Read through the obituaries published in Independent Record
“In our care”
FRIDAY
POWERS, Martin E. “Marty," age 83, of Helena, passed away on June 14, 2018. A funeral Mass will be at 12 p.m. on Friday, July 6, at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing St. in Helena, followed by a reception at the Brondel Center in the lower level of the Cathedral. Rite of Committal will take place later that afternoon at Resurrection Cemetery. He will be laid to rest in a joint celebration with his granddaughter, Lauren Powers, who passed away in 2013. Memorials in honor of Marty are suggested to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena, 515 N Ewing St, Helena, MT 59601. Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Marty.
GIES, Joan, age 84, of Helena, passed away Saturday, June 30, 2018. A viewing will be held from 12-7 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, July 5, at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Ave. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 6, at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 7100 N Montana Ave, Helena. Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share of a memory of Joan.
“In our care”
TODAY
MISER, Robert S. “Steve," age 74, of Helena, passed away on June 26, 2018. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 5, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. in Helena, with a reception following in the social hall of the funeral home. A graveside service with Military Honors will be held 2 p.m., following the reception, at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Steve are suggested to Hugs and Hope by visiting hugsofhope.org, to the Northwest Burn Foundation, 1515 NW 52nd St., Seattle, WA 98107, or to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, c/o Algeria Shrine Temple, PO Box 4879, Helena, MT 59604. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Steve.
SATURDAY
Please join us as we Celebrate the Life of Jules Waber on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at 2 p.m. at the Racetrack Firehall/Community Center located outside Deer Lodge. Please bring own chairs.
“In our care”
THURSDAY
MISER, Robert S. “Steve”, age 74, of Helena, passed away on June 26, 2018. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 5, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. in Helena, with a reception following in the social hall of the funeral home. A graveside service with Military Honors will be held 2 p.m., following the reception, at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Steve are suggested to Hugs and Hope by visiting hugsofhope.org, to the Northwest Burn Foundation, 1515 NW 52nd St., Seattle, WA 98107, or to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, c/o Algeria Shrine Temple, PO Box 4879, Helena, MT 59604. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Steve.
MONDAY
PULLEN, James M. “Jim,” age 73, of Helena, passed away on June 23, 2018. A Celebration of His Life with Military Honors will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 9, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. in Helena. A reception will follow in the social hall of the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Jim are suggested to the Helena Kiwanis Foundation for Cherry Park, PO Box 4178, Helena, MT 59604. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Jim.
“In our care”
FRIDAY
POWERS, Martin E. “Marty," age 83, of Helena, passed away on June 14, 2018. A funeral Mass will be at 12 p.m. on Friday, July 6, at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing St. in Helena, followed by a reception at the Brondel Center in the lower level of the Cathedral. Rite of Committal will take place later that afternoon at Resurrection Cemetery. He will be laid to rest in a joint celebration with his granddaughter, Lauren Powers, who passed away in 2013. Memorials in honor of Marty are suggested to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena, 515 N Ewing St, Helena, MT 59601. Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Marty.
GIES, Joan, age 84, of Helena, passed away Saturday, June 30, 2018. A viewing will be held from 12-7 p.m., with the family receiving friends, from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, July 5, at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Ave. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 6, at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 7100 N Montana Ave, Helena. Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share of a memory of Joan.
June 10, 1946 – June 27, 2018
Ronald “Ron” Gene Brandt, 72, passed away at home in the arms of his spouse and soul mate on June 27, 2018, in Bozeman, MT. He was born June 10, 1946, to Ivan and Elizabeth (Funk) Brandt in Glasgow, MT, and he graduated from Nashua High School in Nashua, MT. After high school, Ron moved to Columbia Falls, MT briefly working for a local lumber company. He then moved to Helena, MT to work at the Husky service station where he met his wife.
