Lloyd Rueben Stevens was born Dec. 22, 1918, in Polson when it was still in Flathead County, as he liked to say.
He died Aug. 8, 2013, in Brendan House with his family by his side.
He was the eldest of nine children born to Charles C. and Martha L. (Roof) Stevens. He was raised in the Flathead Valley, from Kila to Lakeside and Somers, including four years as a young lad living on Cilly Creek in the Swan. He remembered those times as the best years of his childhood. Lloyd worked in the woods with his dad, cutting and delivering firewood to earn money. He graduated from Flathead County High School in 1938.
After graduation Lloyd went to work for Alva Ulrich in Somers, driving freight trucks and school buses when needed. While working there he met Lois Urban, from North Dakota. She was living with her Aunt Hattie and Alva Ulrich while she finished high school at Flathead High.
Lloyd and Lois were married in Polson on July 25, 1942. They lived in Somers where he worked in the Somers Lumber Co. mill. He also worked for Kalispell Lumber Co. Their first three children were born while living in Somers. Later Lloyd was offered the opportunity to manage the Malta Mercantile Lumber Yard, so they moved to Malta for a year.
When they came back to the Flathead they settled in Evergreen. He worked for Stan Craft Boat building wooden boats and for Lee Craft as a builder of wood and fiberglass boats. Lloyd and Lois had three more children.
He worked for Evergreen School Dist. No. 50 as janitor, bus driver, and maintenance; and then for Kalispell Dist. No. 5 as district maintenance man. He retired from District No. 5 in 1980.
After retiring, Lloyd built cabinets, shelves and furniture for clients, friends and family. Over the course of his life he built or remodeled all of his family homes, including his parents' house in Lakeside. He enjoyed making wooden toys in his shop for all the kids he knew. He was a carpenter by trade but better described as a jack-of-all-trades. Lloyd and his wife also enjoyed going to yard sales as well as having their own sales.
Lloyd always enjoyed visiting and telling tales over coffee in local cafes Cislos, Sykes, El Rancho and the Park Inn. He had good knowledge of local history and was familiar with many early settlers in the Flathead Valley.
He was a lifelong hunter and provided meals for his siblings and later his own family with the game he bagged. His Sunday morning buttermilk pancakes provided fond memories for his children.
Lloyd was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Lois; his parents, Charlie and Martha (Roof) Stevens; six brothers, Neil, Bob, Charlie, Lewie, Pete and Nute, and his only sister, Grace Nutter; and son-in-law, Don Evans.
Lloyd is survived by his three daughters, Phyllis and Tex Manus of Kalispell, Wanda Taylor of Polson, Juanita Evans of Libby and three sons, Phillip and Maureen of Ogden, Utah, Warren of Los Angeles, and Cliff and Laurie of Rockton, Ill. He also leaves behind 27 grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren; a brother, Glen and wife Judy Stevens of Bigfork; three Stevens sisters-in-law, Helen, Shirley and Sara; and one brother-in-law, Bob Urban and wife Marian; along with several nieces and nephews.
Services will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 14 at Buffalo Hills Mortuary, with burial to follow in Glacier Memorial Gardens. A reception will follow at Kalispell Moose Lodge on U.S. 2 East.
In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree or donate to the charity of your choice.
The family wishes to extend thanks to the staff at Brendan House for his excellent care and love they've shown him over his last few years.
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Lloyd Rueben Stevens was born Dec. 22, 1918, in Polson when it was still in Flathead County, as he liked to say.
He died Aug. 8, 2013, in Brendan House with his family by his side.
He was the eldest of nine children born to Charles C. and Martha L. (Roof) Stevens. He was raised in the Flathead Valley, from Kila to Lakeside and Somers, including four years as a young lad living on Cilly Creek in the Swan. He remembered those times as the best years of his childhood. Lloyd worked in the woods with his dad, cutting and delivering firewood to earn money. He graduated from Flathead County High School in 1938.
After graduation Lloyd went to work for Alva Ulrich in Somers, driving freight trucks and school buses when needed. While working there he met Lois Urban, from North Dakota. She was living with her Aunt Hattie and Alva Ulrich while she finished high school at Flathead High.
