James Alexander Murdock, 87, of Polson, passed away on Monday, March 8, 2010 of natural causes at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan, MT

            Jim was born to William and Maggie Russell Murdock on July 12, 1922 and was raised in Whitefish, MT, graduating from Whitefish High School in 1940.

            Jim married Miriam L. Allred on May 21, 1955, and in 1960 they moved to Great Falls where Jim worked as a mechanic on road construction until 1967 when the company went out of business. In1968, he later went to work for the Great Northern Railroad and retired in 1988. Shortly after his retirement, he and Miriam they moved to Polson where they farmed and raised horses. Jim lost Miriam, his wife of 51 years, early in 2006.

            Besides his parents and wife, a brother, three sisters, one son, Russell, a granddaughter, Felecia, and a grandson, Terry, precede Jim in death.

            He is survived by his children, Ivan Murdock of Kalispell, Katherine (John) Chaney of Portland, OR, and David (Lois) Murdock of Kalispell; a sister, Izabelle (Smokey) Metcalf; seven grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.

            At Jim’s request, there will be no public funeral services. The family is planning a private memorial service at a later date. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, is honored to assist Mr. Murdock’s family.

            William Joseph “Billy Joe” Erickson, of Polson, MT died at St. Joseph Medical Center early on Sunday, March 7, 2010

            He was born on August 26, 1931 in Kalispell, MT to Joseph and Nellie (Brown) Erickson. Bill moved to Polson when he was in grade school and graduated from Polson High School in 1950. He attended the college of Puget Sound for one year then transferred to the University of Montana, but joined the Navy in 1952 before graduating. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1956 as an Aerographer, 1^st Class.

            In 1952, Bill married Arlene Hern. Bill and Arlene moved to Seattle in 1962 where Bill was a cost accountant for the Austin Company, and later, Fenton Industries. In 1973, they returned to Polson where he became a real estate broker. He also served for a period on the board of Lakeview Cemetery in Polson.

            Bill’s greatest passion was singing. He sang in high school, college, and the Navy and was a tenor for the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Choir. He loved the game of golf, and after retiring, rarely missed a day on the course. He was an avid reader, he dabbled in photography and painting, and when her was younger he enjoyed building model ships and airplanes.

            Bill was well known for his mischievous wit and good sense of humor. All will miss the sound of his laugh.

            His parents, Joseph and Nellie, and a sister, Elaine, who died at birth, preceded Bill in death.

            Survivors include his wife Arlene Erickson, and daughters, Jan (Allen) Woodard of Seattle, WA and Jill (David) Spear of Polson.

            A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2010, 11:00 AM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, located at 409 4^th Ave. E., Polson. Memorials can be made in his memory to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Choir.

            Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for Mr. Erickson’s family.

            Lillian was born on March 16, 1916 in Oakland, Iowa to George & Margaret Rust. Lillian graduated from Oakland High School in 1934.

            Lillian was married to Joseph A. Keys for 40 years.

            During WW II, Lillian kept books for the family feed & poultry business in Macedonia, Iowa. She raised two children and received her Montessori training in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She went on to teach 3 years in Iowa and 10 years in Southern California. Lillian moved to Polson, MT in 1987.

            Lillian was the first “Grandma” chosen for the Polson School District. She worked for a year in kindergarten and the rest of the time she spent with the 3^rd graders.

            She loved to bake and was known for her orange rolls and pies.  She loved children and was thrilled when she became a great-grandma to Madeline Smiley. Her family was very important to her and she was loved by them.

            Her husband and her son Rev. Joseph A. Keys, Jr. and her daughter Julia Jane Bedell precede her in death.

            She is survived by daughter-in-law, Sally (Keys) McConnell, and two grandchildren, J. Aaron Keys III and Jocelyn Keys Smiley.

             A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 10, 2010, 10:30 AM at First United Methodist Church, Polson. Messages may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson considers it a privilege to care for Mrs. Keys’ family.

Rene Nikole Hunter Strahan, 39, of Albuquerque, NM and formerly of Polson, MT, passed away on Monday, March 1, 2010 at her home.

