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James Calvin Drishinski
James Calvin Drishinski, 74, passed away peacefully on July 3.
Funeral services were held on July 7 at the LDS Church in Conrad followed with burial in Hillside cemetery. Croxford Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
Jim was born on July 29, 1939 in Conrad to Pete and Inez Drishinski. He attended Conrad High School and went into farming full time. A few years later, he met and married
Valerie Adamson of Devon. They were married
Jan. 24, 1961 and had seven children together.
He produced barley and alfalfa north of Conrad and dairy farmed for 30 years. In 1987, he sold the herd and helped farm with his son Zane. He also worked some part-time jobs to keep active, he loved to socialize with friends and neighbors.
Jim had a great love for youth and served as a leader for both scouting and 4-H. Other than family, nothing brought him more joy than the outdoors. He loved camping, fishing, hunting and horseback riding. He was a great animal lover and was always surrounded with them.
Jim is survived by his two sisters, Marian Jessel and Nadeen McCracken; six children, Darlene Drishinski of Lewiston, Idaho, Jim Drishinski of Fairfield, Darren Drishinski of Winnemucca, Nevada, Zane Drishinski of Conrad, Darcy Arndt of Conrad and Ross Drishinski of Dupuyer; 17 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents Pete and Inez Drishinski and son Dru Drishinski.
Terri Lee (White) Smith
Terri Lee (White) Smith passed away at Peace Hospice on June 17 surrounded by her loving family.
Memorial services will be held July 26 at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Conrad.
Terri was born in Conrad on June 13, 1965, to Marvin and Anita (Barron) White Vandolah, the first of four daughters.
Terri acquired her education in the Conrad School system.
Her childhood was filled with hours of swimming, riding horses, camping with her family and having lots of sleepovers with her friends. At Terri’s family’s dinner table there was always an extra friend or two or three. If Terri wanted a friend to spend the night, then her sisters did too. Sleeping bags lined the living room floor.
Terri loved to work and didn’t have a lazy bone in her body. Her career led her to a variety of management positions, which eventually led her to office manager of a large company.
Terri married
the love of her life, Joe Smith, at Sherri and Joe Judisch’s, her sister and brother-in-law, country home in Conrad.
She loved to cook. Joe maintained that her meatloaf and chili was the best ever made. Terri also loved to entertain friends and family with a wonderful meal, followed by fun nights of playing games. She was known to be very competitive playing Scrabble with her Aunt MaryAnn and mother-in-law Barb. She had her share of wins but could accept a loss gracefully.
Terri and Joe spent many hours fishing, camping and going to rummage sales.
Terri’s family and friends were very important to her. One of her favorite sayings was, “I will love you to the moon and back.” Terri and Joe had an undenying bond and commitment to each other that many never get to experience.
She loved her dogs, Abby, Dixon and Tinker Bell. They consumed a large part of her soft heart.
Her many nieces and nephews, who nicknamed her Aunt Bear, were also very important to her. She was so proud of them and was always on the phone to encourage and compliment them on their achievements.
Terri always said she wanted to be remembered for her zest for life and being happy. Although she struggled with serious health issues all her life, she had a wonderful sense of humor and loved life, always displaying a positive attitude.
Terri is survived by her loving husband Joe; mother and step-father Andy and Anita Vandolah; father and mother-in-law Bob and Barb Smith; sisters: Sherri (Joe) Judisch and family, Kellen, Kyle and Taylor; Tracie DeBolt and son Drew; Toni White and family, Kinsey, MaClay and Tavin; step-brother Doug (Katie) Vandolah and family Lindsey and Ashley; step-sisters Diane (Brad) Brown and family Austin, Clay, Ethan and Foster; Deena Vandolah and family, Lane and Triston; sister-in-law Cindy (Troy) Willis and family Kyle (Paullena) and Cherice; special Aunt and Uncle Lyle and MaryAnn Winkler who loved her like their own daughter. Also special Uncle Lloyd Barron and Aunt Sarah Schweitzer and their families; cousins Ryan and Chad Winkler and their families; and many more aunts, uncles and cousins
She was preceded in death by her father, Marvin White; grandparents James and Bertha Lux, Francis and Minnie White; niece Jordan Judisch and Uncle Lee Schweitzer.
