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Darlene M. Nelson
Darleen M. Steinert Nelson, age 81, of Homestead, MT, and Williston, ND passed away Sunday, June 14, 2009 at Trinity Hospital in Wolf Point.
Darleen was born November 27, 1927 in Biddle MT the daughter of John and Laura Caldwell Sams. She moved with her family to Miles City MT at a young age.
At age 18 she married
Vernon Steinert; they divorced in 1980. In 1981 she met Melvin Nelson and they were married
on Oct 30, 1981. She moved to his farm west of Homestead where they farmed for 16 years before moving to Williston, ND in 1997. They lived in Williston until March of 2009 when Darleen and her husband, Melvin moved to Faith Lutheran Home in Wolf Point. They were blessed with the past 27 years together.
Darleen was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin just two days before her own passing. She was also preceded by her parents, three brothers Harold, Orval and John, one sister Edith, one half-brother Burton Artlip and a special grandson, Bryce Cotton.
Darleen is survived by three children, Terry (Shirley) Steinert of Red Lodge, MT, Diane Molstad of Miles City, MT and Verna (Kent) Cotton of Wolf Point; seven grandchildren, Lynette, Deryk, Danny, Farrah, Jason, Nathan and April and six great-grandchildren, Braden, Bailey, Brydger, Abby, Ethan and Isaiah; two sisters, Grace Peterson of Miles City, MT and Pearl Slackport of Townsend, WA; one brother, Carl R. Sams of Sunnyside, WA; three half-brothers, Boyd Ray of Portland, OR, Theron Ray of Sacramento, CA and Melvin Ray of Missouri; and one half-sister, Lila Ashpole of Portland, OR.
Funeral Services for Darleen and her husband, Melvin, will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday, June 19, 2009 at Homestead Lutheran Church officiated by Pastor Johnette Grefe. Visitation will be one hour before the service. Interment will follow at Big Lake cemetery. A luncheon will be served following at the Homestead American Legion Hall.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.
William "Bill" Clauson
William Richard 'Bill' Clauson, age 81, of Miles City, passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at his home in Miles City with his family by his side.
Bill was born in Miles City, Montana on January 1, 1928, the eldest of four children born to Axel and Coralynn Holton Clauson of Cohagen, Montana. He spent his young life on the farm at Cohagen with his family, completing grade school and high school at Cohagen, graduating in 1945 top of the class (of 4). One of the most vivid memories in his early childhood was a tornado in 1934, which took part of the family home and caused much destruction in the country. Bill often reminisced about some of the places he worked when things were slow at home as being great experiences and included trailing cattle and working for Harry Ross, the Jessens, and the Fred Reed herd he helped trail from Cohagen to Miles City in 1944 - also worked for a time at Fallon for Inland Construction, and in the fall of 1949 worked for the Milwaukee Yards in Miles City. In 1952, Bill started courting his partner of 56 years, Phyllis Jacobson a telegraph operator in Miles City. They were married
on December 26, 1953 and moved into a small trailer house on the ranch near Cohagen and began their happy life together. A son, Tim joined them in 1955, daughter Judy in 1956, and son David in 1959. When news of David joining them came they built a small home and thought it was a mansion after living in the little trailer home. The ranch started growing with the help of the children and small parcels of land becoming available. They started purchasing parcels of land including some from Ricki Williams, Svensons, Michaels, Secrest, Nelsons, and leasing some from McClung, Artz, Pfeifers and McKinney. Eventually a nice small ranch developed and was enjoyed and worked by the Bill Clauson family.
Bill served his community well, and was a member of the Masonic Lodge. He served on many boards including Community Club, Roping Club, cemetery Board, Garfield County Hospital Board, ASC Committee, then the Farm Credit Services for 25 years and the Interstate FCS for three years. He also presently served on the Range Riders Museum Board and president of the Southeastern Montana Fiddlers. They sold the ranch in the early 1990's and moved to a little acreage in the Pine Hills east of Miles City selling in 2007 and moving into Miles City where they remained.
Bill is survived by two sons: Tim Clauson of Miles City, MT; David Clauson of Indiana; a daughter, Judy (Rob) Reukauf of Terry, MT; five grandchildren: Bret, Casey, Jesse, Jill and Robbyn.
Visitation will begin Friday, June 12, 2009 and family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Custer County cemetery with Masonic Graveside Rites.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of ones choice.