            Rene was born on July 12, 1970 in Polson, Montana, the daughter of Wilbert Michel and the late Florence Hunter, who passed away in 2001. She attended local schools and graduated from Polson High School in 1988. Afterwards, she attended MSU for two years.

            Rene married Christopher Strahan. Becoming a military wife, they traveled all over the US as Chris was stationed at different Air Force Bases. She worked for various companies including National Wildlife Fish and Game in Kodiak, AK, served as a hospital coordinator in New Jersey and also at the Division of Lands for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in Polson, MT.

            During her life, Renee enjoyed writing, traveling and taking her family to places they have never been before. She was always planning vacations with her whole family. Above all, she loved spending time with her family and was loved very much by the children in the neighborhood.  Rene was a very kind person who had a big heart. She was a good mother and wife and excelled in everything she did.

            Those left with cherished memories are her husband, Christopher Strahan, her three sons, Ezekiel, Zechariah, and Derek Strahan all of Albuquerque, NM; her father, Wilbert Michel of Polson; grandparents, Mary West of Polson and Clarence Hunter and Dorothy Felsman of Arlee, MT; several extended sisters, brothers, aunts and uncles that grew up with her and helped grandmother raise Rene. She will be greatly missed by all her family.

            Rene’s family will receive friends on Monday, March 8, 2010, from 5 – 8 PM at Grogan Funeral Home, 101 Sixth Ave. E., Polson, with a vigil service beginning at 7:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 9, 2010, 11:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Polson with Father James Connor officiating. Interment will follow at St. Ignatius Catholic Cemtery, St. Ignatius, MT.  Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for the family of Mrs. Strahan.

           Keith James Montgomery, 66, of Ronan, MT, passed away on Friday, February 26, 2010 at his home.

            Keith was born on August 16, 1943 in Aberdeen, WA, a son of the late Lasharon and Pansy Montgomery. He was a true outdoorsman with a love of camping, fishing and packing into the Bob Marshall Wilderness countless times. Keith had ridden in several rodeos, trained horses, and worked at the Treasure State Mink Ranch. He considered himself a true cowboy and ranched most of his life.

Survivors include his children; Trina (Ed) Phillips of Polson, MT, and Ben (Christle) Montgomery of Atlanta, GA; two sisters, Jeannette (Robert) Johns of Ronan, MT, and Hester (Chuck) Clark of Lolo, MT; a brother, Swan (Bonnie) Montgomery of Missoula, MT; nieces, Debra (Peter) Kottre, Bobbie Jo (Dwayne) Folden, Denise (Wayne) Futch, Sandy (Terry) Pickens and Lacy Montgomery; nephews, John (Corinne) Clark, and Richard (Debbie) Clark.

A celebration of Keith’s life will be held on Friday, March 5, 2010, 4:00 PM at the Leon Community Hall (1 mile west of Hwy 93 on Leon Rd.). A potluck dinner will follow. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson considers it a privilege to care for Mr. Montgomery’s family.

            Annette M. Wiese, 63, of Polson, MT passed away on Friday, February 26, 2010 at her home after a battle with cancer.

            Born on August 11, 1946 in Cheyenne, WY, she was the daughter of the late James and Betty Knight. Annette worked for many years as a cook at Price’s Café, Lake City Bakery, 4B’s, and several others. In 1991, Annette married Richard Wiese in Couer’D Alene, ID.

            Some of Annette’s favorite pastimes were fishing, bowling crocheting, and she loved spending time with her family and all 15 grandchildren.

            Besides her parents, Mrs. Wiese is preceded in death by her first husband, Melvin Wright, a son, Shawn Knight and her step-daughter, DeAnn Wiese.

            Those left with cherished memories are her husband, Richard “Dick” Wiese; her daughter, Jill Wright (Howard Lilly); two sons, Kevin (Jacki) Knight and Scott (Rhonda) Wright; a step-son, Darin (Pam) Wiese; a sister, Judy (Bob) Johnston; 15 grandchildren and very special friends, Sherry and Melva.

            Cremation has taken place and services are being planned for a later date. Messages of condolence may be left with the family online at www.groganfuneralhomec.om. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, consider it a privilege to care for Mrs. Wiese’s family .

Jack M. Meuli, 77, of Dayton passed away on Feb. 25, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center from natural causes.