Lloyd and Lois were married in Polson on July 25, 1942. They lived in Somers where he worked in the Somers Lumber Co. mill. He also worked for Kalispell Lumber Co. Their first three children were born while living in Somers. Later Lloyd was offered the opportunity to manage the Malta Mercantile Lumber Yard, so they moved to Malta for a year.
When they came back to the Flathead they settled in Evergreen. He worked for Stan Craft Boat building wooden boats and for Lee Craft as a builder of wood and fiberglass boats. Lloyd and Lois had three more children.
He worked for Evergreen School Dist. No. 50 as janitor, bus driver, and maintenance; and then for Kalispell Dist. No. 5 as district maintenance man. He retired from District No. 5 in 1980.
After retiring, Lloyd built cabinets, shelves and furniture for clients, friends and family. Over the course of his life he built or remodeled all of his family homes, including his parents' house in Lakeside. He enjoyed making wooden toys in his shop for all the kids he knew. He was a carpenter by trade but better described as a jack-of-all-trades. Lloyd and his wife also enjoyed going to yard sales as well as having their own sales.
Lloyd always enjoyed visiting and telling tales over coffee in local cafes Cislos, Sykes, El Rancho and the Park Inn. He had good knowledge of local history and was familiar with many early settlers in the Flathead Valley.
He was a lifelong hunter and provided meals for his siblings and later his own family with the game he bagged. His Sunday morning buttermilk pancakes provided fond memories for his children.
Lloyd was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Lois; his parents, Charlie and Martha (Roof) Stevens; six brothers, Neil, Bob, Charlie, Lewie, Pete and Nute, and his only sister, Grace Nutter; and son-in-law, Don Evans.
Lloyd is survived by his three daughters, Phyllis and Tex Manus of Kalispell, Wanda Taylor of Polson, Juanita Evans of Libby and three sons, Phillip and Maureen of Ogden, Utah, Warren of Los Angeles, and Cliff and Laurie of Rockton, Ill. He also leaves behind 27 grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren; a brother, Glen and wife Judy Stevens of Bigfork; three Stevens sisters-in-law, Helen, Shirley and Sara; and one brother-in-law, Bob Urban and wife Marian; along with several nieces and nephews.
Services will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 14 at Buffalo Hills Mortuary, with burial to follow in Glacier Memorial Gardens. A reception will follow at Kalispell Moose Lodge on U.S. 2 East.
In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree or donate to the charity of your choice.
The family wishes to extend thanks to the staff at Brendan House for his excellent care and love they've shown him over his last few years.
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William B. "Shakey" Williams, 79, passed away from cancer at his daughters home in Kalispell on Aug. 6, 2013.
Shakey was born May 8, 1934, in Eureka, Calif., the son of Benjamin and Lucille (Hart) Williams.
He had been a crane operator.
Shakey is survived by his wife, Shirley, of Kalispell; son, David, and Susan Williams, of Kalispell; daughter, Kelly, and Jeff Keller, of Beulah, N.D.; and daughter, Sherry, and Brian Reid, of Kalispell; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Shakeys life will be held in the summer of 2014. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family
Lana Jean Reisinger passed away at home on Aug. 10, 2013, with her loving husband Skip and precious family by her side. She had fought valiantly against multiple illnesses with unfailing humor and uncompromising strength.
Lana was born in Oklahoma on Nov. 15, 1947, but she grew up in the Southern California city of Bellflower. After graduating from school, she met Skip and he quickly became the love of her life.
Beginning married life in Cerritos, Calif., they then moved to Yucca Valley, Calif., where they raised their boys surrounded by dear friends. Lana enjoyed riding dirt bikes, camping and was involved with their sons Little League baseball teams. Lana loved a good adventure and oftentimes led the way.
She loved decorating her home for the changing seasons but, at Christmastime, her home became a Christmas wonderland. Always the gracious hostess, their holiday dinners and annual Christmas parties were legendary. She made it look so effortless somehow.
They left the Yucca Valley years later after the big Landers earthquake, heading for the green mountains and cool weather of Whitefish. They hoped to stay in Montana; however, circumstances changed their plans. They moved to join friends in Cottonwood, Ariz., for a time. Lana worked at various car dealerships throughout her career, her friendly personality always an asset.