Rest in peace our beloved Terri, until we meet again.
Memorials are suggested to Peace Hospice in Great Falls, the First Presbyterian Church in Conrad or a charity of your choice.
Gail King - Schlosser
July 7, 2015
Gail Ellen King-Schlosser, 58, passed away Tuesday, July 7. Funeral services will be Tuesday, July 14, at 2pm at Pondera Valley Lutheran Church. Burial will take place Wednesday, July 15, in Anaconda. Gail was born February 8, 1957 in Paoli, Wisconsin to Thomas and Doris Hartmann. She was raised and attended school in Anaconda. Gail graduated from Anaconda High School in 1975. She married
Ralph King on December 4, 1976 in Valier. They later divorced. Gail went on to attend Northern Montana College in Havre and graduated in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with Reading Specialist Endorsement. She married
Jim Schlosser on June 4, 1991 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Gail started her long teaching career in Conrad as a high school title 1 aide from 1988 to 1989. Gail spent the next 22 years as an elementary school teacher at Meadowlark School and one year at Prairie View School. Her passion was teaching and she loved each child. Gail enjoyed attending her children’s sports events, watching movies, shopping, dancing, camping, and fishing. Survivors include her husband, Jim Schlosser; daughter, Deanna M. (Larry) Torres of Minot, ND; sons, Rudy (Vanessa) King of Yigo, Guam and Johnny Schlosser of Conrad; parents, Thomas and Doris Hartmann of Missouri; brothers, Dave (Mary Lou) Hartmann of Anaconda, Tommy (Mary) Hartmann of Billings, and Jeff Hartmann of Gig Harbor, WA; sister, Jill (Randy) Boyce of Overland Park, KS; and 2 grandchildren, Tommy and Trent.
Howard Meeks
(Died November 5, 2015)
November 5th Howard Meeks Jr, 97, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Fort Benton, MT. Nov 20th graveside service will be held at the Riverside cemetery, Fort Benton at 11:00 followed by a luncheon at noon in the Agricultural Museum. Howard was born June 8, 1918 to Howard Sr. and Elizabeth Meeks in the Saint Claire Hospital, Fort Benton, MT. Howard was the third of four children. His parents homesteaded in “Pleasant Valley”. Howard was raised there and attended the Pleasant Valley School through the 6th grade. He graduated in 1936 from the Chouteau County High School in Fort Benton. After high school he joined the Civilian Conservation Corp stationed in the state of Washington. He returned to Montana and attended college in Missoula majoring in Forestry. After two years in Missoula, he transferred to Bozeman to pursue an agricultural degree. He joined the Navy after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. While in the Navy, he was allowed to finish his education in Bozeman, graduating with a BS degree in Agriculture. He was in the Navy Air Corps from1942 to 1943. He transferred to the Marine Corps Air Service in Sept. 1943. He piloted B25 Mitchell bombers and transport planes in the South Pacific. After WWII ended, 1st Lieutenant Meeks returned to Montana to farm but he remained in the MCAS reserves. He married
Norma Jean Montgomery May 1, 1947. They had three children. The Marine Corps called him back to service during the Korean War in 1950 as part of a new helicopter unit. He was stationed in Japan until his discharged in 1954. Major Meeks returned to his family. He was anxious to start farming again in Chouteau County, MT. In addition to farming, he flew a Piper Cub airplane in his crop spraying business. The last year of his spraying business, he used a helicopter. Norma passes away in 1964. In 1978 he married
Virginia Tacke. They enjoyed traveling to the Panama Canal and China, visiting the Great Wall. While on a trip to Alaska, Howard enjoyed a flight into the Arctic Circle. Virginia passed away in 2009. His hobby was restoring antique Case tractors. He enjoyed the game battle ship with his children and grandchildren. Virginia was required to kept batteries on hand as it was much more exciting to play with the electronic sounds. All the grandkids knew where his stash of Smartie Candy was kept. He was loved by his family and will be missed. He is survived by his daughters Karen Sansoucie and Carla (Kim) Singer and his son Monty (Jayn) Meeks all of Fort Benton. His surviving step children are Kate (Dick) Kurfess of OR and Tom (Jackie) Tacke of CA. His grandchildren are Stacie (Scott) Schissler and Kyle (Justin) Hager of Great Falls and Janae (Anthony) Singer and Ginger (Travis) Knoll of Houston, TX. Great grandchildren are Dane and Dylan Hager and Connor Schissler. He is also survived by his brother Archie Meeks of KS. He was preceded in death by his brother William (Eleanor) Meeks Sr, sister Leah (Charles) Dixon and wives Norma and Virginia. The family would like to thank the staff of the Sunrise Bluffs, Naldean and Brenda for the wonderful care they provided Howard. Memorials can be made to the Dedman Foundation of Fort Benton or the charity of a donor’s choice.
