Helena neighbors: Recently published obituaries
Read through the obituaries published in Independent Record
THURSDAY (June 28)
MOES, Robert "Bob," 78, of Helena, passed away on June 16, 2018. An Irish Wake is being held from 6 - 9 p.m. on Wednesday, June 27, at the Knights of Columbus, 1867 N. Washington St. A memorial Mass will be held at 12:10 p.m. Thursday, June 28, at Saint Mary Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Ave., with a reception to follow. To offer a condolence or to share a story about Bob please visit www.helenafunerals.com.
“In our care”
TODAY
BRAY, Paul D., age 85, of Townsend, passed away Thursday, June 14, 2018. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. today, June 22, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 101 South Walnut St., Townsend. Rite of Committal will follow the Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery. A reception will follow the committal service in the fellowship hall of the church. Please visit www.stevensonwilke.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Paul.
SATURDAY
RICHARD, Jim E., age 75, of White Sulphur Springs, passed away on February 19th. A memorial service with military honors will be held at 11:00 on Saturday, June 23rd at Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 103 E. Garfield St. in White Sulphur Springs. A reception will follow at The Yoked Parish of First Presbyterian and American Lutheran Churches, 411 E Jefferson in White Sulphur Springs. Please visit www.stevensonwilke.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Jim.
“In our care”
TODAY
ROGSTAD, Patricia, age 72, of Helena, passed away June 17, 2018. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. today, June 22, at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E 6th Ave., Helena. Coffee and cookies will follow the service in the funeral home. A graveside service will follow at Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials in Patricia’s name to Hospice of St. Peter’s Hospital c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601.
Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer condolences or share a memory of Patricia
SATURDAY (July 28)
The family of Dr. Philip David Pallister invites you to join in celebrating his life on Saturday, July 28, 2018. This celebration will be held at the Boulder Fairgrounds at 11 a.m. Please bring your fondest memories of Phil. Reception to follow. Additionally, Shodair Hospital will host a dedication of their genetics lab in his name at 10 am on Monday, July 30, 2018.
Feb. 6, 1943 – June 19, 2018
Vivian Morgan Brooke was born on February 6th, 1943 to Arthur and Zada Morgan in New York City, NY and raised in Clearwater, FL. with her sister, Miriam Morgan. On June 19th, our wife, mother, sister and grandmother (Daisy) passed away peacefully at her home in Missoula, with her family at her side.
Vivian graduated from Clearwater High School in the class of 1961. During her high school summers Vivian worked for her Uncle Hugh and Aunt Margaret Black, at St. Mary Resort, near Glacier National Park. It was there that she fell in love with Montana and decided to attend Carroll College. Vivian received her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Carroll. In 1965 Vivian met Joe Brooke on the highway between Drummond and Garrison on a blind date facilitated by their dear, lifelong friends Rob and Johanna Hanson. They were married October 15th, 1966 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ronan. A celebration on the ranch with a bathtub full of champagne kicked off their 52 years of adventures. Four children followed over the next years - Patricia Margaret (Seattle), Monica Marie (Missoula), Susan Jane (Arroyo Grande, CA), and Joseph Morgan (Missoula).
Always the adventurer, Vivian led the family on many excursions, from loading up the station wagon for a ski trip to Big Sky where she would lead the charge down her favorite run, Elk Park Ridge, to showing the family the beauty of one of her favorite places, Glacier National Park. While Vivian was raising a family, she was also committed to causes that were close to her heart including becoming the President of the League of Women Voters and the first woman President of the Western Montana Diocesan Catholic Council.
In 1988 Vivian won a seat in the Montana House of Representatives. She served three terms in the House and in 1994 was elected to the state Senate. Vivian was a force to be reckoned with in Helena. She took on the establishment and tough issues, particularly issues related to women and gay rights. Vivian introduced and was the primary bill sponsor, to decrimalize consensual sexual relations between persons of the same sex (in 2013 the legislature finally declared that homosexuality was no longer a crime and Vivian was acknowledged as a champion of this effort and invited by the Governor to the bill signing). She was an active voice and vote against de-regulation, in favor of consumer rights. One of the accomplishments that Vivian was most proud of during her time in the legislature was to get a women’s prison built in Billings. This is the only women’s prison in Montana.
Vivian was the recipient of many awards over her years of service. One that she was most proud of was the 1993 Susan B. Anthony Award for “outstanding legislative leadership on behalf of reproductive rights, women and families, the rights of lesbians and gay men” by the Montana Women’s Lobby. Vivian not only fought these issues in Montana, but also throughout the world. In 1994, she represented Catholics for a Free Choice at the U.N. International Conference on Population and Development and in 1995, she was a representative to the U.N. 4thWorld Conference on Women held in Beijing.