After a brief courtship, he married Karen Meier on December 17, 1966, in Helena, MT, and they had two children. Ron enlisted in the Montana National Guard just before his marriage to Karen and obtained the rank of Sergeant (E-5) prior to receiving an Honorable discharge on June 10, 1971. Ron worked for Lincoln Mercury in Helena and had various other jobs from 1964 to 1970. From 1970 to 1978, Ron worked for Meadow Gold Diary as a delivery driver. He was then promoted and transferred to Bozeman, Montana to become the manager from 1978 to 1995. After relocating to Bozeman, in 1979, he and Karen began personally constructing their dream home. In 1995, he started his own vintage automobile restoration business under the name of RK Classics where he was the sole proprietor until his passing.
Ron was a volunteer sheriff’s deputy and firefighter. He served as a safety inspector for National Street Rod Association and was a member of the Montana Street Rod Association. He was also an assistant Boy Scout leader for Troop #649 in Belgrade, Montana, during which time he attended the XV World Jamboree in Alberta, Canada. While serving as a Scout leader, he was inducted into the Order of the Arrow as an honorary member.
Ron’s current passion was constructing motorized Lego vehicles and kits. He enjoyed watching Nascar and his favorite driver Justin Allgaier drive the Brandt sponsored car. He attended many Nascar races in Las Vegas, Nevada and it was the highlight of his spring. After some health issues at the age of 50, he purchased his first Harley Davidson motorcycle. Ron loved riding his Harley Davidson with his wife and travelled to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally seven years in a row. He loved listening to Polka and gospel music and spending quality time with Karen watching Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. Ron was passionate about restoring vintage automobiles, traveling, outdoor cooking, and spending time with his family and grandchildren. He was self-taught on the guitar and accordion and learned how to fly a plane. Ron travelled twice to Europe and Germany, twice to Disney World, and three times to Legoland both in Florida and California. Last year he took an Alaskan cruise in celebration of his and Karen’s 50th wedding anniversary. Recently Ron enjoyed a Hawaiian vacation with his son and family. His last major trip was to Alabama to watch his daughter retire from 20 years of service in the United States Army.
Ronald was preceded in death by his father, Ivan Wayne Brandt. He is survived by his wife, Karen Brandt; mother, Elizabeth Brandt; son, Dan (Theresa) Brandt and their children, Nick and Zack; daughter, Kari (Jon) Hadley and their children, Seth, Erich, Teresa, Ethan and Alan; sisters, Dixie Shephard and Virginia Steffenhagen; and brothers, Don Brandt, Dean Brandt, Michael Brandt, and Tim Brandt.
A Celebration of Life is planned for 1 pm on August 25, 2018 at the Grace Bible Church in Bozeman, Montana.
Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service. www.dokkennelson.com
PENDING
HUDSON, James “Jim”, age 61, of Helena, passed away Wednesday, June 27, 2018. A private family burial with military honors will be held at a later date. Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer condolences or share a memory of Jim.
FRIDAY
GIES, Joan, age 84, of Helena passed away Saturday, June 30, 2018. A viewing will be held from 12-7 p.m., with the family receiving friends, from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, July 5th at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Ave. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 6th at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 7100 N Montana Ave, Helena. Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share of a memory of Joan.
“In Our Care”
PENDING
WOOD, Paul Warren, age 95, of East Helena, passed away July 2, 2018. Services are pending and will be announced once they are completed. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Paul.
TUESDAY, JULY 24
SHULER, James L., age 69, of Helena, passed away on June 30, 2018. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 24th at St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral, 511 N. Park Ave. in Helena, with interment to follow at the cathedral. A reception will follow the services in the lower level of the cathedral. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Camp Marshall/Grace Camp fund in care of the Episcopal Diocese of Montana, P.O. Box 2020, Helena, Montana 59624. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of James.
McCARTHY, Joy, 78 of Helena passed away July 1, 2018. Memorial services will be 11:00 am, Friday, July 27, 2018 at South Hills Church of Christ. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.helenafunerals.com.