Jack was born on October 28, 1932 in Missoula to Melville & Laura Meuli. He attended elementary school in Proctor and graduated from Polson High School in 1950. Jack attended Montana State University where he met his future wife, Lois, while working on the school annual.  While at college he made life time friends as a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity.  Jack graduated in 1954 with a degree in Agriculture. He was in the ROTC program while attending MSU and served in the U. S. Army until 1957.  

            On June 17, 1956, Jack married Lois Ann Ward in Billings, MT.  After his service in the Army, Jack and Lois returned to establish a ranch near Dayton in the Proctor Valley.

They raised their family; daughter Jean and son Mike on the ranch.  Jack enjoyed ranching and stayed active on the ranch his whole life.  Jack was an involved member in the community and enjoyed playing cribbage and pinnacle with his family and friends.

Jack’s focus was on his family, the ranch and the community and he was an active leader in both the local and ranch communities.  He was a member of the Proctor School Board, and past President of and member of the Western Montana Stockmen’s Association.  He also served on the Board of Directors of the Montana Stockgrowers Association and was a member of the National Cattlemen’s Association.  Jack was also a long time member and past chairman of the Lake County Planning Board, member of the Lake County Conservation Board and served on the Crimestopper’s Board. Jack was a founding member of the Chief Cliff Volunteer Fire Dept. and served on the Session and the Parish Council at the Dayton Presbyterian Church.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Lois and his parents, Mel and Laura.

He is survived by two children and their families: daughter- Jean (Pat) Kunz of Bellevue, WA & son- Mike (Nancy) Meuli of Dayton, 6 grandchildren – Zack, Mike & Joey Kunz and John Michael, Matthew & Mikayla Meuli.

A memorial service will be held on March 6th, 2010 at 2 p.m. at the New Life Christian Center in Polson with Presbyterian Pastor Dave Anson officiating. A reception will follow at the church. Condolences may be left to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff at Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson considers it a privilege to care for Mr. Meuli’s famiy.

Norma Baldwin Ricketts, 88, of Polson, MT and formerly of Mesa, AZ, passed away peacefully during the night on Thursday, February 25, 2010 at Evergreen Polson Health and Rehabilitation where she had currently been a resident.

            Norma was born in Holbrook, AZ on September 23, 1921 and was the daughter of the late Arlo Clark Baldwin and Rose Ramsay Baldwin. She spent the first twelve years of her life on the Navajo, Hopi, and Apache Indian Reservations and when Norma was eight, she was baptized in the river at Snowflake, AZ, by her grandfather, John Ramsay.

            After graduating from Winslow High School, Winslow, AZ, in 1938, Norma later went on to receive her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Woodbury University in Los Angeles, CA in 1941. In 1943, she was a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints with headquarters in Minneapolis, MN (North Central States).

            Norma lived a full and diversified life with her working career including positions at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Hollywood, CA., Lockheed Aircraft during World War II, Burbank, CA, The McClatch Newspapers, editorial department, The Sacramento Union, music and drama critic (2 years) and her weekly column (1 year), Sacramento Civic Theater, Music Circus Light Opera Association, and the City of Sacramento Convention Center.

            In 1950, Norma, along with nine other women, organized the first company of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers in Sacramento and served as its first president.

            In 1988, Norma returned to her native Arizona after leaving fifty years. She felt the move to be a return to her roots. She enjoyed getting reacquainted with her cousins and made many new friends. While in Mesa, she served as the regional representative for the International Society, Daughters of Utah Pioneers for the State of Arizona. At a 1990 convention in Salt Lake City, Norma was honored with a special award, “Women of Faith and Fortitude”.

            While compiling research through the years on the early Mormons of California, Norma spent the next six years writing “The Mormon Battalion, US Army of the West, 1846-48. Published in 1996, the book won three national awards and is considered to be a definitive work on the topic.

            Beside her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Monte Fremont Ricketts, who died in 1983 and daughter, Susan Green. 

            Those left with cherished memories are her two sons, Robert Ricketts of Polson, MT and John Ricketts of Mesa, AZ; 6 grandchildren, Robby, Molly, and Ian Ricketts, all of Polson, Stacie Stoner, Brenden Ricketts, and Lisa Green all of AZ; two great-grandchildren, Cody and Jacob Green, both of AZ.

            Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 5, 2010, 11:00 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Polson, MT with Bishop Gordon Terry officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery, Polson. Friends may visit with the family an hour prior to the services in the Relief Society Room of the church. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for the family of Mrs. Ricketts.

She and Baker Hagestad were married October 25, 1939 in Fort Benton.  Baker joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1944 through 1945.  About 1945, her parents bought acreage in Coram, Montana near Glacier Park, which they divided with Elaine and sister Anastasia and their husbands.  Hagestads built the Ho-Hum Motel on theirs, which they later sold and moved to Oregon and California before returning to Polson, Montana.

Baker passed away on June 21, 2001, Elaine spent her last years at the Evergreen Health and Rehab. Center.  Her parents, sisters Anne Doney Olson, and Anastasia Seaman and infant brother Barton preceded her in death. Elaine is surivived by her niece Arlene Doney Penhallegon of Cornville, Arizona, nephew Roger (Helene) Doney of Whitefish, Montana and their two daughters and two sons, and their families.

No services are planned at this time and inurnment will take place at Lakeview Cemetery. Cremation and arrangements under the care of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory.  Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

Florence McDonald Ladd, 89 years young, passed away on February 18, 2010, in Polson, MT in the wee hours of the morning after a long fight with a bad heart. Florence had a young heart and a bad carcass. Her firm and unwavering hope was to rest in death and be received in the resurrection and work cleaning up the Earth she loved alongside her children who share her faith and hope.

She was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1943, dedicating her life to sharing her faith and hope with everyone she could while instilling this faith in her children.

She is survived by five of her six children; Laurel Wehr, Patty Nelson, Carole Thuesen, Debbie Olson, and Roy Ladd; 17 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

She will be missed, and until we see you again, “Good sleep”.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2010, 1:00 PM at the Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall, 1415 S. Woodland Dr., Kalispell, MT. A reception will follow the service at the Flathead County Fairground’s Country Kitchen in Kalispell. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfunerahome.com. Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, is assisting Mrs. Ladd’s family.

Reynold John Unger passed away on Tuesday, February 16^th at the age of 80 at his home in Polson, MT. He was surrounded by family, and died peacefully after battling cancer.  He was born January 22, 1930 in Poplar, MT the 4^th of six children to John and Minnie Unger.

Reynold graduated from Savage High School 1947.  In 1954 he married Sylvia Joanne Martinson in Kalispell.  He served in the U.S. Army from 1954 – 1956 and was stationed in Germany.  After discharge from the Army, he returned to ranching in Polson and later continued ranching in Plains, MT, Huntington, OR and Vale, OR.   In 2001 he returned to Polson to retire.

Reynold enjoyed visiting with family and friends, fishing, playing pinochle, traveling, and he always had a joke to tell.  He had a life-long interest in 4-H that started in childhood and continued throughout his ranching life.  He was also a member of the American Legion and VFW.  His faith in God was the center of his life and he was active in the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church as a council member and an elder for over 50 years.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Minnie Unger, and brother Lawrence Unger.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sylvia Joanne Unger, and five children, Elaine (Bill) McLean, Karen Nunn, John (Sandra) Unger, Paul (Kristen) Unger, and Sandy (Tim) Webb; three sisters Marie Leivestad of Cartwright, ND, Martha Kroemer of Billings, MT, and Rosalia Skaar of Sidney, MT; a brother Edward (JoMay) Unger of Polson, MT, along with 16 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and numerous cousins, aunts, nieces and nephews. 

            Visitation for friends and family will be held on Friday, February 19, 2010 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Grogan Funeral Home, Polson. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, February 20, 2010, 11:00 AM at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church with Rev. M. Kaarre officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Lakeview Cemetery, Polson.

            In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, 1608 2^nd Ave. W., Polson, MT 59860, or Partners Hospice, www.partnershomecare.org. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff at Grogan Funeral Home, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for the family of Mr. Unger.

Harry L. Britton, 82, of Polson, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 12, 2010 at St. Joseph Medical Center, Polson after a year long battle with a brain tumor.

He preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Margie Rae (1999) and survived by sons, Chris (Suzanne) Britton of Tri Cities, WA, Ken (Lorie) Britton of Edmonds, WA, and daughter Diane McEvers of Redmond, WA; 5 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.

Born and raised in Great Falls, MT, Harry’s outgoing personality was a valuable asset in his career as a salesman. He worked for many years as a building materials sales rep before owning his own Dahnken store in Washington. His last job was as a county building official. Harry was an avid golfer his entire life. By age 80, he proudly announced that he shot his age!

Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 11:00 AM, at First Presbyterian Church, Polson, with Rev. David Anson officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Swedish Neuroscience Institute, 550 17^th Ave. Seattle, WA 98122 or to the Montana Cancer Center, 500 W. Broadway, Missoula, MT 59802. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, is assisting Mr. Britton’s family with arrangements.

Vida Winkley, 98, of Polson, MT passed away on Sunday, February 7, 2010 at St. Joseph Medical Center, Polson.

Vida was born on February 19, 1911 in Kellerton, IA, the 6^th of eight children born to the late Bill and Martha Hackett Vail. At the age of 2, the family set out to homestead in Andes, MT, on the eastern side of the state. After 10 years, the family traded the homestead for a place in Rollins, MT. Later, they then moved to Couer D’Alene, ID where the Vida finished grade school and entered her first year of high school.  After a move to Vancouver, WA, she finished high school and attended the Vancouver Business College where she later worked as receptionist in a doctor’s office.

In 1933, she married O.E. “Kim” Kimball in Camas, WA. They were blessed with four children, the fist of whom only lived for 11 months, and son, Jim who passed away in 2007. After many moves, they settled in Montana and started a freezer plant that is now M&S Meats. They later divorced in 1958 and Vida moved to Portland, OR where she took a refresher course at the local business college.  Afterwards, she returned to Montana and took positions working at Kalispell Hospital, the Lake County Health Department in Polson, and then for several doctors in Missoula.

Vida married Jack Winkley in 1964. Jack passed away in 1995. Together, they lived in Rollins for 31 years. She enjoyed playing bridge and those who knew Vida knew not to ask her to do anything on Wednesdays, as that was her bridge day. Growing flowers, looking at the beautiful mountains and lake, reading, or having lunch or dinner out, these were some of Vida’s favorite things. Vida loved her family including her bridge and church families and genuinely cared about each and every person.  Vida enjoyed her life and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Those left with cherished memories are her two surviving children, Ted Kimball of Spokane, WA and Gail (Sonny) Herreid of Polson; her brother, Jim Vail of Camas, WA, 13 grandchildren, a number of great-grandchildren, and several great great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held this spring, on Saturday, May 1, 2010 at Polson Community Church, Polson. Additional details will be announced as the date draws near. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made as a donation to the Polson City Library, or to the charity of one’s choice. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff at Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson considers it a privilege to care for the family of Mrs. Winkley.

On September 3, 1946, our Lord graced this earth with Doreen. She was born to Roy & Lois Noyes in Seattle,WA.

Doreen married her soul mate Dennis Pefley in Billings, MT on March 20, 1965 where they began a wonderful adventure together.
Being the only female in the house, she patiently raised three sons & one husband.
Doreen worked as a secretary/bookkeeper for the Hot Springs High School, Harbor Pharmacy and the Sportspage Bowl.
After retirement, she and her husband have enjoyed many fruits of their labor in travel, becoming avid race fans, taking cruises, spending time at their Swan cabin, hunting and riding her four wheeler.
Her parents and her youngest son- Denny Pefley precede her in death.
She is survived by her husband Dennis Pefley, sons Curtis Pefley of Ogden, Utah & Troy Pefley of Spokane, WA, her sister- Patricia Gunsch of Billings, six grandchildren- Wyatt, Morgan, Brooke, Jenna, Denny & Isabelle, numerous nieces and nephews and an untold amount of friends she treated as family.

A closed casket visitation will be held at the Grogan Funeral Home from 1:00 – 7:00 pm. on Tuesday, February 9, 2010.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 10th at 1:00 p.m. at the Lonepine Hall in Lonepine with burial to follow at the Murray Memorial Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Polson City Library or to the donor’s choice. Condolences may also be left to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

For directions to the Lonepine Hall in Lonepine, please click onto the location tab on the homepage.