Retirement from the legislature gave Vivian more time to enjoy her favorite places Glacier Park, Big Sky and Flathead Lake. She also worked tirelessly contributing to various projects in the community, including fund raising to build the Missoula Art Museum and Blue Mountain Women’s Clinic. She loved to go on long hikes, travel with friends and family, keep up with her many friends and enjoy her grandkids. Vivian applied her competitive spirit to life with a determination to win on the golf course, playing cards, and growing award-winning roses. In 2016 Joe and Viv celebrated their 50 years of marriage at Flathead Lake with a small group of friends and family.
Vivian leaves behind her love, Joe Brooke, children Patricia, Monica (Kevin Scott), Susan (Aaron Thompson), Morgan (Joy Brooke) and grandchildren Brooke (Alex Blackler), Biko, Tony, Maguire, and Penelope, great granddaughter Mylah, sister Miriam Morgan, and many friends from high school, college, politics, book club, hiking, and the Spirit of Peace community that provided great sustenance over many years.
Without the loving care of Monica over the past year we would have all been lost. We are forever indebted. We also thank Dr. Mike Caldwell, the hospice workers and many close friends that shepherded Vivian through her final chapter.
Vivian was always a detailed storyteller and one of her last wishes was to have a “good group of people saying nice things about me.” A wake will be held Friday, June 22ndat Spirit of Peace, 506 Toole Ave in Missoula. On Saturday, June 23rd, a service will be held at 11:00am at The Wilma in Missoula with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to one of Vivian’s favorite causes: Blue Mountain Women’s Clinic, Missoula Art Museum or the Montana ACLU.
“In our care”
FRIDAY
ROGSTAD, Patricia, age 72, of Helena, passed away June 17, 2018. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, June 22, at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E 6th Ave., Helena. Coffee and cookies will follow the service in the funeral home. A graveside service will follow at Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials in Patricia’s name to Hospice of St. Peter’s Hospital c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601.
Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer condolences or share a memory of Patricia.
“In our care”
TODAY
NELSON, Robert O., age 91, of Helena, passed away on June 14, 2018. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. today, June 21, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., in Helena with a reception to follow in the social hall of the funeral home. A graveside service with military honors will be held at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison following the reception. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Robert are suggested to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, 1250 Fourth St., Santa Monica, CA 90401. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Robert.
FRIDAY
BRAY, Paul D., age 85, of Townsend, passed away Thursday, June 14, 2018. The Rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 21, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 101 South Walnut St., Townsend. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 22, at the church. Rite of Committal will follow the Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery. A reception will follow the committal service in the fellowship hall of the church. Please visit www.stevensonwilke.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Paul.
SATURDAY
RICHARD, Jim E., age 75, of White Sulphur Springs, passed away on Feb. 19. A memorial service with military honors will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 23, at Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 103 E. Garfield St., in White Sulphur Springs. A reception will follow at The Yoked Parish of First Presbyterian and American Lutheran Churches, 411 E Jefferson, in White Sulphur Springs. Please visit www.stevensonwilke.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Jim.
“In our care”
FRIDAY
ROGSTAD, Patricia, age 72 of Helena, passed away June 17, 2018. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, June 22, at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E 6th Ave., Helena. Coffee and cookies will follow the service in the funeral home. A graveside service will follow at Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials in Patricia’s name to Hospice of St. Peter’s Hospital c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601.
Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer condolences or share a memory of Patricia.
Feb. 11, 1946 – June 17, 2018
Beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother Patricia Ann Rogstad passed surrounded by family June 17, 2018. Her journey began February 11, 1946 in Helena, MT to Otillia and Charles Whitehead.
Patricia Whitehead met Larry Rogstad at the local community college. They soon married in an intimate ceremony celebrated with family and close friends on May 15, 1969. Her hobbies included gardening, house projects, puzzles, and looking for hidden treasures for her antique crystal collection. She loved nothing more than spending time with her family and spoiling her grandkids. She would often take family out for shopping and adventures making sure everyone had what they needed. Pat lit up anytime she talked about any of her babies and great grand babies and beamed with pride telling her stories. She was a special gem to all of her kids and truly treasured. Anyone who knew Pat loved her sense of humor and her feisty stories.
She is survived by her children: Scott (Lynora), Stacy, Steve (Trish), and Mike (Tracy); grandchildren: Lauren (Trent), Lester, Krista, Cody, Kurtis (Tatiana), Lindsay, Cassandra (Devon), Jake (Devan), John (Gloria), Christopher, Ryne and Ashlynn; great-grandchildren: Gracie, Soren, Mallie, Ethan, Quinn, Kinley, Trager and Ellie Rae.