“In Our Care”
PENDING
POWERS, Arline, age 91 of Helena passed away Wednesday, June 27, 2018. Cremation has taken place and family services 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 Arline.
SHULER, James, age 69 of Helena passed away Saturday, June 30, 2018. Services are pending at this time and will be announced once they are completed. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of James.
THURSDAY
MISER, Robert S. “Steve”, age 74, of Helena, passed away on June 27, 2018. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 5th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. in Helena, with a reception following in the social hall of the funeral home. A graveside service with Military Honors will be held 2:00 p.m., following the reception, at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Steve are suggested to Hugs and Hope by visiting hugsofhope.org, to the Northwest Burn Foundation, 1515 NW 52nd St., Seattle, WA 98107, or to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, c/o Algeria Shrine Temple, PO Box 4879, Helena, MT 59604. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Steve.
“In Our Care”
PENDING
HUDSON, James “Jim”, age 61 of Helena passed away Wednesday, June 27, 2018. A private family burial with military honors will be held at a later date. Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer condolences or share a memory of Jim.
FRIDAY
POWERS, Martin “Marty”, age 83, of Helena, passed away on June 14, 2018. A Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, July 6th at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing St. in Helena. A reception will follow at the Brondel Center in the lower level of the Cathedral. Rite of Committal will follow the reception at Resurrection Cemetery. Both Marty and his granddaughter, Lauren Powers, will be laid to rest at the committal. Memorials in honor of Marty are suggested to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena, 515 N. Ewing St., Helena, MT 59601. Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share of a memory of Marty.
TUESDAY, JULY 3
HOFF, Gary Lee Hoff (January 7, 1949 – December 27, 2017). Please join us at his Celebration of Life on July 3rd, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. located at Mountain Family Fellowship 6145 North Montana Ave, Helena MT 59602. A procession to the Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison will be at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that on Gary’s behalf donations be made to the Family Support Center with the Montana Army National Guard.
Karen Crawford (known by her many loving nicknames: “Grandma Kay,” “Ethel,” and “KK”) passed away of natural causes with her husband and daughters by her side on June 26, 2018. She went peacefully at home looking out onto the golf course where she built her life. She will be remembered for the amazingly kind and fun-loving woman that she was to all around her.
She was born Karen Anderson to Milton and Edna Anderson on October 29, 1940. She was the second of five children, they grew up on North Hayes Street in Montana, where their house was the center of activity for all the neighborhood kids. As a child, she spent summers in Lincoln, Montana at the family cabin. She attended Hawthorne Elementary and Helena High. Her high school years were filled with activities, like: twirling, H-Club, and half-court basketball.
She married her high school sweetheart and had three daughters Karrie, Kim, and Kris. Karen learned to be a farm and rodeo wife. She was a ranch hand, short order cook, 4-H leader, and all-around wonderful mother. Karen had a kindness everyone noticed, a beautiful smile, and deep blue eyes that made you feel loved. Karen retired from the State of Montana in 1991. After retirement she worked various part-time jobs and helped take care of her grandkids.
She married Harry Crawford in 1979; they had known each other since childhood and went on to have a full and eventful marriage together. They traveled to 48 states together, getting to know as much of the United States as they could. They enjoyed golfing together, especially at “The Fat Harry Open.” They had many close friends, who enjoyed ski trips, golf competitions, and countless laughs and memories together. They spent several winters in Cathedral City, California, where Karen loved golfing in the sunshine, water aerobics, and cocktail hour with friends.
Karen and Harry have 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Karen and Harry were the biggest fans to all their grandkids at every opportunity and extracurricular event. Karen was one of the most gentle, mild-mannered souls. Her example has influenced and will continue to influence all of us. She used her life to show us how to be better, kinder, more loving parents, friends, and partners. She will be dearly missed by all her family and friends.