Health issues began to plague them both. They returned to family in Montana, this time settling in Kalispell. Lana looked forward to winters sparkling snow with joyful anticipation. She shared treasured holiday traditions with her grandchildren, baking Christmas cookies and candies with them each year. Summers brought squirt guns and water fights. To the childrens glee, Lana could slicken the surface of a slide like magic with a quick rub of waxed paper.
She and her husband taught their sons to be independent and resilient. She loved them dearly and completely. Her precious grandchildren were her treasures their hugs and kisses, her best medicine.
Lana and Skip always a team.
Lana faced increasing health issues with grace and dignity. She had a zest for life that enchanted all who knew her. She is loved and will be missed. Her memory lives on.
Lana is survived by her husband, Skip; sons, Brad and wife Brittany, and Todd and wife Keri; grandchildren, Payton, Hunter, Dayton, Sydney, Weston, Cameron and Dawson; sister, Mary, and her family; family in Oklahoma, including her cherished aunt; as well as many dear friends.
Grandma Ann (Jung) Baer, 91, of Kalispell, went to be with her Creator on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2013.
Ann was born to Henry and Katherina Jung on June 7, 1922, near Bowdle, S.D. Anns parents were German immigrants from South Russia, who homesteaded in South Dakota. Ann was a first-generation American. She was raised in a sod hut on a prairie homestead. Anns first-grade teacher learned German from Ann, while Ann learned English from her.
Ann married Harold Samuel Baer on Jan. 1, 1946, in Bowdle. She spent her life as a faithful, nurturing wife and mother. Years ago, she baby-sat grandson baby Jo-Jo; this year Grandma met her three newest great-grandchildren.
Grandma Ann is survived by her children, Peggy and Dan Jones, and Michael and Pattie Baer; daughter-in-law, Annie Baer; grandchildren, Shelley and Jim Gilliam, Kristen, Matthew Baer, Josiah and Emily Baer, Luke and Jennifer Baer, Joanna and Elliot Adams, Ruth and Nathanael Probert, David Baer, Bethany Baer, Shalom Baer and Rachel Baer; great-grandchildren, Caleb, Taylor, Emily, Abigail, Billy Esther, Lydia and Mabel.
Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Harold S. Baer; her children, Paul and Mark; and her grandchildren, Billy, Isaac and Levi.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. today, Aug. 23, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home.
Stella Mae Moon, 88, passed away on Friday, Aug. 23, 2013, at her home in Kalispell.
Stella was born Sept. 4, 1925, in Princeton, Mo., to Michael and Serefina (Domico) De Angelo. She was raised in Des Moines, Iowa, where she attended schools.
Stella knew a friend from the second grade; his name was Robert Moon Sr. They were married in Princeton in 1942 a union of 70 years.
Stella worked at two different defense plants. She also worked as a nurse in the late 40s and early 50s.
Stella was president of the Republican Party in Iowa. She was a member of the Red Hat Society, loved bowling and was a proud member of the NRA.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and a daughter, Sharon Miller.
Stella is survived by her husband, Robert E. Moon, of Kalispell; children, Robert and Gary Moon; and siblings, Lucille, Marie, Sara and Tony.
Memorial services will be held at a later date.
Buffalo Hill Funeral and Crematory is caring for the family.
Beverly J. Schwarz, 79, passed away Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013, at Brendan House in Kalispell, surrounded by her family.
Bev was born June 27, 1934, in San Francisco, to Lloyd and Mabel Parker.
She was raised in the Flathead Valley and attended Flathead County High School. Following high school, Bev worked at Norm's News, Rosauers Grocery, Operating Engineers Local No. 400, and retired from the Flathead County Treasurer's Office in 1986.
Bev was a member of the Kalispell Eagles Auxiliary since 1972 and was a 10-year secretary. She also knew how to drive a logging truck and operate farm machinery.
In 1950 Beverly married LeRoy McDowell. They had three children, Sherry, Charles and Christy. They were later divorced. In 1971 Bev married Carl Kostman. Carl passed away in 1976. She then married Ralph Schwarz in 1980. They were married 27 years, until Ralph passed away on April 1, 2007.
Bev enjoyed camping, boating, fishing, knitting and crocheting. Family was always a very important part of her life and she enjoyed every moment spent with family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Mabel Parker; husbands, Carl Kostman and Ralph Schwarz; and brother, Robert Parker.