Patricia is preceded in death by parents Otillia and Charles. She is also preceded in death by her husband Larry.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, June 22nd at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E 6th Ave, Helena. Coffee and cookies will follow the service in the funeral home. A graveside service will follow at Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials in Patricia’s name to Hospice of St. Peter’s Hospital c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601
Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer condolences or share a memory of Patricia.
THURSDAY
JUNGERS, Dorothy, 92, of Helena, passed away June 16, 2018. A celebration of her life will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 21, at St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens at 4 p.m. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.helenafunerals.com.
June 26, 1954 – June 5, 2018
William Royal Justin (Roy) George, 63, of Helena passed away June 5th, 2018 from injuries sustained in a car accident. Roy was born in Helena on June 26th, 1954 to William Raymond George and Angela Marie Hamlin George. Roy grew up in Helena, graduating from Helena High in 1972.
His entire working career was spent as a union laborer except for a couple years when he worked at the Helena Indian Alliance. He retired from Laborers Local 1686 in 2006.
Roy loved to play his guitar, and wrote well over 100 songs and poems. He enjoyed sitting around a campfire playing his guitar and singing, hunting, fishing, camping, playing horseshoes, four wheeling and telling jokes.
He was preceded in death by his father Bill George; mother Angela; sister, Roxanne and brother Douglas.
He is survived by his wife Loretta of over forty years, sons Rubin and David (Sybil), granddaughters Sarah, Camille, Hadlee and Avery. His mother in law Carol Eddy, and numerous sisters and brothers in law, stepmother Joan George, siblings Linda, Antoinette, Marta, Julie Bell, Willow, Shellie, Tom and Jim, his uncle Eddie George. Numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, cousins Tom Pocha, Daniel Pocha and Vicki Stone were special to him. He also leaves behind special friends, Doug LaFontaine, Tony Sanchez, Gary Foster and Ed Donaghy and his wonderful dog, Oreo.
A pot luck gathering for family and friends will be held at the Helena Indian Alliance at 501 Euclid Avenue on Saturday, June 30th, 2018 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
“In our care”
TODAY
FRIEDSAM, Jerome H. “Jerry," age 83, of Helena, passed away on Thursday, June 14, 2018. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. today, June 20, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 North Montana Ave. A reception will immediately follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Jerry will return home to his Perham, Minnesota, roots to be buried close to his parents and other family members in the cemetery of St. Lawrence Church. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Jerry.
FRIDAY
BRAY, Paul D., age 85, of Townsend, passed away Thursday, June 14, 2018. The Rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. on Thursday June 21, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 101 South Walnut St., Townsend. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 22, at the church. Rite of Committal will follow the Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery. A reception will follow the committal service in the fellowship hall of the church. Please visit www.stevensonwilke.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Paul.
“In Our Care”
WEDNESDAY
FRIEDSAM, Jerome H. “Jerry”, age 83, of Helena passed away on Thursday, June 14, 2018. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 20th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 North Montana Ave. A reception will immediately follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Jerry will return home to his Perham MN roots to be buried close to his parents and other family members in the cemetery of St. Lawrence Church. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Jerry.
FRIDAY
BRAY, Paul D., age 85, of Townsend passed away Thursday, June 14, 2018. The Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday June 21st at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 101 South Walnut St., Townsend. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 22nd at the church. Rite of Committal will follow the Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery. A reception will follow the committal service in the fellowship hall of the church. Please visit www.stevensonwilke.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Paul.
“In Our Care”
FRIDAY
ROGSTAD, Patricia, age 72 of Helena, passed away June 17, 2018. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, June 22nd at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E 6th Ave, Helena. Coffee and cookies will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. A graveside service will follow at Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison. Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer condolences or share a memory of Patricia.
Jerome “Jerry” Henry Friedsam passed away on his birthday, June 14, 2018. He always said he wanted to live to 83, and this he did. Jerry passed away peacefully with his wife of 53 years, Joanne, by his side.
Jerry was born and grew up in Perham, Minnesota. In 1960 he joined the army and served his country while stationed in Germany. After his time in the army Jerry found work in Montana and moved there, but he maintained his ties to family and friends in Perham. It was in Perham that Jerry met and married Joanne Mathison and in 1964 the two of them started their life together in Montana. Shortly after the move to Montana their daughter Teresa was born.
Jerry’s working years were spent as a heavy equipment operator. Road construction in Montana meant the family had to move and live in many towns throughout the state. East Helena became the permanent home for the Friedsam family and they have lived there for 42 years.
