so many others. She is also survived by her brothers, Clancy Cone, MD and his wife Bev and Wyatt Cone, PhD and his wife Vera and numerous nieces and nephews. Keenie passed away on July 18, 2008 at 5:50 a.m. in Polson. The celebration of her life will be at the First Presbyterian Church, 301 4th Ave. E. Polson at 10:30 a.m. on Friday July 25, 2008. Arrangements are being made through Grogan Funeral Home, 883-2808. Donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Copeland Memorial Ringers.
Earl W. Jenson age 81 of Polson passed away on Monday July 21, 2008 at his home from natural causes. Earl was born to Carl Esklund & Grace Maxfield Jenson in Deer Lodge, Montana on November 11, 1926. Earl's father worked for Ford Dealships and the construction of Kerr Dam as a carpenter. Earl's mother taught school in North Dakota and Montana. Earl's father died January 25, 1938. His mother died May 5, 1943. Earl attended school in Kinshella Camp near Whitefish and in Whitefish, Polson and St. Ignatius. Earl joined the Army Air Force in September 1945, serving in the military for 39 months. After the service he was employed by the State of Alaska for 25 years, mainly for truck weighing stations. He married
Dorothy Bartholet in Douglas, Alaska on April 21, 1967. A son Carl was born April 30, 1968. The last position held was as a member of the Alaska State Troopers before retiring and returning to Polson in 1978.
Earl's great love was collecting and trading license plates. He started in 1961 and has continued throughout his life making many good friends through this hobby. From 1974-1975 he was president of the Auto License Plate Collectors Association and also served as a Director of ALPCA both before and after that time. Other collectors will greatly miss him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his mother's brothers and sisters, his father's brother's and sisters, cousins: Clyde Dawson, Lorne Heth, Dorothy Heth, Eleanor Conkle, Leitha Halverson, Shirley Ferrero, Mabel Schultz, and Myrtle Sturdevant.
His wife Dorothy of Polson, son Carl, and cousins Helen Quiggle, Roy Bohlman, Janet Dolleslager, Alyce Lindberg, Raymond Maxfield, Emma Jean Maris, and Dorothy Dudek survive Earl.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 from 9 am to 5 pm in the Grogan Funeral Home. Vigil services will be held at 7 pm in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at 10:30 am in the church with Father James Connor officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Lakeview cemetery.
Gerald P. Shannon
It is with great sadness that the family of Gerald P. Shannon announces his passing at Kalispell Regional Hospital on Sunday July 13, 2008. He was born August 6, 1932 in East Los Angeles, CA toThomas K. Shannon and Marguerite Bedford. After graduating from Cathedral High School in 1951, 'Jerry' joined and served honorably in the US Navy during the Korean War on the USS Ticonderoga. He received his aviation training in the field of air traffic control at the US Naval Auxiliary Air Station at Cabaniss Field, Corpus Christi, Texas. In 1954, he began his career with the FAA as an Air Traffic Controller for the Los Angeles Air Traffic Control Center where he met and married
Verna Smilka. They, along with their daughter Stacey, lived in Lancaster, CA until his retirement in 1976. In 1977, they moved to the Mission Valley in Montana where he resided until he went to be with the Lord. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Thomas, Clifford, William, and Leroy; sisters Marjorie, Peggy and Monica. Gerald is survived by his wife of 46 years, Verna of Polson; daughter Stacey Shannon with grandsons Kyle Hephner and Randy Hephner all of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; brother Vince of Woodburn, OR; sisters Marie Turner of Glendale, CA, Eileen Richmond and her husband Bill of Burbank, CA; and numerous nieces, nephews and their families. 'Jerry' enjoyed golf, cooking special cuisine for his family and friends and traveling to Coeur d'Alene to spend time with his daughter and grandsons. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, as well as a man of great faith and trust in Jesus Christ. A celebration of his life will be held at the Polson Christian & Missionary Alliance Church, 46873 US Hwy 93 N, Polson, MT on Friday July 18, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Frank Cummings officiating. A reception will follow the service in the church hall. Interment will follow at Lakeview cemetery with full military honors at 4:00 p.m. Memorial donations in memory of 'Jerry' may be made to the donor's choice. The family is very grateful to the caring medical staff at Kalispell Regional Hospital. Arrangements are under the care of Grogan Funeral Home.