Earl William Baker
Earl William Baker, age 84, of Columbia Falls, MT, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, May 31, 2009 in Kalispell, Montana.
Earl was born December 1, 1924 to George and Loretta Baker. Earl was raised in the Mineral Bench area north of Poplar, MT with his 5 brothers and sisters. He graduated from Poplar High School in 1924 and joined the U.S. Army where he served his country during World War II. He met and married
Doretta Anne Baker on April 11, 1950. Together they had two children, a son, Darrel and a daughter, Karen. Doretta passed away in July 1972. Earl married
Delores (Tootie) Baker on April 6, 1974 and they shared 35 wonderful years together, working, traveling and enjoying their lives together.
Earl was an electrician and a farmer and lived in Poplar until his retirement in 1994 when they moved to Columbia Falls, MT. Earl had a zest for life and when he wasn't wiring a house or seeding a field, he loved working and playing with his horses. He was an avid hunter and always enjoyed a good fishing trip. He and Tootie often went on trail rides and could be found at the Miles City Bucking Horse sale or pulling Santa in their sleigh with their Belgium horses for the children in Poplar.
Earl is survived by his wife, Delores of Columbia Falls; daughter, Karen (Chuck) Dixon of Missoula; daughter-in-law Barbara Baker (son Darrel preceded him in death 1 year ago) of Kalispell, MT; 4 grandchildren Krisha (Larry) Ross of Anchorage, AK, David Dixon of Missoula, MT, Ashley Baker of Kalispell, MT and Samantha Clark of Poplar, MT; 5 great-grandchildren, Jordan Raymi and Kelsey Ross and Brody and Cody Dixon.
Earl was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.
A Vigil Service will be held Friday, June 5, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point, MT. Funeral Services will be held Saturday June 6, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar, MT. Interment will follow at Poplar City cemetery with a luncheon to follow. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.
William "Billy" Trusler
William Charles 'Billy' Trusler was carried home on angel's wings to his ranch on June 6, 2009. He passed away with his loving wife, daughter, and granddaughter by his side after a courageous battle with cancer.
Billy was a 3rd generation rancher of an old time pioneer family of the Otter Creek area. He was born in Miles City on November 27, 1936 to W.W. and Gladys Mondor Trusler. He was raised on the family ranch where his father taught him the ropes of ranching. He attended elementary school at Willow Crossing country school near Ashland and graduated from Colstrip High School in 1954. Throughout high school he enjoyed playing sports and lettered in football and baseball. He then attended Trade School in Fargo, N.D. to study diesel mechanics. On June 16, 1956, Billy married
his high school sweetheart, Jacqueline Rukavina. Together they lived on the family ranch and raised their children.
Billy was a regular 'Jack-of-all-Trades.' He was a carpenter, a plumber, a craftsman, a mechanic, but most of all he was a rancher at heart. He loved working cattle on his ranch with his two sons. If he was not tending to his cattle or ranch, Billy could be found moving dirt with his Caterpillar machinery. He was really just a kid at heart playing in the dirt. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking in his shop. Billy loved to make people laugh and could bring a smile to their face. He was always telling jokes and reminiscing about the good ol' days. He has too many great qualities to list. He was hard working, very generous, and never one to waste anything. Most of all he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Jackie; his sons: John C. of Ashland, Ernie Bill (Vanessa) of Ashland; his daughter, Vonnie Jo (Tim) Stroebe of Colstrip; his grandchildren: Kari (Anthony) Popke, Jennifer Trusler, Shane and Kevyn Stroebe, Traven, Tiarra, and Teegan Trusler; his great-grandchildren: Rylan, RaeAnn, and Tristen Popke; his sister, Judy (Vic) Rue of McLeod; his sister-in-law, Trudy (Raymond) Streeter of Cody, WY; his brother-in-law, Jan (Debbie) Rukavina of Cody, WY. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, W.W. and Gladys Mondor Trusler and his infant daughter, Jerry Lynn.
Billy is home at last on his ranch in his final resting place. His spirit will always live on in his family and friends. He will always be loved and never forgotten.
A special thank you to Dr. Lucas and the nurses at the Hematology Oncology Centers of the Northern Rockies and the 3rd floor Medical/Oncology nurses at St. Vincent's Hospital for their compassionate and loving care.
A Rosary and Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the St. Labre Catholic Church. Funeral mass will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the St. Labre Catholic Church. Interment will follow in the Willow Crossing cemetery.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Kenna Emmons Benefit at the 1st Bank of Broadus.