She is survived by her three children, Sherry Stewart and fiance Mark Lamoreux, Charles McDowell and wife Kathryn, and Christy Doty and husband Steve; grandchildren, Billy Salmonsen and wife Stacey, Michelle Morris and husband Rob, Justin Sherman and wife Scarlett, Brittney Erie and LeRoy Doty; great-grandchildren, Tanner Salmonsen, Tucker Salmonsen, Tori Salmonsen, Jacob Morris, Dylan Morris, Hayden Sherman and Mia Sherman; sisters, Geraldine Wagner and Florence Huntley; and brothers, Don Parker and Jim Parker.
A celebration of Bevs life will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. A reception will be at the Eagles Club basement following the celebration of Bevs life.
Fred O. Tobiason, 77, passed away Aug. 29, 2013, in Kalispell.
Fred was born Jan. 30, 1936, at home in Froid. He was the son of Melvin and Bertha Tobiason and the second of five children. Being raised on the family farm, there was plenty of work and things to do. Fred graduated from Froid High School in 1955.
He met and married Cynthia Ann Stevens on March 26, 1957. Together they raised three children. Early in their marriage he worked for Phillips 66. In 1967 they moved to Kalispell, where he worked for the Anaconda Aluminum Company and C & C Plywood. He worked two full-time jobs for 14 years, retiring from the aluminum plant in 1998. In his free time he liked to camp, hunt, fish and work on cars in his garage. They also loved to go for rides, and to garage sales and auctions.
Fred and Cynthia were married for 51 years.
No one was ever a stranger; Fred talked to everyone.
So long, until we meet again.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Wilbur and Arlo; wife, Cynthia; and baby girl, Tammy Jean.
Fred is survived by his children, Jim and Bonnie Tobiason, Dennis and Helen Tobiason, and Val and Willie Robbins; nine grandchildren, Shannon, Nick, Cassie, Christopher, Alex, Dennis Mason, Jenny, Bart and Veronica; and many great-grandchildren; brother, Earl Tobiason; sister, Ardiss, and Dale Kunze; brother-in-law, Lorring, and Ardis Stevens; and sister-in-law, Lillian Stevens.
Celebration of life services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the services. 
Robert H. "Bob" Guffin passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Sept. 1, 2013.
Robert was born Nov. 20, 1937, in Hixton, Wis., to Wilbur and Celesta Guffin. He moved to Montana in 1950, where he attended schools in Brady and Conrad. At an early age, he went to work on the Bob Boucher farm.
He later enlisted in the Montana Air National Guard in 1956. In 1952, he met the love of his life, Nadine Habets. They were married on Nov. 9, 1957, in Conrad.
Bob then went to work at Safeway in Conrad, moving and transferring to Safeway in the Flathead Valley. They have since resided here raising their children, Mark and Shelly. In 1966 he went to work for Wonder Bread, where he worked for 30 years, retiring in 1996.
After retirement, Robert and Nadine spent much of their time traveling and golfing. They spent winters in Arizona, so Robert could spend his time golfing year-round with his buddies both in Kalispell and in Arizona. He was a self-taught carpenter who loved making furniture for his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed making unusual bird houses. He loved to make people laugh, with his stories and endless jokes.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Nadine; his son, Mark, and wife, Kim, of Kalispell; daughter, Shelly, and husband, David Goff, of Valier; grandchildren, Shawn Guffin, Amber Franklin, and Kyle Whitehead and wife Trisha, all of Kalispell, and Katelyn Gannon and husband Kaleb of Ipswich, S.D.; nine great-grandchildren; four loving sisters, Bonnie Lane, Connie Vetter and husband Ray, Sandra Hecock and husband Merlin, and Sharon Raemaker and husband Robert; plus numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. today, Sept. 4, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Interment will be held at Glacier Memorial Gardens.
The family requests donations be made to Home Options Hospice, 275 Corporate Drive, Kalispell, MT 59901.
Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.
Leo Simon Nigg passed into the loving arms of Jesus on Nov. 1, 2013.
Leo was born March 14, 1928, in Conrad to William Frederick and Minerva Kohl Nigg.
Three things were dear to Leo's heart: his family, music and the mountains. Never was one very far away from his thoughts. Farming the soil of eastern Montana gave him his start. His family moved to Oroville, Wash., when he was in grade school, a move Leo didn't like, for his home was always in Montana.