Edith May Phillips
Ronan, MT. - On August 2, 2008, God put his loving arms around Edith and lifted her to rest in her heavenly home. At the tender age of 92, Edith passed from this life due to a sudden illness. Her daughter Joyce and son-in-law Jason were at her side. Edith, the daughter of Andrew Jackson and Rosa Evans Hoke, was born November 30, 1915, in Gravette, Arkansas. It was during her childhood in Gravette that she met her future husband, Alvan Woodrow Phillips. They married
in Bentonville, Arkansas and remained together for 64 years until his death in 1998. During this time, they lived in Arkansas, California, and New Mexico until finally settling in Twin Falls, Idaho where they remained for 26 years.
Edith always appreciated the beauty of God's creations, the mountains, farmland, lakes and wildlife that surrounded her, particularly during the last years of her life when she lived in Vermont, then Montana. She shared her love of flowers by creating fabric 'flower pictures' then distributing them to family and friends. She continued making flowers until she passed away. Edith loved being surrounded by children. She had taught Sunday School and been co-leader of a Cub Scout Troop and Campfire Girls. When her children were teens, it was not unusual to find a group of their friends gathered at her house after church for homemade pizza and cookies. Everyone enjoyed her good sense of humor and hospitality. She loved having her grandchildren stay with her on the farm during the summer and left them with many good memories.
'Granny', as she was known to her family and many friends, became an avid bowler during her early senior years, and earned many pins, ribbons and awards for her skill. She looked forward to her weekly trips with 'Al' to meet with their friends at the bowling alleys in Twin. Thankfully, Edith continued to be active until the Lord took her, walking and climbing stairs unaided every day. She loved to listen to country and gospel music and could often be seen tapping her foot to the beat. Once in awhile the music would move her to dance what she called her 'jig'.
Being a faithful Christian and a good mother were of utmost importance to Edith. She spent her life dedicated to the Lord and her family. Edith was a member of the First Baptist Church, Polson, Montana and a former member of the Church of the Nazarene in Twin Falls. Survivors include her brother Lewie Hoke of Gravette, AR and her sister Lucille Wise of Sebastapol, CA. She is also survived by her children, Carolyn Joyce (Jason) Newton, Ronan, MT; Terry Alvan (Yvonne) Phillips, Williamsburg, VA; and Rosalie Mae (Wilbur) Woods, Owyhee, NV; grandchildren Amy (Mike) Hallett, Heidi (Eric) Jett, Danielle George, Janique, Rikki and Juliann Woods, Luke and Matthew Phillips, Susan Cowley, Sherri (Jesse) Schear, Lisa Wilson, and Margaret Hackett; her 'adopted grandson' Jeff Martin; 9 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Edith was preceded in death by her husband Alvan, her infant children Ronnie Dee and Treasa, and eldest daughter Iona Arlene Hackett; infant grandson Bruce Echevarren; her parents, and sisters Irene and Ethel.
A private family graveside service will be held Monday, August 11, 2008, at Sunset Memorial Park, in Twin Falls. Arrangements are by Grogan Funeral Home of Polson, Montana.
