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Frances Nies
Funeral Mass for Frances Nies, 92, of Ekalaka, MT, will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, Sept. 9, 2016 at the Stevenson Funeral Home in Ekalaka with Father Phillip Chinnappan and Father Thomas Tobin celebrating. Burial will follow at the Beaver Lodge Cemetery in Ekalaka.
Visitation for Frances will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, September 8, 2016 at Stevenson Funeral Home, Ekalaka with a Rosary being recited at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Friday from 9 a.m. until the service.
Frances passed away Friday, September 2, 2016 at Dahl Memorial in Ekalaka following a short illness.
Frances Berdell Hythecker was born March 15, 1924 in Baker, MT, the youngest daughter of Anthony and Edna (Doughty) Hythecker. She grew up and attended school in Baker; graduating as Valedictorian with the class of 1942. After working in Baker for a couple of years, Fran, with the encouragement of her Mom, and two of her friends moved to Inglewood, California during World War II. She found a job as a riveter before going to work in the office of Southern Pacific in San Francisco. It was during this time that she reconnected with a young man from Ekalaka, James Nies. The couple was united in marriage on September 22, 1945 at St. Peter’s Church in San Francisco, CA. To this union seven children were born: James, Carol, Darlene, Janet, Debra, Lucille, and Frank.
After the war ended, the couple returned to Montana to work with Jim’s parents on the family ranch east of Ekalaka. It was here that the couple made their home from 1945-1985. As her children grew up, Fran worked for a short time at the Welfare Office in Ekalaka before going to work at Dahl Memorial Hospital. After 15 years of service, Fran retired at the age of 63. She moved into Ekalaka after Jim’s death in 1990. In 2012, due to failing health, Fran moved into Dahl Memorial Nursing Home.
Fran was a people person and enjoyed visiting with her friends, spending time at the Senior Citizen Center and in her younger years, dancing with Jim. She loved growing a garden and picking berries. Her children and grandchildren brought her great joy. Fran was a member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church and served as secretary of the parish Altar Society for several years.
Fran is survived by her two sons, James A. (Kathy) of Artesia, NM, and Frank (Karen) of Ekalaka; four daughters, Darlene (Louis) Tafoya of Thornton, CO, Janet (David) Dill of Sheridan, WY, Debra (Dick) Tallent of Las Cruces, NM, and Lucy (Lance) Chandler of Plentywood; 16 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Fran was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, James; one daughter, Carol Lynn Earles; two grandsons, Ryan Allan Nies, and Shane Leon Mulkey; step-father, Mike Romey; one brother, Anthony Hythecker; five sisters, Myrtle Lewis, Lydian Biffle, Bonita Wood, Lucille Riley and Darlene Naples; and three infant siblings, Richard, Susie and Mary Lou.
James "Jim" Schmidt
A funeral Mass for James “Jim” Schmidt, 73, of Dickinson will be 1:30 p.m., Thursday, September 8, 2016 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Father Shannon Lucht celebrating. Burial will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
Visitation for Jim will be from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 7 at Stevenson Funeral Home with a rosary led by the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus at 7:00 p.m and vigil service to follow.
Jim passed away Thursday, September 1, 2016 at his home in Dickinson surrounded by his family.
James Donald was born September 22, 1942 in Bismarck, the son of Peter M. and Ida (Ferderer) Schmidt.
He grew up on the family farm nine miles north of New Salem.
Jim attended the local Garfield #3 country school, later graduating from New Salem High School in 1960.
After graduation, Jim worked as a telegrapher for the Rail Road in New Salem.
He then went to Minneapolis to attend Brown Institute of Broadcasting.
Jim then moved to Bismarck and worked at KBMR for a year before continuing his education at Dickinson State College where he graduated with his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
Jim served in the US Army in 1968 and was honorably discharged in 111 days due to a medical condition.
While a DSU student, he worked for KDIX as a DJ, TV and weather broadcaster.
It was during this time that he met Ottilia (Paula) Fleckenstein.
They were married on June 5, 1970 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dickinson.
In 1979, Jim began his career in Real estate and continued with LaDuke & Associates until 2016.
He was a member of the Elks Lodge, Eagles and Knights of Columbus.
Jim enjoyed hunting, trap shooting, watching NFL and NBA and attending grandson Alex’s basketball and baseball games.
Jim enjoyed various coffee groups through the years and the great friendships he made.
He will be remembered for his great sense of humor and funny phrases the family lovingly termed his “Jim-isms”.
Jim is survived by his wife, Paula; children, Cary Jo (Gary Huschka) of Dickinson, Bryan (Dana Strandemo) of Renton, WA, and Kimberly Schmidt of Fargo; grandchildren, Alex Huschka and Rylee Schmidt; siblings, Robert Schmidt of Bismarck, Charleen (Steve Garcia) of Dallas, TX, and Carol (Ken Pinks) of Bismarck, and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Ida Schmidt; and an infant son.
Donald "Don" Rieger
A funeral service for Donald “Don” Rieger, 71, of Ismay, MT will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at the Plevna High School, Plevna, with Pastor Joe Noel and Dale Rath officiating. Burial will follow in Community Union Cemetery.
Family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 6 at Stevenson Funeral Home, Baker.
Donald Rene Rieger, age 71, was born August 28, 1945 to Edwin and Emilie (Singer) Rieger in Baker, MT. He grew up on the family ranch near Ismay – commonly referred to as “Riegerville”. He attended Plevna Public School, graduating in 1963. After graduation, he attended Eastern Montana College in Billings. In December 1965, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served a tour in Vietnam as a microwave communication repairman and later retasked as a company clerk. Don was honorably discharged in 1967. After returning home, he attended Western College of Auctioneering in Billings. Along with two partners, he formed Northwest Auction Service. Auctioneering became a lifelong profession. He helped construct Baker Livestock and was employed as foreman and auctioneer. Don always had a passion for horses. He enjoyed competing in rodeos and horse racing, and in later years enjoyed being a spectator. He was a member of the Montana Rodeo Hall of Fame.