Once Jerry had a permanent residence he was able to create his dream garage, which had everything a handyman would want. His creative mind allowed him to build and fix just about anything, and he obviously loved doing this. Without question, Jerry was the go-to guy in the neighborhood for fixes to problems. WW II history, engine operation and John Deere tractors were other interests and the level of his knowledge in these areas was extensive. It will surprise no one that Jerry’s final journey will be in a John Deere tractor urn.
It is fair to say that Jerry was one of a kind, a truly unique individual. Those that had the privilege to know him use words such as genuine, no nonsense, truthful and honorable to describe him. His word meant everything, and he would do anything for family and friends. Jerry was truly one of the most outgoing and friendly people most of us will ever meet. It seemed that everyone knew him. This is quite a complement.
Jerry is survived by Joanne Friedsam (wife) and Teresa Friedsam (daughter) Donald Olson (son-in-law) along with many in-laws. Preceded in death by Edward and Emma Friedsam (parents) and Thomas and Robert Friedsam (brothers).
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 20th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 North Montana Ave. A reception will immediately follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Jerry will return home to his Perham MN roots to be buried close to his parents and other family members in the cemetery of St. Lawrence Church. The internment will be scheduled for later this summer. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Jerry.
Remembering Dorothy Jean Jungers
On a cool Montana summer evening, Saturday, June 16, 2018…Dorothy Jean crossed quietly into the Spirit World surrounded by her family. There, she joyfully joined her children; Skip, Jack, Rita and Debbie; along with her Ancestors and her Creator. We have known our beloved Dorothy by many names during her 92 years in Montana. Dorothy Jean Bailey, Dorothy Jean Atley, Dorothy Jean Songer and finally, Dorothy Jean Jungers. Five generations of Dorothy’s family still call Helena, Montana Home.
Dorothy was born to Marie Jean LaRance of Lodge Grass Montana and John Bailey of Lee Montana on June 4, 1926. Shortly thereafter, Dorothy was adopted into the Atley family, and spent her childhood years in Helena. Dorothy attended Helena High School and celebrated with the Class of 1944.
In 1944, Dorothy and Louis Songer were married and began their family. Sons, Louis (Skip); Jackie; Tom; Mike and Pat and daughter Rita. Later, Daughter Mona was born to Earl Pocha and Dorothy. Dorothy and her children, along with foster children Shan and Kathy Giles and John Hazen all grew up together at their home at 300 State Street in Helena.
Dorothy spent her work years in service to the people of Helena as a waitress in several of Helena’s iconic eating establishments. 4B’s, Jorgenson’s Restaurant, Frontier Town, The Burger Shop and finally, The House of Wong. Dorothy and her longtime work partner and friend Myrt Wiley served customers at The House of Wong for over 35 years.
For Dorothy, family was everything, and she is survived by her brother, John Bailey of Lame Dear; Daughter-in-Law, Bonnie Songer of East Helena; sons, Tom (Terri) Songer of Helena; Mike (Samantha) Songer of Helena, Pat (Connie) Songer of East Helena, and daughter Mona Pocha (Joe) of Vancouver, Washington. In addition to her family legacy of sons and daughters, surviving Dorothy are nineteen grandchildren and numerous, loving great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren most still residing in Helena.
Dorothy was a proud, enrolled member of the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe, with Tribal Headquarters in Great Falls, Montana. Dorothy loved attending local Pow Wow’s especially the Last Chance Community Pow Wow in Helena and enjoyed watching her family dance, drum. Family gatherings, holiday meals, softball games, summers at the lake and especially storytelling were sources of great joy for Dorothy; always surrounded by her loving family.
Dorothy’s Celebration of Life and Crossing Ceremony will be held at St. Peters Episcopal Church, 511 Park Avenue, Helena Montana, at 1:00 PM on Thursday, June 21, 2018. A reception will immediately follow in the church undercroft. Internment at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Helena will follow the reception. All friends and family are welcome to come and celebrate the life of our beloved Dorothy Jean. To offer condolences to the family please visit www.helenafunerals.com
“In Our Care”
SATURDAY
NORTH, John age 70, of Helena, Passed away March 1, 2018. A celebration of John’s life will be held from noon until the cows come home, on Saturday, June 23rd at the family’s home, 707 2nd Street. Memorial donations may be sent to the Prickly Pear Land Trust, P.O. Box 892, Helena, MT 59624 or to The Nature Conservancy of Montana, 32 S. Ewing St. Suite 215, Helena, MT 59601, or Last Chance Public Radio P.O Box 1072, Helena, MT 59624, or any other public radio station of one’s choosing. Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer condolences or share a memory of John.