Karen is preceded in death by her parents Edna and Milton Anderson, her sister Connie Anderson Galivan, brother Mickey Anderson, and daughter Karrie Kelly Wattnem and survived by husband Harry Crawford, brother Bobby (Donna) Anderson, sister Kathy (Jim) White, daughters Kim (Randy) Kelly Kallistad, Kris (Chuck) Kelly Schommer, stepdaughter Marti (Bob) Pearce, stepsons Joe (Lori) Crawford, Sam Crawford, Stewart (Terry) Crawford, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A celebration of her life will be held at a later date this summer. Please visit www.aswfuneralhomes.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Karen.
The world has one less smile with the passing of James Pullen on June 23, 2018. He was born 12/2/1944 in San Francisco and raised in Southern California. He married his life partner, Mary, in 1966 and together they raised their two daughters, Pam and Dawn.
Jim served in the U.S. Naval Submarine Service during the Viet Nam era. Upon his return stateside, Jim became a master woodworker for 20 years in Portland, Oregon. The family moved to Helena, Montana in 1993 where Jim and Mary started the printing company TNO - The Neighborhood Office, together they ran it for 25 years.
Jim could brighten a room with his smile. Whether or not he just met you, he would make you feel you’ve been friends forever. Jim never knew a stranger and was always the first one to offer helping hand.
Jim is survived by his wife Mary of 53 years, daughters Pamela Schaber and Dawn (Chris) Purvis; his four grandchildren; Joshua, Crystal, Aundrea and Shelby, and six great-grandchildren, Aiden, Trinity, Jorden, Phoenix, Emberly and Dorian all of Helena. Also the families of his brother, Greg (Vicky) Pullen, sister, Kathie Pullen, and Mary’s six brothers and sisters.
Jim had a special place in his heart for children and was very involved with the children in the Helena community; as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader, a YMCA board member, a past Kiwanis Club President, and an annual participant in the Festival of Trees for Intermountain Children’s Home.
Because of his love and involvement of children, his family is requesting in lieu of flowers, please send a meaningful and lasting memorial gift to: Helena Kiwanis Foundation for Cherry Park, PO Box 4178, Helena, MT 59604 toward the new children’s park being constructed by the Kiwanis Club on Cherry Avenue in Helena, MT.
A celebration of Jim’s life with Military Honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 9th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue, with a reception following in the social hall of the funeral home. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Jim.
A special thank you to Dr. Weiner and staff at St. Peters Cancer Treatment Center, to Hospice of St. Peters, and to the family and friends that have supported us through this journey.
Martin Emmett Powers, of Helena, Montana, passed away on June 14, 2018, at the age of 83.
Marty was born April 9, 1935 in Helena, Montana. He attended Cathedral High School and graduated from Carroll College in 1957 with, a BS in Sociology. Marty began his federal career at the Social Security Administration in Seattle, Washington, where he met and married Donna Lee Wachsmuth (divorced). He later transferred to the Small Business Administration, thus returning to his beloved Helena. He traveled extensively for his work. He retired from federal employment in 1987.
Marty loved to sing. He sang with Barbershop quartets for many years. He was also a consummate storyteller, sharing tales and anecdotes with family and friends alike. His interests included family, cars, motorcycles, hunting and firearms.
Marty is survived by two sisters, Sharon (Jerry) Burrows and Bernadette Powers, his four children, Marcus, Jennifer, Johanna (Mark) and Jeanne (Don), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Marty’s paternal and maternal families have deep roots in Butte and the Boulder Valley. He will be greatly missed by innumerable cousins and other relatives.
Marty was preceded in death by his parents, Martin B. and Ellen (Nell) Powers, his eldest twin sons, Michael John and Martin James Powers, his granddaughter, Lauren Amber Powers, and his son-in-law, Scott N. Peterson.