On June 20, 1970, Don married Eileen Buerkle. They resided in Baker until moving to their ranch south of Ismay in 1972. They were then blessed with three children – Lynn, Lisa, and Leighton. In 1989, he was elected Fallon County Commissioner and served for 24 years. During his time as commissioner, he served on multiple boards and committees across the state, including MACO, Joint Powers Trust, Mental Health and Human Services, and EBMS. Through his involvement, he made many lifelong friends. Don generously volunteered his time and talent to many organizations. He served locally on the Fair Board, Farmers Union Board, and was a brand inspector. He was a member of the American Legion Post, VFW, Plevna Senior Citizens, and the Plevna coffee group.
Family was very important to Don. He enjoyed family reunions, holidays at the lodge, and our family get-togethers and vacations. For Don and Eileen’s 40th anniversary, their children took them on an Alaskan cruise. He always said that was one of his most memorable trips. He was very proud of his grandchildren. One of the highlights of his day was watching out the front window, as the grandchildren tended to their animals, played basketball, rode bicycles, or anything else they happened to be doing. He often had them over for root beer floats. In retirement, Don and Eileen were able to spend much more time together.
Due to failing health, Don was no longer able to be as active as he would have liked. He passed away near the ranch on August 31, 2016. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Eileen; children Lynn (Albert) Paul, Jessica, Jenna, Jaeda, and Jordan of Ismay, Lisa Rieger of Ismay, and Leighton Rieger of Billings; brothers Ronnie Rieger of Manhattan, Tom (Jackie) Rieger of Billings, and Roy (Berdie) Rieger of Baker; sisters Sharon (Bill) Ware of Grapeview, WA, Maralee (Bart) Burdick of Baker, and Tanya (Brad) Dorvall of Bridger; brother-in-law Alvin (Debbie) Buerkle of Big Timber; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Ed and Millie Rieger, and parents-in-law Art and Betty Buerkle.
Dorothy Neary
A Memorial Service for Dorothy Neary, 76, of Baker, will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at Stevenson Funeral Home, Baker with Pastor Rod Kilsdonk officiating. Burial will follow at Bonnievale Cemetery.
Dorothy passed away on Friday, August 26, 2016 at Fallon Medical Complex, Baker, MT.
Dorothy May Reese was born May 1, 1940 in Ekalaka, MT, the daughter of Ingward and Katie Reese. She grew up and attended school in Baker, graduating from Baker High School. After graduation, Dorothy moved to Helena, MT where she worked for the state teacher placement division for six years. Dorothy then moved to San Francisco, CA to work in the finance department of GMAC for the next 30 years. It was during this time that her son Kevin was born. After retiring from her job in CA, Dorothy decided to move back to Baker, MT. When she returned, she bought the house that she was raised in. Dorothy met and married Lyle Neary and they have made their home in Baker ever since.
Dorothy is survived by her husband, Lyle Neary; son, Kevin Reese; step- daughter, Stacey (Jerry) Miller: sister-in-law, Shirley Reese; aunt, Gwen Setinc; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, and brother Marvin Reese.
Richard Hegge
A funeral service for Richard “Dick” Hegge, 77, of Lake Havasu City, AZ, formerly of New England will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 3, 2016 at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, New England with Pastor Bruce Peterson officiating. Burial will be at Rainy Butte Lutheran Cemetery, New England.
Visitation for Dick will be from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, September 2, 2016 at Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson, with a prayer service being held at 7:00 p.m.
Dick passed away Thursday, August 25, 2016 at Lake Havasu City, AZ.
Richard Hegge was born December 30, 1938 in Fargo, ND and was blessed to have been adopted by his parents Elmer and Ellen Hegge. On September 6, 1958, Dick married the love of his life, Elaine Bohlman at Our Redeemer’s Church in New England. They shared 57 adventurous years together. Dick was very successful in the homebuilding industry. He owned Silver Run Supply Lumber Yard in Red Lodge, MT then went on to work 20 years at Lumbermen’s in Arizona. After moving back to North Dakota, he worked part time at the Women’s Correctional Center in New England.
Dick loved the combining and harvest times in North Dakota. He loved traveling and took many trips to Hawaii, Panama Canal, China, and Mexican Riviera cruises. Dick enjoyed golfing, bowling, and snowmobiling. He was a very kind and loving person. His contagious laugh will be greatly missed. Dick was a proud member of the Lutheran Church, Elks, Jaycees, Lions Club, and Search & Rescue, also Mayor of Red Lodge, MT.
Dick is survived by his loving wife, Elaine Hegge of Lake Havasu City. AZ; son, Greg (Bridgette) Hegge of Chesapeake, VA; daughter, Jody (Dave) Lennon of Centennial, CO; daughter, Krista (Dan) Caterina of Lake Havasu City, AZ; brothers-in-law, Joe Bohlman and Donald Bohlman; sisters-in-law, Arlene Wanner, Florentine Bohlman, and Irene Bohlman; and five grandchildren. Dick is also survived by his birth mother, Lorraine Tejral.
Dick is preceded in death by parents, Elmer and Ellen Hegge; sister, Sandy Hill; brothers-in-law, Herb Bohlman, Richard Bohlman and Ed Bohlman; and sisters-in-law, Verna Hoffman, and Helen Pilcher.