FRIDAY, JULY 6
POWERS, Martin “Marty” E., age 83, of Helena, passed away Thursday, June 14, 2018. A Funeral Mass will be 12:00 p.m., July 6th at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing Street, with a luncheon reception to immediately follow in the Brondel Center of the Cathedral. A Committal Service for both Marty and his granddaughter, Lauren Powers, will follow the reception at Resurrection Cemetery, 3685 N. Montana Avenue, Helena. Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer condolences or share a memory of Marty.
“In Our Care”
PENDING
MYERS, Mark A., age 57 of Helena passed away Friday, June 15, 2018. Cremation has taken place and no services will be held at this time. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Mark.
TODAY
JORDAN, Austin “AJ”, age 18, of Townsend passed away Friday, June 8, 2018. The celebration of AJ’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Today, June 18th at the Watson Event Center, 290 Litening Barn Rd Townsend, MT 59644. A reception will immediately follow at the Watson Event Center. Please visit www.stevensonwilke.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of AJ.
***
KIELY, Joseph P., Age 66, of Helena, passed away on Tuesday, May 8, 2018. A celebration of life will be held at 3:30 p.m. Today, June 18, 2018 at the Holter Museum of Art at 12 E. Lawrence St. Helena, MT 59601 with a reception to follow also at the Holter Museum of Art. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Joe.
***
LEVANDOWSKI, Richard J. “Rich”, age 80 of Helena, formerly of Great Falls, passed away Sunday, June 10, 2018. A memorial service celebrating Rich’s life will be 11:00 a.m., Today, June 18th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. A graveside service will follow at the Forestvale Cemetery, 490 Forestvale Road. A luncheon reception will follow at the Moose Lodge 639, 4750 N. Montana Avenue. Memorial donations are suggested to the West Valley Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 4024, Helena, MT 59604. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence or to share a memory of Rich.
WEDNESDAY
FRIEDSAM, Jerome H. “Jerry”, age 83, of Helena passed away on Thursday, June 14, 2018. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 20th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 North Montana Ave. A reception will immediately follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Jerry.
FRIDAY
BRAY, Paul D., age 85, of Townsend passed away Thursday, June 14, 2018. The Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday June 21st at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 101 South Walnut St., Townsend. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 22nd at the church. Rite of Committal will follow the Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery. A reception will follow the committal service in the fellowship hall of the church. Please visit www.stevensonwilke.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Paul.
FRIDAY, JUNE 22
GLASSCOCK, Jeanne LaFleur Walker, was born on April 27, 1922, to Isadore and Loretta Huff LaFleur in Williston, North Dakota. She passed away on May 2, 2018, in Bellingham, Washington. There will be a service celebrating Jeanne’s life on Friday, June 22, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church.
Donald Joseph Fennell passed away on Sunday, December 17, 2017 in Helena, MT surrounded by family after courageously battling cancer for over a year. Don was born in Pope County, MN on June 7, 1933; the third child and only son born to Joseph Viela and Phelia (Phyllis) Marie Fennell.
Don enlisted in the Air Force in 1955 and was stationed in the United States and Algeria. After serving in the Air Force, he joined the Montana Air National Guard and honorably retired on September 16, 1985 with the rank of Master Sergeant.
During his Air Force career Don was transferred to Great Falls, MT where he married Phyllis Olson on September 7, 1957. The couple’s only child, Twila was born in 1960. Together the family enjoyed camping trips and many hours on the water fishing and skiing. Don and Phyllis divorced in 1974.
In 1975 Don married his high school sweetheart Dorothy Bieringer and eventually moved back to Minnesota where the couple lived on Little Sand Lake for over 30 years. There he could follow his passion for fishing every day; even during those frigid MN winter days you could find him nice and warm on the lake in his deluxe ice house.
Don was an accomplished bowler achieving three 300 games, several state titles, and induction into the Montana Bowling Hall of Fame. Don was an avid Barber Shopper, sharing his beautiful bass voice in Montana and Minnesota, and singing in church choirs with his bride. Don and Dot also enjoyed square dancing. During his lifetime he was a member of the Elks, American Legion, Walleyes Unlimited, and Knights of Columbus.
Don was best known for his generous spirit, compassion, sense of humor, and love of his family.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, oldest sister Millicent, and first wife Phyllis. Survivors include his wife Dorothy of Sauk Centre, MN, sister Dorothy (Norman) Winter of Medora, ND, daughter Twila (Bryan) Costigan of Helena, MT, and numerous nephews and nieces.
Don loved his Catholic faith and was a member of several parishes in Minnesota and Montana. Memorials can be made to Catholic Social Services of Montana, PO Box 907, Helena, MT 59624.