Keith A. Johnson was born in Polson October 17, 1928 to H. Irving and Ethel Mallory Johnson. He died at Kalispell Regional Hospital surrounded by family on July 10, 2008 after a courageous battle with cancer.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Blanche Shodo Johnson. They were married
on a beautiful, snowy Christmas Eve in 1949. Born to this union were four children: Paul (Joan) of Whitefish; Kevin (Jane) and their daughters Kristin and Lisa of Butte; Rod (Cindy) and their sons Erik and Andrew of Polson; Lauren (Pete) Quien of Kalispell and their children Keith Allen (Cara) and their daughters Kyla and Lena of Denver, Nicole (Brian) Piercy and their daughter Sage of Kalispell; Jennifer Quien and her son Oliver of Kalispell. Also surviving him are a sister Kay (Ted) Witham of Polson; sisters-in-law Arlene Johnson of Clarkston, Washington, Edith Connerly and Jo Blackburn of Maple Valley, Washington, brother-in-law Leslie (Elva) Shodo of Denver, Colorado and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was a life-long resident of Polson. His career began at the Security State Bank, which had been established by his paternal grandfather, J.A. Johnson and his partner in 1910. Keith retired after 30 years and became owner and manager of Lake County Abstract Co.
He was Past Exalted Ruler of the Polson Elks, an active member of Polson Jaycees, supporter of Lake County 4-H and Junior Fair and a life-long member of Polson Presbyterian Church. During his tenure on the Polson School Board the properties for Polson High School, Middle School and Cherry Valley Elementary were purchased.
After his retirement, he and Blanche enjoyed their winter homes in Yuma, Arizona and later in Waldport, Oregon. He loved living in Polson and appreciated the beauty that surrounds us here. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and gatherings at the cabin at Dayton, but more than that he treasured the companionship of family and friends. Keith cared deeply about and was cherished by his wife, children, grandchildren, sister, extended family and friends. His loss cannot be measured.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, July 15 at 1:00 pm in the Polson Community Church, 1814 1st Street East, Polson, with Rev. Richard Widerholdt officiating. A reception will follow services in the hall of the church. The family suggests contributions may be made in Keith's memory to Cheerful Hearts Cancer Support group in Polson, PO Box 688, Polson, MT 59860 or any local charitable organization of their choice. Arrangements and cremation under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory.
Gem H. Mercer, 90, died Saturday, July 12, 2008 at his home on Flathead Lake. Gem was born November 28, 1917 in Ava, Missouri but his family moved to Missoula shortly thereafter. He served in the Army Air Corp until the end of WWII. He was a waist gunner on a B-17 in the South Pacific where he earned the Silver Star and Distinguished Flying Cross. After returning to the States he continued his flight training in Texas and at Texas A&M University until the war ended when he left the service and returned to Missoula. Gem loved starting businesses and cleaning up properties for resale. In Missoula among the businesses he owned and operated were the Market Basket, Sunshine Bar, Trailer Mart, Traveler's Treat Motel and Mercer's Standard. He spent his summers on the shores of Flathead Lake preserving and maintaining the End-O-Kare Lodge, pulling every kid waterskiing and letting them ride the waves on the deck of his hand built 'best d#! boat on the lake'.
In the 1970's he moved his family to Polson permanently. In Polson he operated Mercer Mobile Homes and Sailmaker Realty as well as numerous investment properties. He provided leadership and service as President of numerous Polson community organizations including the Golf Association, Athletic Booster Club, Port Polson Ship Company, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Community Development Corporation and he served 17 years on the Shoreline Protection Board. In addition Gem received the Outstanding Service Award from the Polson High School Athletic Department, the Golden Service Award from the Polson Jaycees, Key Man of the Year Award from the Polson Chamber of Commerce, Lifetime Achievement Award from the Polson Rotary Club and served as Montana District Governor for Rotary International.
Gem was hardworking, unselfish and always optimistic. He provided education and business startups for all his children. He always served as a bank and a set of strong shoulders. He simply supported his family in every way possible. Gem helped many others realize their dreams with his generosity; he always found the best in people.
He is survived by his wife Billie, daughters Gem Renee and Shan Toussaint (Dennis), sons Jack, Toby, John (Tina) and David (Jessica), and his brother Harry, as well as numerous adored and adoring grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Bonnie and his son Michael, as well as by his brother Jerry and sisters Lena Thomas and Rita Nelson.