Leo's love of music was fostered by a family of musicians who played together in many venues in both Montana and Washington. He played the banjo, guitar, piano and mandolin. This craft he shared and passed down to those he loved.
He left school early to work and find his place in life. That path eventually drew him to the Flathead Valley where he went to work in construction, alongside his father and brother, on the Hungry Horse Dam. Being so close to the mountains gave Leo an appreciation that only a flatlander could have.
After the dams completion, he went to work packing for an outfitter in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. His favorite mode of transportation throughout his life was being on the back of a horse. He was a true cowboy.
He met Jessie Jean Wheeler during the winter of 1965, and they married April 1, 1966, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. For Leo it was the beginning of many wonderful years together. Not only did he gain a partner in life who was his rock, he gained an immediate family of nine children, all of whom he loved and accepted as his own. This union gave birth to their son, Ricky Leo, on June 28, 1967.
Leo worked several odd jobs in and around the Flathead but was always drawn back to road construction. He signed up with the Local 400 and worked on many projects throughout Montana, including a year on the Alaskan Pipeline. There wasnt a piece of equipment he could not operate, and it was something he truly loved. He always worked long, hard hours for his family whom he was grateful to come back to.
Leo was a tinkerer and had a natural ability to fix anything, even those which needed no fixing. Whether he took on the role of a mechanic, barber or farrier, Leo was adept to do most anything. He was a kind man with a big heart who touched so many.
Leo had a story for any occasion, and a lesson for all. He was a man who lived his life with no regret or worry. Leo, at the age of 73, along with his wife professed their faith as Christians and together on Nov. 22, 2001, were baptized. Even after suffering so much, his infectious smile radiated out to those around him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Elmer, William and Edward; sisters, Jean and Betty; and son, Carson.
He is survived by his wife, Jessie, of 47 years; and children, Ricky, Daniel, Dawna, Kevin, Lyle, Katie, Carol, Karen and Marilyn; and a compliment of sons- and daughters-in-law. He also leaves behind many precious grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren whom he loved dearly a love well reciprocated.
Daddy, Papa, we miss you.
Graveside services will be planned at a later date.
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Ronald A. Bronson, 79, passed away at his Kalispell residence on Nov. 1, 2013.
Ronald was born Aug. 22, 1934, in Niehart to Fred and Ida Bronson. When he was a young child, the family moved to Lakeside where Ronald grew up. He graduated from Flathead County High School.
Ronald served in the U.S. Navy as a naval mechanic from 1953 to 1957, and then the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1957 to 1961.
He married Judith Streit in Coeur dAlene, Idaho, in 1960. They were together for 53 years.
Ronald worked for the Columbia Falls Aluminum Plant from early 1961 until he retired in 1993.
Ronald was a member of the Kalispell Eagles Lodge. He was a regular coffee drinker at the Park Inn, Sykes and Nickel Charlies. He loved to do yard work and spend time at their place on McGregor Lake. He liked to fish and spend time with his grandchildren.
Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Ida Bronson; twin brothers, Jim and John; brothers, Lee and Vern; and sister, Betty Nebel.
Ronald is survived by his wife, Judith Bronson, of Kalispell; daughter, Susan, and Tom Wynne, of Kalispell; son, Doug Bronson, of Milwaukie, Ore.; daughter, Julie, and Geron Wade, of Florence; sister, Edie Kaps, of Kalispell; seven grandchildren, Kaitlen and McKenna Wynne of Missoula, Sean Wynne of Kalispell, Clifford Wade of Missoula, Randall Wade, currently serving in Afghanistan, Meghan Manfredi of Lolo, and Colton Manfredi, currently serving in Afghanistan; great-grandchild, Tian Manfredi, of Lolo; and sisters-in-law, Jesse Bronson and Deanie Bronson of Kalispell. He is also survived by various nieces and nephews.
The family requests memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association, 510 First Ave. N., Room 114, Great Falls, MT 59401; or the Veterans Administration, 2989 U.S. 93 N., Kalispell, MT 59901.
Friends are encouraged to visit the website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence for the family. A private family service will be held.
Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.
Michael Jamie-Edward Vega, 15, passed away from natural causes on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2013, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
He was born Feb. 21, 1998, in Wheatridge, Colo., the son of Pedro Vega Jr. and Jennifer Borland. He was raised up in Whitefish and attended Glacier High School.