      

Lisa Marie Ellis, age 40, of Polson, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Saturday, February 6, 2010.  She was born May 1, 1969 to Fred & Cheryl Ellis in Spokane, Washington.  Her family moved to Polson, Mt. in 1976 where she was raised.  At the age of thirteen she had incredible talent for singing and a love for music and for her birthday that year she wanted to join her family band, yes she got her wish.  She played guitar, drums and sang with her family band off and on through her life, as well as many other local bands in Montana, she had her own band in LasVegas, Nevada and played the Nevada circuit.  She loved doing a solo introducing her own style of music with the songs that she wrote.  Lisa loved people and loved to entertain them, she gave it her all.  Lisa attended the University of Montana and Salish and Kootenai College in Pablo, one of her dreams was to become a news broadcaster.  Lisa was an enrolled member of the Salish & Kootenai Tribes and was  proud of her heritage.

She is surivived by her parents Fred & Cheryl Ellis of Polson, her brothers Darin Ellis of Austin, Texas, Tahoe Ellis and Mark Ellis of Santa Anna, Ca., and her sister Gwen Barker also of Santa Anna, CA., her aunts Billy Ellis of Polson and Debra Earling of Missoula, her uncles David Ellis of Seattle, Dennis Earling of Spokane and Rob Earling of Evaro, her grandmother Florence Earling of Spokane, her boyfriend Dan Lampe of Anaconda, and many nieces and nephew’s.  Lisa shared a special bond with Melody Mergenthaler.

Private family services to follow at a later date, a special thank you to the Polson Health and Rehab. Center and to the Hospice Team, and all of you that gave great support and comfort to us and our Singing Angel, Thank You

Condolences to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com. 

            Fern Mollohan Giltner, 85, passed away on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at the Evergreen Polson Health and Rehabilitation Center of complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

            Fern was born May 25, 1924 in Burns, Kansas, the sixth child of T.K. and Lena Mollohan. She was schooled in El Dorado and Iola, Kansas and the Andover Newton Theological School in Newton Center, Massachusetts. She served as a church director of Christian education in Detroit, Michigan, and Springfield Massachusetts, and later was for fifteen years a counselor and administrator at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio, Delaware, Ohio. She was author of the book, Women’s Issues in Religious Education, published in 1985. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Polson.

            Fern is survived by John Giltner, Sr., her husband of 55 years a daughter, June (Jeff) Dunnington of Sugar Land, Texas; sons John Giltner Jr. of Polson and Timothy Giltner of Delaware, Ohio; grandchildren Kaitlyn Giltner of Lewis Center, Ohio, Gretchen Giltner of Columbus, Ohio, and Patrick and Jordan Dunnington of Sugar Land, Texas; a brother, Myron (Carolyn) Mollohan of Valley Center, Kansas, and numerous nieces and nephews.

            A service of celebration and remembrance will be held at the First United Methodist Church, Polson, Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 2:00 PM. The Reverend Mark Calhoun will officiate. A reception at the church will follow the service. Memorial gifts may be made in Fern’s name to the First United Methodist Church, Polson. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Grogan Funeral Home, Polson, is assisting the family.

            Cecil M. Madsen, 86, of Polson, MT, passed away on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at home.

            Cecil was born on October 25, 1923, a son of the late Emery and Cecelia Madsen and was raised in Bonner, MT. His parents were immigrants from Norway and Cecil was very proud of his Norwegian and Viking heritage.

 Cecil went on to join the US Army and dutifully served as an infantryman from 1942 – 1945 during WWII. He was proud to have been with the brave during the Invasion of Normandy, which instilled in him a true sense of patriotism. After beginning his career at the Anaconda Co. in Bonner, he later took a position with Smurfit-Stone. After forty years of service, Cecil retired in 1993.

            In 1989, Cecil married Vickie Pettijohn and enjoyed their life together boating and entertaining family and friends at the cabin on Flathead Lake. Known for his “gift of gab”, Cecil always had a sense of humor that was both unique and sensitive. His nieces would often refer to him as the “Honorable Uncle Cecil” and those around him would quite frequently be reminded that his middle initial, M., stood for “Marvelous”. Cecil never met a stranger and made thousands of people smile throughout the years. He was a member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Polson, the Elks Club, and the Lions Club.