Eleanor Kelly
(Died November 4, 2015)
Eleanor Kelly, 83, passed away peacefully in her sleep November 4, 2015 at Missouri River Medical Center in Fort Benton. Rosary services will be Tuesday, November 10, at 7pm at Immaculate Conception Church with a funeral mass at the church on Wednesday at 10am. Burial will follow in Riverside cemetery. Eleanor was born December 10, 1931 in Choteau. She was the first child and eldest daughter of Sid and Molly Pimperton. Later she was joined by brother, Donald and sister, Phyllis. As a young girl her father bought a ranch east of Fort Benton along the Missouri River, later the family moved to town. Eleanor was Homecoming Queen of her senior class and graduated from FBHS in 1950. After attending the University of Montana she married
Johnny Kelly on October 25, 1952 in Fort Benton. To this union five children were born: Kay (Bailey), Tim, Ed, and Con all of Fort Benton and Eileen (Coates) of Canby,OR. Eleanor was a very happy and eternally optimistic person. Throughout her life, despite many hardships, she always had a positive view of life and people. She enjoyed a good laugh while among her many friends and family. Who in turn took great pleasure and delight in her good nature and sunny disposition. She was particularly fond of attending birthday parties for her children and grandchildren. She attended all their activities at school sports and events. She was a very devout Catholic all her life and attended mass regularly until her health began to fail. Eleanor was active in the St. Elizabeth Circle, volunteering to help at weddings and funerals, and taught Sunday school. Survivors include all her children and nine beloved grandchildren, Nikki, Bryan, Leigh, and Molly Bailey, Tori Hankins, Heidi Hansen, Lenise (Brian) Bennett, Mandy (TJ) Zumbrusch, and Kyle Kelly; sister, Phyllis Hodgson; and brother, Donald Pimperton; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Johnny Kelly. Expressions of support may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association of Montana.
Dale LaVern Meier
(Died November 7, 2015)
Dale LaVern Meier, 88, of Conrad passed away Saturday, November 7, at PMC Extended Care of natural causes. Dale was born January 22, 1927 to R.P. and Frances Meier in Lemmon, South Dakota. He lived in Lemmon until the age of 14 and the family moved to Conrad. During high school Dale worked at Arnot’s Furniture Store until graduating from Conrad High School. He enlisted into the US Army in 1945 where he spent the next three years stationed in Panama. Dale got the opportunity to be the regular driver for Joe DiMagio and the New York Yankees and took them daily from their barracks to the practice field. After being honorably discharged he returned to Conrad and began his career as a rural mail carrier. His mail route was 90 miles a day for a 6 day week. Dale always carried candy on his routes for the children. The children would wait by the mailboxes just to say “hello” and get a piece of candy. The children loved Dale. He would leave personal notes in the mailboxes to congratulate the resident on a job well done or just to wish them a “Happy Birthday”. He married
Marilyn Nyberg on September 11, 1949 in Conrad and together had four children. They lost their son, Gene, in November of 1969 when he died in a car accident. Dale was an honorary Moose Lodge member and after retiring from the postal service at 55 years old went on to drive the Conrad Senior Surrey for many years. Family always came first but his second love was music. He was a wonderful saxophone player and played by ear since he was a young boy. As young boys, Dale and his brothers, Don and Darrell, formed a band called the “Triple D’s”. They would travel to several states to perform and even played on the radio. He went on to play with different bands up until a few years ago when his health started to fail. Dale loved to read, camp, fish, and travel. He loved to go to yard sales where he would visit and laugh with friends. No one was a stranger to him and he always had a smile on his face. Survivors include his wife, Marilyn; daughters, Sandi (Dave) Bourdeau and Susan (Doug) Meier both of Great Falls; son, Steve Meier of Kalispell; brother, Don Meier of Conrad; grandchildren, Shane (Michele) Meier and LeAnna Knutson both of Great Falls, Chelsie Dwello of Kalispell, Cory (Kate) Kalanick of Denver, and Bob Kalanick of Missoula; great grandchildren, Curtis Meier of Great Falls, Noah Senholz of Kalispell, and Braden Dale Kalanick of Denver. He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Gene; brother, Darrell Meier; brothers-in-law, Wayne Nyberg and Bubs Norsby; sisters-in-law, Shirley VanDiest, Carole Norsby, and Alice Meier; in-laws, Vern and Lois Nyberg; and several nieces and nephew. Memorials can be made to Community Cancer Foundation, PO Box 73, Conrad, MT 59425. Services will be at a later date.