Michael was involved in the Special Olympics, Clean the Fish, Dream Team (skiing) and church activities. He liked going for walks, skiing, watching TV and laser lights, going to the movies, talking, playing, camping, animals and hiking.
Michael had a way of broadening the horizons of those he met, and he gave them a new perspective of life with his beautiful personality. He held a special place in the hearts of those he came across and taught them how to accept those who are different. He will be dearly missed by family and friends.
Michael is survived by his dad and stepmom, Pedro Jr. and Brenda Vega; his mom and stepdad, Jennifer Borland and William Scott Jenkin; siblings, Alex Vega, Nicole Davidson and Lynda Vega; grandparents, Linda and Dave Burbank, Mike and Yvonne Borland, and Maria Sandoval; and numerous aunts and uncles, and cousins.
A celebration of life service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Whitefish Assembly of God Church.
Friends are encouraged to visit the website, www.buffalohillfh.com, to leave notes of support and condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family
Leonard was born Oct. 20, 1933, in Carbondale, Colo.
He entered heaven on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013, in Kalispell, as a result of congestive heart failure.
Dad was born to August and Dorothy Blanc, and would later be joined by a brother Jerry. The family spent his early childhood in various areas of western Colorado, gathering lots of life experiences.
Dad graduated from Garfield County High School in 1952, and enlisted in the Army later that year. Dad served his country for two years, and was stationed in Kaiserslautern, Germany, during the Korean War. Dad also attended a heavy equipment school in Idaho, learning skills he would use for the rest of his life.
Dad was a jack-of-all-trades. His work experience was varied but included numerous ranching positions alongside his parents. Dad's family operated a dude ranch with outfitting in Encampment, Wyo. This is where he met Linda Bergstrom, and the two were married in 1968, in Ekalaka, Mont. They divorced 24 years later but remained friends to the end. The family continued to ranch in Wyoming and Colorado, and were blessed with a daughter Lori and son Lon. Dad worked for several road departments in Colorado. He later started his own business, Valley Gas and Welding Supply, in Glenwood Springs, Colo.
The family moved to Ekalaka in 1982, to take over Linda's family cattle ranch. We spent four great years there, and then moved to Kalispell in 1986. Dad worked in excavation, and then finished out his career delivering oxygen for American Home Medical.
Dad loved to hunt and fish, and devoted much of his retirement to fishing. Dad volunteered for the American Legion and the Knights of Columbus. Dad enjoyed golfing, dancing and listening to accordion music. He loved the outdoors and being close to nature.
Dad was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Jerry.
He is survived by his daughter, Lori, and Jason Spaid, of Huson; and his son, Lon, and Jessie Blanc, of Kalispell. Grandchildren include Morgann and Colter Blanc of Columbia Falls, and Joseth and Joshwa McGee of Kalispell. He is also survived by a nephew and numerous cousins in Colorado.
Cremation has taken place. Services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 18, at St. Richards in Columbia Falls. A reception will follow.
Memorials are suggested to the American Legion or Knights of Columbus.
Dad, we will always love you, and we miss you already. We will never forget all that you taught us. May you rest in peace.
Gay Ann Caldbeck passed away on Nov. 7, 2013, after a long battle with cancer.
Gay Ann was born to Richard and Doris (Druesedow) Hulbert on Feb. 26, 1958, in Kalispell. She was the youngest of three girls.
Gay Ann graduated from Flathead High School in June of 1976 and shortly thereafter married her best friend, Ronald Caldbeck. They lived in Columbia Falls where they ran the Columbia Saw Shop until they sold it and moved to their new home west of Kalispell.
The second love of Gay Ann's life came along on June 25, 1982, when her son was born. Geoffrey Richard Caldbeck completed this family and the three of them had a very exciting life together. It didn't matter what they were doing, they all worked hard to make sure that the project was completed, which many times involved long days of hard work. Ron and Geoffrey were usually out making the deals and Gay was making sure that the bills were paid and the checkbook balanced. She took care of the books for their many businesses. She was no stranger to the 10-key.