Marty was a devout Catholic. A funeral mass will be held in his honor on Friday, July 6, at St. Helena Cathedral at 12:00 p.m., followed by a reception at the Brondel Center at the Cathedral. Rite of Committal will take place later that afternoon at Resurrection Cemetery. He will be laid to rest in a joint celebration with his granddaughter, Lauren, who passed away in 2013. May perpetual light shine upon them!
Memorials in honor of Marty are suggested to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena, 515 N Ewing St, Helena, MT 59601. Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Marty.
“In Our Care”
PENDING
HUDSON, James “Jim”, age 61 of Helena passed away Wednesday, June 27, 2018. A private family burial with military honors will be held at a later date. Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer condolences or share a memory of Jim.
FRIDAY
POWERS, Martin “Marty”, age 83, of Helena, passed away on June 14, 2018. A Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, July 6th at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing St. in Helena. A reception will follow at the Brondel Center in the lower level of the Cathedral. Rite of Committal will follow the reception at Resurrection Cemetery. Both Marty and his granddaughter, Lauren Powers, will be laid to rest at the committal. Memorials in honor of Marty are suggested to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena, 515 N. Ewing St., Helena, MT 59601. Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share of a memory of Marty.
“Mama Bear” Glenda Laurie Thiele, 60, of Helena passed away on Thursday, May 31, 2018 at St Peter’s Hospital of organ failure.
Glenda was born August 20, 1957 to Samuel and Mary Lou Cooper in Missoula, MT. She was named after her Grandpa Ailport and her Grandma Cooper. She grew up in Missoula and was a true patriotic Montanan. In her early years, she loved to ride bikes and play kickball. Glen loved attending the Western Montana Fair and helping in the VFW food booth. She was a member of 4H. Glen attended Sentinel High School and later earned her GED. Glenda had a sharp wit, sense of humor, would give you the shirt off her back, and lived large!
Glenda, like her Mom and sisters, started working at the 4B’s Restaurant on E. Broadway in Missoula. She eventually became a cook and always had a hard time just cooking for one! For the last seven years, Glenda worked for Helena Industries as a cutter and inspector until their closing in early April. She had just started working for Walmart and was so excited to start her new adventure in retail.
In 1982, she met James Thiele in Lubbock, TX . They married on Sep 2, 1983 and decided to stay in Montana. In 1989, they had twins- Matthew Dale and Meggan Carol. They were married 23 years, when Jim died of lung cancer in 2007. Glenda lost her soul-mate and “rock”; she was heart-broken and never got over the loss.
She enjoyed a great game of cribbage or pinochle. Glenda was a life member of the VFW Post 209 Auxiliary. She loved to make chocolates with her Mom and had a secret recipe for huckleberry cheesecake. Glenda loved Yellowstone National Park and could spot all the animals first!
She was preceded in death by her beloved Jim, parents, grandparents, mother-in law Carol, and brother-in-law Duane Carlton. She is survived by her son, Matthew (Elonda) of Great Falls, daughter Meggan (Joey) Edwards of Helena, sisters Cindy Carlton of Bozeman, Patti Jo Loewen (Robert Jackson) of Granite Falls, WA, and Beth Cooper of Drummond, grandchildren Lilli, Weston, Haydyn, Willoh, and Braxton, a large extended family of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins, and many friends to include Pam Moore and Mike Farrell.
Services will be held on July 7th at 2:00 pm in Helena at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 512 Logan, with refreshments to follow.
Glenda will be deeply loved forever and missed by all who knew her. Rest in peace, “Mama Bear” Glen!
Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Glenda.
Early morning of June 26, 2018 Robert Stephen Miser of Helena, Montana passed away in his sleep of natural causes. He was 74 years old and better known as Steve by all his friends.
Steve was born on February 9, 1944 to Robert J. Miser and Helen M. Campbell in Richlands, Virginia. He attended school in Plains & graduating from Conrad High School in 1962. He went onto further his education at Montana State University with a Master’s in Education. Steve enlisted twice in the US Armed Forces and served in the Asian & European area.