Lorraine Heitz
Lorraine Heitz age 89 of Brockway, MT passed away on May 31, 2009 at Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City, MT.
Lorraine was born January 2, 1920 in Gackle, ND the daughter of Christ & Caroline Bieber Rath. She attended country schools in Watkins, MT. She worked for Wagner's Dairy in Brockway then married
Raymond Heitz on April 29, 1939 in Miles City, MT. They moved to the family farm where they raised six children and ranched until their death. Lorraine loved to crochet, make crafts, knit, and cook large meals for holidays and brandings. No one ever left her table hungry. She enjoyed her ranch life, raising six children, gardening, working in her yard and doing chores. She was a member of the Brockway Congregational Church and a life-long member of the Brockway Homemakers Club.
Lorraine is survived by her five sons Jerry (Marilyn) Heitz of Bozeman, MT, John (Angie) Heitz of Missoula, MT, Tom (Daleen) Heitz of Glendive, MT, Glen (Teri) Heitz of Terry, MT, and Ted (Shirley) Heitz of Brockway, MT, one daughter Irene (Jere) Loudon of Circle, MT, one sister Lillian (Albert) Moos of Brockway, MT, sister-in-law Clara Vowel of Terry, MT, 11 grandchildren, two step grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 10 step great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents Christ & Caroline Rath, her husband Raymond, two brothers Cecil & Lawrence Rath and one sister Marvel Schlinker.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2009 from 1 to 6pm at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 2:00 pm at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County cemetery.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of their choice.
Judith Anne Volz
Judith Anne Volz, 60, of Miles City died Saturday May 30, 2009, at Holy Rosary Hospital, after a courageous battle with heart Failure.
Mrs. Volz was born October 16th 1949, in California, to Melford and Ann Graham. She was the second of three children, older brother Richard, and younger brother Dennis. She met the love of her life in 1980, Joseph Volz, in Barstow California. After a short courtship, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Volz were married
. They were blessed with a long life together. In June of 1987, After Joe retired from the Marine Corps they returned to Miles City, Joe's hometown. The couple moved to Miles City in June of 1987 to be near Mr. Volz's Family. They missed their Marine Corp friends and family, but enjoyed their new home and living close to Mr. Volz's parents and family.
Mrs. Volz was proud that she was a mother of two great children. She worked off and on as a bartender. She had several hobbies, but her most wonderful talent was collecting Key Chains.
Mrs. Volz loved Music and frequently commented she would love to learn to play an instrument. She enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, word games and hand-held electronic games, which she had collected several of. She was also a wonderful cook and hostess and loved cooking for friends and family. Mrs. Volz was known for her charm and sense of humor and incredible attention to facts and details.
She was a longtime Charter member of the VFW and American Legion auxiliaries. Over the years, Mr. and Mrs. Volz loved to travel to see family and friends and especially loved going to Mrs. Volz's grandchildren. Mrs. Volz was a devoted loving wife, caregiver, mother, grandmother.
Her survivors include: Brothers Richard Graham (Currently serving in Iraq) and Dennis Graham of Tulsa Oklahoma; Sons, James Allan (Chipper) Morris of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Jack Lee Morris of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; grandchildren: Kristal Kuebler of Portland Oregon; Brittany Alexandra Morris and Jack Ryan Morris of Winchester, Virginia, Emilee Grace Ann Morris and Matthew David Lee Morris of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; brother-in-laws: Jacob (Freida) Volz, Miles City, Mathew (Darlene) Volz, Billings, MT; sister-in-laws: Helen Murray, Billings, MT, Eve McCabe, Miles City; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Volz was preceded in death by her parents; and her beloved husband, Joseph.
A Funeral service for Judith Anne Volz will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 from 4 - 8 p.m. at the Stevenson and Sons in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veteran's cemetery.
Thomas Henry Knight
Thomas Henry Knight, age 62, of Miles City, MT formerly of Ypsilanti, MI passed away suddenly Friday, May 29, 2009 from an apparent heart attack.
Tom was born on May 23, 1947 in Ann Arbor, MI the son of Kenneth and Lillie (Adiska) Knight. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1965 and for many years worked for' Thetford Corporation. Tom became a licensed electrician and began his career with Towler & Notar. Tom lived in Montana for most of the past 40 years and was in Michigan for a family reunion.