In the middle of this continual whirl of activity she found the time to cook and quilt. Ron will tell you that she was an awesome cook and her homemade pies were without equal. Quilting became her passion. She loved to help people and quilting was one way that she did this. In fact, she has a couple of her quilts that have been sort of a "sisterhood of the traveling quilts," traveling over 10,000 miles back and forth to friends who are cancer patients and individuals with severe injuries. When Gay Ann found that she had cancer, she became the recipient of her own quilts. The Traveling Quilts are currently on their way back to Ron, sent to him by friends in Texas. Their lives were never boring.
Gay Ann was preceded in death by her father and mother, Richard and Doris Hulbert.
Gay Ann is survived by her husband, Ronald Caldbeck; son, Geoffrey Caldbeck and his wife, Tanya; sister, Myrna Fleming, and her husband David Sr., of Whitefish; sister, Lora Paulson, and her husband, Victor, of Spokane; uncle, Charles Druesedow, and his wife, Shirley, of Kalispell; aunt, Phyllis Druesedow, of Billings; nephew, David Jr. Fleming, and wife, Shirley, of Kalispell; niece, Connie Heckman, and her husband, Jason, of Atwater, Calif.; niece, Amie Heuschkel, and her husband, Jeff, of Spokane; and niece, Melanie Reierson, and her husband, Mike, of Washington. She will be missed by her many, many cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews and numerous friends.
A memorial of Gay Ann's Life will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, at the White Oak, 4820 Hwy. 93 S., Kalispell.
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Randy, 61 years young, lost his short battle with cancer on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013.
Randy was born Sept. 18, 1952, in Pomona, Calif.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Darlene Jones.
He is survived by his wife, Roilene Gordon Jones; his son, Rob Jones; daughter, Kim Jones; and sister, Sandy. He is also survived by his three stepsons and their wives, Randy and Tracy Gordon, Mark and Jackie Gordon, and Steve and Denise Gordon, and adopted daughter, Denise Wadsworth. He was blessed with 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, with one on the way.
Randy lived life to the fullest for 28 years in Bigfork. He married Roilene Gordon on July 3, 2004, and recently retired from his landscaping business, Randys Outdoor Services.
He served in the military for nine years, stationed out of Hawaii, and loved every minute of it.
Randy was a huge family man. He loved his dogs and his Avanti sports car. His passion for guns and hunting was second to none.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, at The Little Brown Church, 125 Swan Highway in Bigfork.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Home Options Hospice. Hospice was such a blessing for Randy and Roilene.
William Bill Frishkorn, perhaps one of the best-looking men that ever lived, passed from this life on Nov. 13, 2013. His family doesn't think of him as dying but that he just changed his address, where he is celebrating his new life, in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Bill was born on Feb. 3, 1946, in National City, Calif., to Elmer and Marjory Frishkorn. He lived on his fathers ranch near Jamul, Calif., where he spent many happy hours playing Tarzan, riding horses with his neighbors and climbing the mountains in that area. After his graduation from Spring Valley High School in 1963, he moved to Rosemont, Minn., where he lived with an aunt and uncle on their dairy farm.
In October of 1964, Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force and received his training at Sheppard Air Force base in Texas before being assigned to Hickham Air Field in Oahu, Hawaii. He spent his entire military career in Hawaii where he had a top security crypto clearance, attaining the rank of staff sergeant.
Honorably discharged in October of 1968, he then moved to Columbia Falls where, on Nov. 30, 1968, he and Darleen Winegar were married. At age 26, with no prior carpentry knowledge, Bill built the house where he and Darleen lived and raised their three children, Rebecca, Rachel and Aaron.
Bill enjoyed playing golf, he loved studying history and the Bible, watching movies, music, movie soundtracks and taking his family to Disneyland, as well as on several other family vacations. He entertained his children and grandchildren by singing Home on the Range and Old MacDonald had a Farm, as Huey, Dewey and Louie Duck, with the great arm of defense game he made up, and giving them horseback rides. He coached Little League baseball teams; and was picked out of the audience to appear on stage at Knotts Berry Farm and at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.
He is survived by his wife, Darleen; daughters, Rebecca and her husband Dan, and Rachel and her husband Raj; and son, Aaron, and his wife, Kathy. He is also survived by five grandchildren; a brother; a sister; many nieces and nephews; and many good friends.
Bill was lovingly cared for at the Montana State Veterans home in Columbia Falls since March of 2011.
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28, King James Version.
We will miss you, dad, we love you, sleep well, you have earned it.
To send condolences to the family, please go to www.buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.