Memorials are suggested to the Polson Rotary Club which Gem loved with all his heart, or to Polson Dollars for Scholars.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, July 16th, at 11:00 am. at the Grogan Funeral Home in Polson. Military Honors will be held at the funeral home following the services. A private family burial will be held at Lakeview cemetery.
Betty Lou Brackensick
B: May 11, 1926
D: September 23, 2008
Betty Lou Brackensick age 82 of Ronan passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at her daughter's home in Ronan. She was born to John David and Mildred Catherine 'Sager' Showalter on May 11, 1926 at Galesburg, Illinois. She married
Paul E. Brackensick and they were together for 46 years until his death in 1992. Betty enjoyed quilting and loved her family, grandchildren and great grandchildren very much. Her husband Paul E, brothers Clyde, Clifford, sisters Roxi, Virginia, Frances and Tice along with her parents, preceded her in death. She is surivived by her daughters Kathy Nalls, Linda McDermott, Rosa Goldstein, Elizabeth Brackensick, and Brenda Largent. Sons Paul E. Brackensick, Jr., and Harold Brackensick, along with a sister Leota Moulden, 12 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. A gathering of family and friends will be held Saturday, September 27, 2008 from 1-5 pm at the residence of Linda McDermott at 615 Cleveland Street SW. Ronan. Cremation under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson.
Eva L. Sisler
B: January 1st, 1945
D: November 14, 2008
Born January 1st, 1945, to Leonard and Eva Southworth, at Oceanside, California. Eva graduated from Escondido High School in California in 1962. Eva had six brothers and sisters, Barbara (Bobbie), Harry (Bud), Jack, Evelyn, Leslie (Butch), and Leonard. She was preceded in death by the father and mother, her brothers Bud and Butch and her sister Evelyn, who passed last year, here in Polson. At 17, after losing her mother in 1963, Eva lived with her sister Bobbie and husband Bill. While working at Pacific Finance Corporation, in 1963, she met the love of her life, James (Jim) R. Sisler. Jim had taken the first job that came along, after his Army discharge, with Pacific Finance and while spending time together, two weeks later he proposed marriage. They married
August 8th, 1964. They raised three boys, twins Matthew and Clark, and their youngest, Joshua. Nearly 30 years ago Eva and Jim relocated to Montana to be near Eva's brother Butch and build their home. Eva enjoyed gardening, hunting, playing softball, horseback riding, and was always an avid San Diego Charger football fan. Their journey brought them to Western Montana and, most recently, to Flathead Lake. Eva and Jim took a driving position with Watkins Shepard Trucking and drove together for eight and one half years. They logged almost two million miles in the U.S. and Canada before she retired in 2006. Since then, she had been active in bowling leagues at the Sportspage Bowling alley in Polson; the Republican Women's Club, and the All-In-Stitches sewing circles. As a 'born again' Christian, she and her husband joined and was very active in Calvary Baptist Church of Polson, where she was showered with love. She loved her family and always wore a smile, with her eyes and, most often, her bright clothes, lighting up a room. Always healthy, in July she was unexpectedly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Always courageous, she fought the disease with a winning spirit. Always and optimist, her mottos 'things are looking up' and 'no tears' still resonate with those she loved. Things did look up when our Lord took her home on Friday, November 14, 2008. Her request for no tears has not always been honored as her loss is grieved by many. Eva is survived by her beloved husband Jim, her sister Bobbie, who was here to help tend to her, her brothers Jack and Leonard, her sons and daughters-in-law, Matt and Julie, Clark and Jenifer, and Josh and Susan, her grandchildren, Aric, Alyssa, Jessica, Zakary, Rachel, Faith Anne, Luke, Carlton, Sofia and Kenton, aunts, uncles, cousins too numerous to list, and her many nephews and nieces. Donations may be made in Eva's name to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, at 887-272-6226 or E-mail PALS@PANCAN.ORG. A memorial service will be held at Camp Marshall 41524 Melita Island Rd. on Friday November 21, 2008 at 11:00 am. Graveside services will follow at Lakeview cemetery in Polson at 2:00 pm.