            Besides his parents, two sisters, Frieda and Marie, and a brother, Melvin, precede Cecil in death.

            Survivors include his loving wife, Vickie Madsen of Polson; three nieces, Donna Anderson (Lowell) of Helena, MT, Darlene Compton of Spokane, WA, and Diane Nelson (Darrel) of Peroia, AZ; a special close 2^nd cousin, Ingrid Davis of Missoula, MT, and beloved family friend, Helen Sowre of Helena, MT.

            Visitation for friends and family will be held on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 from 5 PM – 7 PM at Grogan Funeral Home, 101 Sixth Ave. E., Polson. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 4, 2010, 11:00 AM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Polson with Rev. Paul Rowold officiating. Military honors and a light reception will follow the services at the church. Graveside services will then be conducted at Missoula Cemetery, Missoula at 3:00 PM on Thursday.

            In lieu of flowers, the Cecil’s family has suggested that donations be made to either the Mission Valley Animal Shelter (www.missionvalleyanimalshelter.org) or to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Polson. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff at Grogan Funeral Home, Polson considers it a privilege to care for Mr. Madsen’s family.

            Kathy Lynn Nimrick, 50, of Ronan, passed away on Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at her residence.

            Kathy was born on June 16, 1959 in Polson, MT, a daughter of the late Robert and Esther Morgan. Kathy attended local schools in Ronan and in 1978 married Jimmy Leroy Nimrick, who passed away January 29, 1989. She enjoyed making crafts, putting together scrapbooks, was an avid fan of the Oakland Raiders football team, and loved her grandbabies.

            Besides her parents and husband, Kathy is also preceded in death by two brothers, Tom and Bobby Morgan; a sister, Kay Mangles, and son, Jimmy Nimrick Jr.

            Those left with cherished memories are her daughter, Kymberli De Leon; two brothers, Dale and Jim Morgan, and two grandchildren.

            A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, 10:00 AM at Grogan Funeral Home, 101 Sixth Ave. E., Polson, with Rev. John Payne officiating. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff at Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson considers it a privilege to care for Mrs. Nimrick’s family.

Stark O. “David” Cherry, 84, of Ronan, MT, passed away on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at St. Luke Community Hospital, Ronan.

David was born on June 26, 1925 in Pittsburgh, PA, and named after his father, Stark O. Cherry, Sr. His mother, however wanted him named David, and it stuck. He attended the Oakwood Academy in Huntsville, AL and the University of Pittsburgh.

He served in the US Army from 1944 until 1946 where he was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific campaign medal with a Bronze Star. He also received a Good Conduct and Victory medal, the WWII Army Occupation medal, the WWII Japanese Clasp and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon.

David went on to work for the railroad as a purchasing agent and in retirement, became a bartender in Las Vegas. He has enjoyed trips to Nova Scotia, Florida, California, and Old Mexico. His favorite car was his Cadillac. David loved Italian food and Russian classical music. He was a very optimistic person and truly believed in never giving up hope no matter what the situation may be.

Those left with cherished memories are; three sisters, Fannie Cherry, Louise Cherry, and Gladdys Cherry; two stepsons, David Clairmont of Polson, MT and Corky Clairmont of Pablo, MT; a niece, Genne Umstead of Washington, DC; a nephew, James Lyons of Lexington, KY and David’s best friend, Alf Salway of Ronan, MT and Winogene of Pablo, MT.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to all the staff of St. Luke Extended Care Facility where David resided for the last several years.

Visitation for friends and family will be held on Thursday, January 21, 2010 from 12 pm – 6pm at Grogan Funeral Home, 101 Sixth Ave. E., Polson. A memorial service will be conducted on Friday, January 22, 1:00 PM at Grogan Funeral Home with Rev. Dick Widerholdt officiating. Gravside services with military honors will then be held at the Ronan Cemetery, Ronan following the memorial service on Friday at 2:30 PM.

Messages of condolence may be sent tot the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff at Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for Mr. Cherry’s family.