Joan Ida Skare, 75, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, surrounded by loved ones.
Joan was born on July 26, 1938, in Kalispell to John and Marie (Bauer) Schroeder. She was raised in the Flathead Valley and graduated from Flathead High School, and later attended college for computer technology studies.
Joan's professional life included accounting services and office management for numerous businesses in the Kalispell area.
Joan enjoyed camping, fishing, cooking, watching football, crocheting and spending time with friends and family. She was also an active member of the Eagles Auxiliary for 44 years.
Joan married Ronald Skare on Oct. 7, 1956, in Kalispell. They recently celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary. They raised two daughters, Debbie Wilson and Geri Hearn.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Marie (Bauer) Schroeder.
She is survived by her husband, Ronald Skare; sisters, Jane Dennison and Ella Mae Norris; brother, Johnny Schroeder; daughters, Geri Hearn and Debbie Wilson; grandchildren, Rhonda Palmer, Melissa DeBruycker, Steven Stem, Brandon Stem and Sara Wilson; and great-grandchildren, Natalie DeBruycker, Steven Stem, Mia Stem and Kennedy Wilson.
A celebration of Joan's life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home, with interment at Glacier Memorial Gardens.
To send a note of condolence to the family, please go to www.buffalohillfh.com Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.
Norma Joy Elgaen, 69, died at home Nov. 14, 2013, in Evergreen from a long, hard battle with COPD. She was surrounded by her family and loved ones when she passed.
She was born June 6, 1944, in Devils Lake, N.D., to Joseph and Norma Elgaen.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Elgaen and Norma Volk; twin brother, Joseph Elgaen; daughter, Wanda Hougen; and brother, Salmar Elgaen.
Joy is survived by her children, Kelly Knutson and wife Stacy, and their kids, Kyle and Kaden; Brenda Plata and her kids, Julian, Dustin and Alex; Cindy Strange and husband Rick Strange, and their kids, Zacharye, Dustie and Josh; and Charlye Jo Daley and husband Lee Daley, and their kids, Julia Salo, Victoria Puryer, and Julia Lynn, Robbie and J.D. She is also survived by her soul mate and beloved friend, Jo Cartwright; and brothers and sisters, John Elgaen, Deloris Johanson, Donald Elgaen, Tom Elgaen, Alice Biewer, Evon Williams and Dale Elgaen.
A celebration of life for Joy will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at Family Life Christian Church, 1075 Foys Lake Road.
On Thursday, Nov. 14, 2013, the Lord called Robin (Villaran) Rice, one of his earthbound angels, home.
After a long fight with her declining health and well-being, our beloved Robin passed away. Her husband, children, sisters and extended family were present to say goodbye.
Over her short 51 years in this world, Robin had many adventures and touched the lives of so many.
Robin was born June 5, 1962, to Gilbert and Rosemary Villaran in Manhattan, N.Y.
She was preceded in death by her uncle, Mike Doerle; her mother, Rosemary Poland; and her grandmother, Alice Doerle.
She is survived by her husband, Brandon; children, Mackenzee, Riley, Destiny, Sage and numerous foster children; sisters, Cheryl and Lisa Marie; and countless extended family.
Robin enjoyed life to its fullest and lived many places; in each place she landed she found a way to become a part of the community and leave her mark of everlasting smiles and laughter.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 201 Wisconsin Ave. in Whitefish.
A celebration of life will be held immediately following the service at the Moose Lodge, 230 10th St. W., Whitefish. This will be potluck, so please bring food and non-alcoholic drinks to share if you can. There will be music, dancing, a no-host bar ... lots of reminiscing and laughter ... the only way to honor such an amazing personality!
Robins Facebook page will remain active for a while, so please feel free to leave messages and comments there for the family https://www.facebook.com/robin.rice.12
In lieu of flowers, the Robin Rice Memorial Fund has been set up on behalf of the Rice children and to assist the family with final expenses and bills. To contribute: in person/fund transfers, you can visit any Wells Fargo Branch and deposit directly; or to transfer/wire a contribution, just provide the following account information: Account No. 9922623385, Routing No. 508200506. By mail, send your check payable to the Robin Rice Memorial Fund, c/o Wells Fargo, 2350 U.S. Hwy. 93 North, Kalispell, MT 59901.
Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.