Steve taught school in various places over the state as well as substitute teaching K thru 12 in Boulder, Montana. He also worked in various areas of Enforcement as a part-time Sheriff Deputy and a private investigator. In March, 1981 he went to work at the Montana State Fund where he met his wife Karen R. Stahler and they were married on July 3, 1982 in Helena, Montana where they continued to live their life together.
Survivors include his wife, Karen their son Robert H. Miser of Helena; one Brother John C. Miser of Colorado Springs, Colorado; a Sister-In-Law Kathryn Miser of Fort Benton; a Brother-In-Law Ed Stahler (Pat) of Great Falls; one Granddaughter Maxine N. Miser of Helena; Nephew Michael Stahler of Great Falls and two Nieces Amber Garcia (Carlos) in Georgia and Alexa Miser in Colorado. He is also survived by his Foster Son Michael Dalton (Andrea) of East Helena and special friend Pokey better known as the Floor Torpedo. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his bother Guy W. Miser.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 5th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. in Helena, with a reception following in the social hall of the funeral home. A graveside service with Military Honors will be held 2:00 p.m., following the reception, at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. Memorials in honor of Steve are suggested to Hugs and Hope by visiting hugsofhope.org, to the Northwest Burn Foundation, 1515 NW 52nd St., Seattle, WA 98107, or to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, c/o Algeria Shrine Temple, PO Box 4879, Helena, MT 59604. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Steve.
Also, want to give a special thanks to all of the wonderful staff at Rocky Mountain Care Center who took care of Steve.
TUESDAY, JULY 3
HOFF, Gary Lee (January 7, 1949 – December 27, 2017). Please join us at his Celebration of Life on July 3rd, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. located at Mountain Family Fellowship 6145 North Montana Ave, Helena MT 59602. A procession to the Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison will be at 12:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that on Gary’s behalf donations be made to the Family Support Center with the Montana Army National Guard.
FRIDAY, JULY 13
BAYUK, Robert, 61 of Helena passed away June 22, 2018. A Celebration of his life will be from 1 pm to 4 pm, July 13, 2018 at the Myrna Loy Center.To offer condolences to the family please visit www.helenafunerals.com.
“In Our Care”
PENDING
POWERS, Arline, age 91 of Helena passed away Wednesday, June 27, 2018. Cremation has taken place and family services 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 Arline.
On Monday, June 25, 2018, as the late afternoon sunlight filled the room, Harriet (Enger) Prochorchik peacefully passed away with her daughter singing a favorite hymn and holding her hand.
Harriet was born May 27, 1926 in Churchs Ferry, North Dakota, to Lawrence and Mabel Hatling Enger. She graduated from Churchs Ferry High School in 1943 at the age of 17. Harriet started nursing school in Devils Lake after high school but had to discontinue when her parents lost their farm and moved to York, North Dakota.
Harriet worked in Scott’s 5 and Dime Store at the candy counter when she met Walter Prochorchik. Walt had been working at the Port of Embarkation in Seattle, WA during the war and was riding his motorcycle back to Connecticut. He got stopped by a February snowstorm, and took a job in a poultry hatchery in Devils Lake. The couple were married in York, ND on August 18, 1946 and settled in Devils Lake. Their first son, Robert was born there in 1947. In 1949, the couple moved to CT when Walt’s father died. They bought a small farm in Chaplin. It is in Chaplin where they built a home and raised three children: Robert, Lawrence and Judith. They were active members of the Chaplin Congregational Church since 1955. Harriet and Walt raised chickens, beef and vegetable gardens to support the family. Between the two they could fix anything or design a new way to get something done. The couple was happily married 56 years until Walter’s passing in 2002 due to complications from Alzheimer’s.