Don’s Funeral Vigil will be held Thursday June 28, 2018 at 5pm and Funeral Mass Friday June 29, 2018 at 10am at St. Peter’s Catholic Church (305 5th St. West) in Park Rapids, MN. A reception at his home will follow the Mass. Burial in Sauk Centre, MN and a memorial service in Helena, MT will be held at a later date. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Don.
“In Our Care”
PENDING
MYERS, Mark A., age 57 of Helena passed away Friday, June 15, 2018. Cremation has taken place and no services will be held at this time. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Mark.
MONDAY
JORDAN, Austin “AJ”, age 18, of Townsend passed away Friday, June 8, 2018. The celebration of AJ’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday June 18th at the Watson Event Center, 290 Litening Barn Rd Townsend, MT 59644. A reception will immediately follow at the Watson Event Center. Please visit www.stevensonwilke.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of AJ.
KIELY, Joseph P., Age 66, of Helena, passed away on Tuesday, May 8, 2018. A celebration of life will be held at 3:30 p.m. Monday, June 18, 2018 at the Holter Museum of Art at 12 E. Lawrence St. Helena, MT 59601 with a reception to follow also at the Holter Museum of Art. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Joe.
LEVANDOWSKI, Richard J. “Rich”, age 80 of Helena, formerly of Great Falls, passed away Sunday, June 10, 2018. A memorial service celebrating Rich’s life will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 18th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. A graveside service will follow at the Forestvale Cemetery, 490 Forestvale Road. A luncheon reception will follow at the Moose Lodge 639, 4750 N. Montana Avenue. Memorial donations are suggested to the West Valley Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 4024, Helena, MT 59604. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence or to share a memory of Rich.
WEDNESDAY
FRIEDSAM, Jerome H. “Jerry”, age 83, of Helena passed away on Thursday, June 14, 2018. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 20th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 North Montana Ave. A reception will immediately follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Jerry.
THURSDAY
NELSON, Robert O., age 91, of Helena, passed away on June 14, 2018. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 21st at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Following the reception, a graveside service with military honors will take place at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Robert are suggested to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, 1250 Fourth St., Santa Monica, CA 90401. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Robert.
FRIDAY
BRAY, Paul D., age 85, of Townsend passed away Thursday, June 14, 2018. The Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday June 21st at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 101 South Walnut St., Townsend. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 22nd at the church. Rite of Committal will follow the Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery. A reception will follow the committal service in the fellowship hall of the church. Please visit www.stevensonwilke.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Paul.
SATURDAY
RICHARD, Jim E., age 75, of White Sulphur Springs, passed away on February 19, 2018. A memorial service with military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 23rd at Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 103 E. Garfield St., White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645. Following the service a reception will be held at the Yoked Parish of the First Presbyterian and American Lutheran Churches, 411 E. Jefferson St. in White Sulphur Springs. Please visit www.stevensonwilke.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Jim.
FRIDAY, JUNE 22
BENNETT, Stella Mae Gebhart, departed this world on Friday, Nov. 3, 2017. Her royal old soul has flown on. Stella was born Sept. 21, 1938 to Nora Jacobson and Albert Gebhart in Pendroy, Montana. A joyful celebration of Stella’s life will be held on Friday, June 22. We will gather at the Spring Meadow Lake Pavilion in Helena, MT from 4 to 7 pm. Bring your drums, songs and stories. Spring Meadow Lake has a no alcohol and no pet policy. Food and beverages will be provided.
Janet Lydia Krenelka, age 70, died peacefully on June 10, 2018 after a long courageous battle with lung disease. She was born on October 8, 1947 to Edward and Lydia Albrecht in Billings, MT.
Janet grew up on the family ranch in Bridger MT before the family moved to Lewistown MT where she attended high school. They moved to Billings MT in 1964 and Janet graduated in 1965. On April 11, 1969, she married Edward James Krenelka. They spent a short time in Seattle and returned to settle in Billings in 1974 where they lived until moving to the Ruby Valley in 1991, near Sheridan MT. Janet moved to Helena MT in 2010.
She was an avid horsewoman growing up and won the high school rodeo hard luck trophy in 1963. She enjoyed many activities in her life including hunting, fishing, gardening, 4x4ing, camping, and crocheting. She was an ace at the game of pool and enjoyed bowling and pool leagues with her friends for many years. She was a voracious reader, enjoyed the daily crosswords and puzzles, and watching her golf and tv shows. Her witty remarks, her strength and endurance, and her beautiful soul will be dearly missed!
Janet is survived by her daughter Leah Welsh (Dan Pate) of Helena, and son Edward Krenelka of Big Sandy; sisters, Sharon Brown of Lewistown, Jeanie (Jim) Mullins of Challis ID, Shirlee Shephard (Jim Knox) of Billings, Tammy (Randy) Stevens of Saratoga WY, and brother Steve (Cherrie) Albrecht of Helena. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Edward James Krenelka, and a sister Judy.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of her Life will be held Saturday, June 30, at 11 am at Aspen Village, 615 Janet Street in Helena MT.