Being an avid hunter and fisher he was most comfortable in the outdoors. Tom had a keen sense of devotion for dogs, horses and peacocks.
Tom felt the pull of the West for many years, his favorite being Montana. At the time of his death he was residing in Miles City, Montana; a town that embraced him. Tom was a very social person. He was always ready to meet someone else's need. He had a special place in his heart for the elderly. He was a serious Football fan, National and collage, the university of Michigan., being his favorite.
Tom is survived by a half brother Donald (Debra) Youngs of Virginia Beach, VA, an aunt Dora (Knight) Plant of Houghton Lake, MI., four nephews Kenny, Gary (Katie), Todd and Jon (Monika) Youngs, two nieces Michelle Nowland and Kim (David) Husketh, three great nieces and nephews, Ryan Nowland, Jessica and Eric Husketh and many cousins of the Adiska family. In addition, he is survived by a great number of friends in Miles City, Montana especially his best friend from high school Ken Monier and his wife Penny. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Harold Youngs and several aunts and uncles.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. on Friday at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home, Miles City, MT. Interment will follow in the Custer County cemetery in Miles City, MT.
Should friend desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City has been entrusted with the local arrangements. Ochalek-Stark funeral Home of Michigan has been entrusted with the arrangements in Ypsilanti.
Gerald "Jerry" Mendenhall
Gerald W. 'Jerry' Mendenhall, age 77, of Forsyth, passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at the Rosebud Health Care Center in Forsyth, MT.
Gerald was born January 21, 1932 the son of Charles and Pearl (Courtenay) Mendenhall in Miles City, MT. He grew up and attended school in Miles City. Gerald worked as a meat cutter from 1949 to 1950. Following, he entered the United States Army in 1950 at Fort Benton, GA. He enlisted with Service Co. 136, Regiment 47th Infantry Division in Camp Rucker, AL. He was honorable discharged as a Sergeant in 1953.
He was united in marriage to Lillian Ann Holmes in 1952 in Miles City. To this union six children were born. During this time, Gerald drove truck for Snow Boy Co. out of Miles City. He later worked for Bridge Construction as a carpenter. Gerald worked at the Power Plants in Colstrip on units 1, 2, 3 and 4, and retired in 1986. Years later, he married
Doris Ann Kraus and to this union two children were born. They later divorced.
Gerald enjoyed playing cards, watching his favorite football team the Dallas Cowboys, gardening and carpentry. He was also a member of the American Legion.
He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, Carl, Dave, Russell, Wentsel, Bill and Ken; and four sisters, Judy, Carla, Gladys and Irene.
He is survived by his children; Jerry Mendenhall of Lake Butler, FL., David (Darla) Mendenhall of Seffner, FL., Debbie (Burton) Newman of Forsyth, MT., Brenda (Ron) Arneson of Billings, MT., Marty Mendenhall of Forsyth, MT., Theresa Mendenhall of Modesto, CA., Jim Mendenhall of Forsyth, MT., and Kristi Mendenhall of Miles City, MT; his nine grandchildren, Jennifer, Elizabeth, Tracy, Jeniffer, Willy, KathyAnn, Heather, Lisa and Misty; and his nine great grandchildren, Buck, Asa, Joe and Alex. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Edna Mendenhall of Miles City and Lottie Mendenhall of Germany; brother-in-law, Hugh Neuman of Miles City and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bruce Blakesley
Bruce L. Blakesley, of Forsyth, died Tuesday, May 26 at St. Vincent's Healthcare in Billings after a courageous battle with pneumonia and related illnesses. He was 77.
Bruce was born on February 4, 1932, to Glen and Dorothy (Larson) Blakesley in Forsyth. He attended Forsyth schools, graduating from Forsyth High School in 1950. He also attended the University of Montana at Missoula, where he studied journalism. He entered the United States Army in 1952 and served in the Korean conflict, and was awarded the Purple Heart - an honor that he didn't officially receive until recently, due to lost paperwork.
In October of 1954, Bruce married
Sheila McKeever at Immaculate Conception Church. They were high school sweethearts and had known each other since childhood. They remained in Forsyth, where they raised five children.
Bruce worked for several years as a teller for Forsyth State Bank. In the early 1960s he worked for Forsyth Lumber Company, and was also a partner in Forsyth Ready Mix. An unofficial monument to his years with the Ready Mix was created alongside Highway 10 five miles east of Forsyth when the cement truck he was driving caught fire. The truck's drum, full of concrete, was too heavy for the wreckers to move. It remains there today.