Harriet was an accomplished seamstress, homemaker and gardener. She put her artistic talents into everything she did, whether decorating cakes, doing needlework, making her daughter’s dresses or planting multiple flower beds. She was a knowledgeable and avid birdwatcher. She baked her own bread until she was in her eighties, and made krumkake (a Norwegian Christmas cookie) every year, sharing the tradition with her granddaughters.
She was hired in 1969 as a Clerk at the Chaplin Post Office where she worked as an integral part of the community for nearly 20 years, retiring in 1989. She worked with Lee Hicks, the Postmistress, for nearly 15 of those years and they remained best friends for the rest of their lives.
Harriet celebrated her 90th birthday at the farm in Chaplin, CT, with a joyful reunion of family and friends from ten states. Her spirit of adventure brought her to Montana, to be near her daughter, later that year. She deeply enjoyed her new surroundings and friends at Touchmark in Helena. Harriet delighted in her new apartment and participated in Brain Builders group, Book club and functional fitness classes, and every day looked forward to dinner and conversations with her many friends. In addition to Jude and George, she was blessed to celebrate her 92nd birthday with her niece Coralee Auverson Brewer.
Harriet is predeceased by her parents; her husband, Walter; her brother, Clarence Enger; her sister, Jeanette Auverson; her sons, Bob and Larry, and grandson Ethan Oberst. She is survived by her sister Geraldine (Don) Jore of Billings, Mt; her daughter, Jude (George) Oberst of Helena, MT; her granddaughters Heather Prochorchik of Brooklyn, NY; Tamara Prochorchik of Santa Fe, NM, and several nieces and nephews. In her later years Harriet developed a special bond with her niece Kim (Mike) Kovarovics of Ashford, CT. She cherished the love and support of her Chaplin friends, especially, Doreen and John Bolduc.
A gathering to celebrate Harriet’s life will be held at Touchmark at a later date. A special thanks to the staff of Touchmark and to Lisa Schmitz, Shanda and Jordan for their gracious support.
Memorials in Harriet’s name are requested to Helena Food Share.
“In our care”
PENDING
CRAWFORD, Karen A., age 77, of Helena, passed away June 26, 2018. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date this summer. Please visit www.aswfuneralhomes.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Karen.
POWERS, Arline, age 91 of Helena passed away Wednesday, June 27, 2018. Cremation has taken place and family services 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 Arline.
TODAY
MILLER, Rose I, age 98, of Helena, passed away June 21, 2018. A funeral Mass is scheduled for 11 a.m. today, June 29, at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 1502 Shirley Road, with a reception to follow the Mass in the Social Center of the church. Burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery following the reception. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Rose.
SANFORD, Mary E., age 88, of Helena, passed away June 25, 2018. There will be a graveside service for family at 11 a.m. today, June 29, at Fort Harrison followed by a memorial service at 1:30 p.m. at Liberty Baptist Church, located at 210 Sierra Road West, Helena, MT 59602. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Liberty Baptist Church, 210 Sierra Road West, Helena, MT 59602. Please visit www.aswfuneralhomes.com to offer a condolence to the family or share a memory of Mary.
June 8, 1958 – June 24, 2018
Lester Lee Stidham, Jr., 60, passed away June 24, 2018, in Bozeman, MT. He was born June 8, 1958, to Lester and Mary (Schmitgall) Stidham, Sr., in White Sulphur Springs, MT, where he was raised and attended school. He married Laura Thomas in Butte, MT, on June 1, 1980, and they had three children.
He was the owner of Lester’s Wood Works. He was great working with his hands and enjoyed woodworking. Lester would say he was a Jack-of-all-trades and master of them all!
Lester was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Mary Stidham, Sr.; son, James Stidham; sister, Cynthia Stidham; and brother, Robert Stidham. He is survived by his ex-wife, Laura Stidham; daughter, Jennifer (Leonard) Grossberg; son, Michael Stidham; and six grandchildren.
Dad, you will always be loved and missed. No services will be held.
Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service. www.dokkennelson.com