Richard “Rich” J. Levandowski, 80, passed away Sunday, June 10, 2018 at home in Helena with his loving wife Doris at his side. Rich was born September 21, 1937 in Great Falls, MT, to Stanley and Carolyn (Kost) Levandowski; he was the middle of three children.
After graduating from Great Falls High, Rich began his dedicated service to the community by enlisting in the Montana Air Guard. This experience served as a catalyst to his life-long pursuit of social service, and Rich spent 24 years with the Great Falls Fire Department as Acting Fire Chief before serving as a Deputy in the State Fire Marshall office. After his retirement, his commitment to his role in the community along with his desire to promote education and awareness to a new generation of firefighters motivated him to teach Fire Science courses at the Helena College of Technology.
Rich married his devoted wife, Doris, on October 20, 1990, in Reno, Nevada. Their marriage and partnership brought him much happiness, and their love was evident and emanating. A proud father of four children, Rich was delighted by their success and happiness. He enjoyed seeing his grandchildren pursue higher education and careers that allow them to give back to their communities.
Ever the outdoorsman, Rich spent his childhood hunting and fishing with his father. As an adult, this love of the outdoors blossomed into a passion for gardening and keeping his lawn maintained to the utmost perfection. His green thumb provided a stunning array of flowers in the summer and a delicious harvest every fall. When he wasn’t digging in the dirt to plant bulbs or pull weeds, Rich was often found on the fairway or in the bowling alley. As an active member of Moose Lodge 1239, Rich was exceptionally proud of the numerous charitable and civic activities that he participated in as a Moose member. He was particularly touched by the many young people who received an education in part due to his actions with the club.
Rich is survived by his wife, Doris; sons, Robert (Michalene) Levandowski of Helena, Timothy (Jodie) Levandowski of Great Falls, David Levandowski of Casper, WY; daughter, Rhea Baylor of Great Falls; sister, Karen (Martin) Basta of Great Falls; cousin, Donnie (Mary) Levandowski; sister-in-law, Jeanette (Larry) Archer of Great Falls; grandchildren, Angelina (Jorge) Urbina, Tim (Marty) Levandowski, Richie (Cassie) Taylor, Cody Baylor, Brittany Levandowski, Tanner Levandowski, Chanda Levandowski, Brayden Levandowski; and great-grandchildren Elijah Simpson, Luke Urbina, and Franklynn Taylor.
A memorial service celebrating Rich’s life will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 18th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. A graveside service will follow at the Forestvale Cemetery, 490 Forestvale Road. A luncheon reception will follow at the Moose Lodge 639, 4750 N. Montana Avenue. Memorial donations are suggested to the West Valley Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 4024, Helena, MT 59604. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence or to share a memory of Rich.
FRIDAY, JUNE 22
GLASSCOCK, Jeanne LaFleur Walker, was born on April 27, 1922, to Isadore and Loretta Huff LaFleur in Williston, North Dakota. She passed away on May 2, 2018, in Bellingham, Washington. There will be a service celebrating Jeanne’s life on Friday, June 22, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church.
“In Our Care”
SATURDAY
NORTH, John age 70, of Helena, Passed away March 1, 2018. A celebration of John’s life will be held from noon until the cows come home, on Saturday, June 23rd at the family’s home, 707 2nd Street. Memorial donations may be sent to the Prickly Pear Land Trust, P.O. Box 892, Helena, MT 59624 or to The Nature Conservancy of Montana, 32 S. Ewing St. Suite 215, Helena, MT 59601, or Last Chance Public Radio P.O Box 1072, Helena, MT 59624, or any other public radio station of one’s choosing. Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer condolences or share a memory of John.
FRIDAY (JULY 6TH)
POWERS, Martin “Marty” E., age 83, of Helena, passed away Thursday, June 14, 2018. A Funeral Mass will be 12:00 p.m., July 6th at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing Street, with a luncheon reception to immediately follow in the Brondel Center of the Cathedral. A Committal Service for both Marty and his granddaughter, Lauren Powers, will follow the reception at Resurrection Cemetery, 3685 N. Montana Avenue, Helena. Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer condolences or share a memory of Marty.
Robert Nelson passed quietly on June 14 with members of his family at his side. Rob was born in western Minnesota in 1926. He was the first of four sons born to Nick and Mollie Nelson. He was drafted into the army at age 18 and served stateside until 1946. In 1954, he married Ardell Grefsrud and they took over running his father’s grocery store. Their first child, Ross, was born three years later, and Koren and Eric followed in 1960 and 1964. After watching his family grow, Rob decided to upgrade his skill set and attended North Dakota State University in Fargo, where he graduated with a degree in mathematics.