In 1967, Bruce and his cousin-in-law, Harry Borer, purchased Valley Auto Supply in Forsyth. Bruce and Sheila later became owners of the store, where he worked six days a week, up to ten hours a day, until two weeks before his death. He was honored by the Forsyth Chamber of Commerce as Businessperson of the Year in 1994.
Bruce was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Forsyth. In earlier years he served on the Forsyth Hospital Board and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Bruce was an avid boater and water-skier for many years. One of his earliest accomplishments was building a 14-foot outboard motorboat from a kit. He was a founding member of the Forsyth Boat Club and served as its secretary. He wrote a column of boating news for the Forsyth Independent under the pen name 'R. R. B., ' which was later revealed to stand for 'River Rat Blakesley.' He took great pleasure in teaching his kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews to ski - not to mention many of their friends.
Bruce's proudest accomplishment, outside of his large family, was probably the family cabin on Tongue River Reservoir. He started construction on the cabin in the late 1960s with help from various family members and friends using reclaimed lumber. Many summers of adventures (and misadventures) followed while the cabin took shape. Due to health reasons, Bruce was unable to enjoy the cabin for the last few years of his life, but he was always eager to hear reports on 'how high the water is' and other news from the lake. The cabin continues to provide good times and great memories for family and friends.
Bruce is survived by Sheila, his loving wife of 54 years; two sons, Mike (Lynn) of Forsyth, and Scott (Heather) of Sidney; three daughters: Diane (Todd) Friez of Rosebud; Brenda (Tom) Clifford of Forsyth; and Sandra Mohr of Park City; twelve grandchildren: Talia (Stephen) Crenshaw of Amarillo, Tex.; Tucker Friez and Tyler Friez, of Rosebud; Gina Johnson, Shanna (Matt) Tourtlotte, and Julie Clifford, all of Billings; Nicholas Blakesley, Sydney Mohr and Blake Mohr, all of Park City; Jerrick Sanders, Hadley Blakesley and Solai Blakesley, all of Sidney; and three great-grandchildren: Olivia and Drake Tourtlotte, and Eli Johnson, all of Billings. He is also survived by his brother Noel (Judy) Blakesley, of Forsyth, sisters-in-law Mary Ellen (Jerry) Whittle and Connie Rasky, of Billings, Joan Zormeir of Lewistown, and many nieces and nephews. Vigil Service will be at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth Thursday May 28, 2009 at 7:30p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday May 29, 2009 at 11:00a.m. in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Forsyth, Montanawith burial and Military honors in the Forsyth cemetery following. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth have been entrusted with these arrangements.
Mildred "Millie" Sgrignoli
Mildred 'Millie' Sgrignoli, age 66, of Miles City passed away on Monday, May 25, 2009 at the Holy Rosary Health Center in Miles City after a courageous 5 year battle with cancer.
Millie was born on March 12, 1943 in Tillamook, Oregon, the daughter of Noel R. and Viola (Simon) Davidson. She attended school in Havre, Montana. Millie married
John Sgrignoli on December 17, 1960 in Havre, Montana. Upon John's discharge from the Air Force, they lived in Williamsgrove, PA and Brandtsville, PA and in September of 1972, they moved to Miles City, MT. While in Miles City, Millie worked at various jobs including D&L Meats, Star Printing, for Dr. Rowan, and as a teacher's aide at Garfield School for fifteen years.
Millie loved playing any games and cards. She enjoyed her Monday pinochle club, playing bunko, gardening, knitting/crocheting, fishing and shopping. She especially loved Christmas and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Millie is survived by her husband, John Sgrignoli of Miles City, MT; three children: Terry D. (Julie) Sgrignoli of Miles City, MT; Kevin J. (Janelle) Sgrignoli of Everett, WA; and Darci Lyn Sgrignoli of Ennis, MT; two grandchildren: Nathan and Caleb Sgrignoli; her parents, Noel and Viola Davidson of Havre, MT; two brothers: Noel Q. (Pam) Davidson of Big Sandy, MT and Joe (Beth) Davidson of Havre, MT; a sister, Marie Schoenfeldt of Spokane, WA and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother-in-law, Nancy Rehm.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 29, 2009 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at the Lighthouse Christian Center Assembly of God Church in Miles City. Interment will be held at a later date in the family plot of the Custer County cemetery.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of ones choice.