Duane L. Frieling
(Died November 6, 2015)
Duane Lee “Duke” Frieling, 58, a teacher and janitor of Fort Benton who enjoyed sports, died Monday, November 6, 2015 at his home. Survivors include brothers, Greg Frieling of Lake Zorich, IL, John A. Frieling and Doug Frieling both of Cascade. He is preceded in death by father, John E. and Genny E. Frieling; sister, Paula J. and Darleen Ann. No services are planned at this time.
Devin Gene Leistiko
(Died November 8, 2015)
Devin Gene Leistiko, 18, born November 2, 1997. 18 years 1 week and 12 ½ hours we were blessed with the best gift that God ever gave us. With his caring heart and his big cheery grin, he touched everyone that crossed his path, family, friends, and strangers alike. From his love of sports to his love of work Devin's favorite time of the year wasn't Christmas but branding. No challenge was too big or too small for Devin to take on, from back to back state champs 6 man football team, to a successful 10 years of 4H. A freak accident took him from us at this young age. He is survived by his loving parents, Eric and Melissa; his loved sisters that he was so proud of, Morgan, Payten, Kaitlyn, and Brynn; Grandparents, Roy and Susan Lundy, Steve Leistiko, Penny Leistiko; aunts and uncles, Joel and Lousia Lundy, and Troy Leistiko, and too many great aunts, uncles, cousins and friends that loved him to list. He will forever be in our hearts. A celebration of life will be Saturday, November 14, at 3pm at the Geraldine High School.
Bonnie Kay Gregory
(Died November 22, 2015)
On Sunday November 22, 2015 Bonnie Kay Gregory passed away after a courageous battle from the results of radiation treatments for a malignant brain tumor 38 years ago. Bonnie was born December 17, 1944 in Drumright, Oklahoma, the third oldest of ten children of Thomas and Verne Rowell. When she was 12 years old she and her family moved to the Nampa, Idaho area. She graduated from Nampa High School and attended Northwest Nazarene College in Nampa for one year before attending Bethany Nazarene College in Bethany, Oklahoma where she met her future husband. She attended various universities as she followed her husband's career, earning her Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Maine. August 4th, 1967, she married
Naval Aviator Ensign Cletis Gregory, Jr. in Nampa, Idaho. One daughter was born to this union, Tara Lea. Bonnie accompanied her husband to many parts of the world during his career. They spent three years in Japan before his retirement in 1988 when the family moved to the Conrad area. Bonnie was active in the Conrad Friends of the Library for several years and was an active member of the Conrad Mission Church. She loved needlepoint, entertaining guests and traveling. She had a strong faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ since her teenage years and is now enjoying her heavenly home. Bonnie was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Rowell; her mother, Verne Rowell; one brother, Roger; and one sister, Mary. She is survived by her husband of 48 years Cletis Gregory, Jr.; daughter, Tara Lea (Jeff) Snow of Nampa, Id; three sisters, Judy Poage of Rapid City, South Dakota, Gladys Rowell and Sherrie Trefren both of Nampa, Idaho; four brothers, Bobby Rowell of Caldwell, Idaho, Calvin Rowell (Jana) of Cut Bank, Montana, Tom and Kevin Rowell of Nampa, Idaho, two grandchildren, two aunts, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Services will be held in Nampa, Idaho on December 4th, 2015 at Bethel Church of the Nazarene at 11:00 am. Cremation has taken place and burial will be in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Nampa, Idaho. An informal "Remembering Bonnie Luncheon" will be held at the Conrad Mission Church Fellowship Hall, 205 2nd NW, Conrad, Montana, on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 12 noon. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Conrad Mission Church (www.conradmissionchurch.com).