A few months later, Rob accepted a job with the state of Montana as a statistician with the Department of Public Heath. The family moved to Helena in 1964, and Rob called the town home for the next five decades. His interests included history, music, and occasional woodworking and auto projects. The entire family took up cross-country skiing one year and it became a favorite winter hobby. Rob’s musical passion found an outlet in the choir at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church. Both Ardell and Rob taught folk dancing at the Son’s of Norway lodge. His embrace of his Scandinavian heritage was evident in the countless batches of lefse he and Ardell made at Christmastime, which were always in high demand. He enjoyed listening to classical music and was also an enthusiastic attendant of all the kids’ activities, present at a variety of band concerts, dance recitals, and athletic events.
Rob stayed with the Montana Dept. of Public Heath his entire career, assisting in the transition from paper-based to computerized record keeping. After retirement, Rob and Ardell started spending winters in Sedona. 1992 was an especially happy year, as they celebrated the birth of Maggie, their first grandchild. Alex, the second grandchild was born in 1996. They also enjoyed traveling, especially trips to see family in Minnesota, and their children's homes in Virginia and California. The also took two trips to connect with relatives in Norway. When not traveling themselves, they were happy to host international guests as part of Friendship Force.
Rob and Ardell celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2004. A few years ago they moved from their home on the west side to assisted living at Touchmark. Rob is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ardell, three children, Ross, Koren, and Eric, and two grandchildren from Eric’s marriage, Alex and Margaret (Maggie). He also leaves behind two brothers, Neal and Marvin. A kind and gentle man, he was loved by all and will be missed.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 21st at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. in Helena. A reception will follow in the social hall of the funeral home. Following the reception, a graveside service with military honors will be held at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Rob are suggested to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, 1250 Fourth St., Santa Monica, CA 90401. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Rob.
“In Our Care”
MONDAY
LEVANDOWSKI, Richard J. “Rich”, age 80 of Helena, formerly of Great Falls, passed away Sunday, June 10, 2018. A memorial service celebrating Rich’s life will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 18th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. A graveside service will follow at the Forestvale Cemetery, 490 Forestvale Road. A luncheon reception will follow at the Moose Lodge 639, 4750 N. Montana Avenue. Memorial donations are suggested to the West Valley Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 4024, Helena, MT 59604. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence or to share a memory of Rich.
KIELY, Joseph P., Age 66, of Helena, passed away on Tuesday, May 8, 2018. A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:30 p.m. Monday, June 18, 2018 at the Holter Museum of Art at 12 E. Lawrence St. Helena, MT 59601 with a reception to follow also at the Holter Museum of Art. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Joe.
JORDAN, Austin “AJ”, age 18, of Townsend passed away Friday, June 8, 2018. The celebration of AJ’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday June 18th at the Watson Event Center, 290 Litening Barn Rd Townsend, MT 59644. A reception will immediately follow at the Watson Event Center. Please visit www.stevensonwilke.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of AJ.
WEDNESDAY
FRIEDSAM, Jerome H. “Jerry”, age 83, of Helena passed away on Thursday, June 14, 2018. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 20th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 North Montana Ave. A reception will immediately follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Jerry.
THURSDAY
NELSON, Robert O., age 91, of Helena, passed away on June 14, 2018. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 21st at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Following the reception, a graveside service with military honors will take place at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Robert are suggested to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, 1250 Fourth St., Santa Monica, CA 90401. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Robert.
“In Our Care”
SATURDAY (JUNE 23RD)
NORTH, John age 70, of Helena, Passed away March 1, 2018. A celebration of John’s life will be held from noon until the cows come home, on Saturday, June 23rd at the family’s home, 707 2nd Street. Memorial donations may be sent to the Prickly Pear Land Trust, P.O. Box 892, Helena, MT 59624 or to The Nature Conservancy of Montana, 32 S. Ewing St. Suite 215, Helena, MT 59601, or Last Chance Public Radio P.O Box 1072, Helena, MT 59624, or any other public radio station of one’s choosing. Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer condolences or share a memory of John.
FRIDAY (JULY 6TH)
POWERS, Martin “Marty” E., age 83 of Helena, passed away Thursday, June 14, 2018. A Funeral Mass will be 12:00 p.m., July 6th at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing Street, with a luncheon reception to immediately follow in the Brondel Center of the Cathedral. A Committal Service will follow the reception at Resurrection Cemetery, 3685 N. Montana Avenue, Helena. Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer condolences or share a memory of Marty.