Marcus Bergman
(Died November 28, 2015)
Marcus Joseph (MJ) Bergman 88, of Conrad passed away early Saturday morning November 28, at home with his family by his side; just 30 days after his loving wife of 64 years, Audrey. He was born in 1927 at Mount Carmel, North Dakota to Harry Joseph and Bertha Bergman. He was raised in and around Wales, ND. He served in the Navy during World War II. After leaving the service he worked several jobs, completed telegraph school in Minneapolis in 1947, and then joined the Great Northern Railway. He worked as a depot agent/telegraph operator at several sites throughout central Montana, ending up in Sweetgrass in 1952. He retired from the railroad in 1988 after 41 years of service. He married
Audrey Rose Chase in 1951 and they spent the next 36 years in Sweetgrass raising their 5 children. In the mid 60’s they built the “Border Service” gas and grocery store to fill a local need and later also purchased a truck stop and laundry mat. The family spent the next decade working those businesses. He was also very involved in the local American Legion post. After retiring in 1988, he and Audrey moved to Arizona City, AZ, returning each summer to Glacier Park. In 2005 they moved to Conrad and continued to spend their summers in West Glacier. MJ enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, golf, cribbage, and having a beer or two with friends. He had many sayings for which he will be remembered. He is survived by his children; Gary (LaDonna), Patrick (Mary), both of Fulshear, TX, Michael of Ethridge, Sharon (Ray) Stoetzel of Conrad, and Mary Ann (Paul) McCann of Havre, 15 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, sisters Jean Kram, Puggy Kram, and Patty Kessler; brothers Harold, Tom, and Jerry Bergman. Marcus was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Audrey, daughter in-law Karen Bergman, as well as numerous nephews, a niece, brothers and sisters in-law. Memorials can be made to the Sweetgrass American Legion post or the charity of the donor’s choice. A joint memorial service for Marcus and Audrey will be held at 10:30 am Wednesday, December 2 at Saint Michaels Catholic Church in Conrad with a reception to follow in the church basement. Internment will take place at 3:00 pm at the Sunburst cemetery.
Adina Ann Saltzmann
(Died December 6, 2015)
Adina Ann Saltzmann, 47, passed away December 6, at her home after an extended illness. Services are pending at this time. Adina was born January 6, 1968 in Sharon, PA to Robert and Arlene Saltzmann. Adina loved cooking, hunting, old movies, and music from the 50’s and 60’s. She enjoyed to dance and taught others to dance. Adina had a passion for life and enjoyed painting, especially nature. She took joy in the simple things like the sound of the wind and the company of all animals. Survivors include her daughters, Amber Rae Saltzmann Brewer of Ohio, Audrey Mae Walker and son, Xylon J. Walker both of Helena; sister, Alaina Olmstead and children, Nicholas and Katie all of Grove City, Ohio; and 3 grandchildren of Ohio. She will be sadly missed.
Kathleen "Kathy" Anderson
(March 20, 1940 - February 27, 2012)
Kathleen “Kathy” Ann Anderson, 71, of Great Falls, died on February 27, 2012 at Peace Hospice from natural causes.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 3:00 pm at O’Connor Memorial Chapel. O’Connor Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
She is survived by her husband Larry Anderson of Great Falls; daughters Denise Kegel of Rathdrum, ID, Theresa Farrar of Great Falls, Christine Jones of Post Falls, ID, and Linda Arioso of Cheyenne WY; and brother Lawrence Hanzlik of Great Falls.
