Christopher Gerald Dentler, age 53, of Polson, MT., passed away Sun, Jan, 29, 2012 at St. Joseph Med. Center, Polson.  He was born Sep. 4, 1958 in Portland, Ore., to Carl and Rose Maureen Dentler.  Christopher grew up in Portland and graduated from St. Helen’s High School.  He married Barbara Hallock on June 10, 1975.  He lived in Portland and St. Helen’s, Ore. until 2001 when they moved to Polson, MT.

Christopher enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He worked for Lake County Sheriff and City of Polson as a reserve officer since 2005.

He was preceded in death by his father; one brother, Mike; and an infant son, Chris; and three grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; children, Angie Pazder of Polson, Anthony Dentler of Sidney, Neb., Charissa, Nick, Gabe, Sophie, Lexi, Zack, Isaiah, Lydia, and Maria Dentler, all of Polson; 18 grandchildren;  his mother, Rose Maureen Dentler of Portland, Or.; and 8 siblings.

Vigil will be Thurs., Feb. 2 at 7:00 PM at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Polson, MT.  Memorial Mass will be Fri., Feb. 3 at 11:00 AM at the Catholic Church.  Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery.  A benefit fund has been set up in Chris Dentler’s name at Eagle Bank.  Messages of condolences may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

Bryce Arle Johnson went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 21, 2012. Born October 21, 1937, Bryce was the second born son of Arle (Swede) and Bessie Mallory Johnson of Polson. He and his brother Elliot grew up on the south shore of Flathead Lake where they fished, hunted, took summer swims and went winter ice skating.

Bryce graduated from Polson High School in 1955. He attended the University of Montana before he landed his dream job working in the accounting office for the Great Northern Railroad in Whitefish. He married Ardith Cox June 5, 1965, and the two moved around the state of MT. where he had an enjoyable and challenging career with Great Northern/Burlington Northern Railroad. The couple raised two sons, Corey and David, while they lived in Kalispell, Whitefish, Missoula, Billings, and Havre. After Bryce retired in 1994, he eventually returned to his home town of Polson. Bryce enjoyed spending time with his family, playing cards, bowling, golfing, and traveling around the United States to view God’s amazing creation. He was a tremendous husband, encouraging father, loving grandfather. and a faithful servant in the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church.

Bryce lived with Type I Diabetes for 58 years and courageously endured numerous health problems. Over the last 9 months Bryce battled cancer. Through all of this, Bryce gave glory to God for being able to live so many years surrounded by such a supportive and loving family.

Bryce was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Ardith, his son David Johnson of Spokane, his son Corey Johnson, daughter-in-law Audrey, and grandsons, Jacob and Isaac of Kalispell, his brother Elliot (Hattie) Johnson of Polson, his step-mother, Marie Johnson of Polson, Randy and Julia, his children from a previous marriage, as well as numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Services for Bryce will be held Thursday, January 26, 2012,at 11:00am at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, followed by a burial service at Polson’s Lake View Cemetery, and a luncheon in the fellowship hall of the church. The family suggested memorials to the donor’s local food bank, or to Bryce’s cancer support group: Cheerful Heart, Inc. P. O. Box 688, Polson, MT 59860.

Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for the Johnson family.  Messages of condolences may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

Dorothy was born on January 4^th, 1919 in Los Angeles, California to W.C. and Ada Frazier.  She was educated in Burbank, California and attended school at Pasadena Nazarene College where she majored in elementary education.  After graduating from college she married her true love, John Allen,on February 13^th, 1942.  After moving to Glendora, California she taught third and fourth grades for 18 years.

In retirement,  Dorothy and John loved to travel , touring all  50 States, Canada, Mexico, and much of Europe.  She also loved playing the piano at school and at church and enjoyed singing in her church choir  as well.

After her husband John’s death in 1991, Dorothy moved to Polson in 1995 to be closer to her daughter.  She kept active with her involvement with the Christian Women’s Club and Professional Women’s Club, as well as her ladies group and choir at the Presbyterian Church in Polson.  When at home,  crotheting was one of her favorite pass times.

Dorothy’s children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren brought her much joy and always looked forward to their visits with great anticipation.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, husband John Allen, and brother’s Seth and James Frazier.

She is survived by her daughters Diane Buzzard (Ron) of Polson, Carol McCammon (Ray) of Maricopa, AZ and Winnie Birdsong (Craig) of Yankee Hill, CA as well as her sister Beau Harding of Tustin, California.  Along with these she leaves behind four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Dorothy will always be remembered for her wonderful smile and sweet disposition.

A memorial service for Dorothy will be held on February 11, 2012 at 11:00 am at the Presbyterian Church in Polson.  A reception will follow immediately after.  Inurnment will be held a t a later date.

Arrangements are entrusted to Grogan Funeral Home in Polson, MT.

He was preceded in death by his brother James Little of Cody, Wy.

He is survived by his wife, Traci; daughter, Rebecca (15); sons, Christian (16), Cameron (12), and Corbin (8); his mother, Debbie Kromrey (Steve) of What Cheer, Ia.; his father, Darrell Little (Dee) of Cody, Wy.; brothers, CJ Kromrey(Dawn) of Powell, Wy., Tim Huwalt of Cedar Rapids, Ia.; sister-in-law, Shawna Little of Cody, Wy.;  two nephews and one niece.

He was a wonderful husband, father, son and friend to all who knew and loved him.

You are with our Lord in Heaven now but will be in our hearts Always and Forever!  Until we meet again…

Memorial services will be held at Grace Baptist Church, in Cody, Wy., on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 11:00 AM.  Small reception to follow.

Messages of condolences may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

Colleen was born on Nov. 9, 1933, in Charlo to Mabel and Frank Gallagher. The seventh child in a family of 13 children, she was raised on the family farm west of Charlo. She graduated from Charlo High School in 1952. After high school, she worked at Holy Family Hospital in St. Ignatius for two years, and then attended the College of Great Falls where she studied business and office administration. In 1957, she married the late John Paul and settled in Butte.

In the early 1970s, Colleen returned to college, earning a bachelor’s degree and a teaching certificate in history from the University of Montana-Western. She taught for a few years in Arlee and in Butte before returning to Western to receive a master’s degree in library science. She then returned to work as a librarian in Butte,finishing her teaching career at Butte’s East Middle  School in 2010.

Colleen had no children of her own, but she often spoke of the students that she helped get through the educational maze as her children.

Colleen’s closest affiliation was with her church. She was a parishioner at both St. John’s Parish and St. Ann’s Parish in Butte.

Colleen was preceded in death by John Paul; by her parents, Frank and Mabel Gallagher, and by five sibling, sisters, Betty Ann, Genevieve (Genie) and Mabel (Doll), and brothers, George and Seumas (Jim), and many other relatives and friends.

She is survived and missed by her sisters, Fran Keith, Patricia Ague, Rita Runkel and Ethel McCready; her brothers, John, Ed, and Dan Gallagher; by many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends; and by her special longtime friend, Norman Slette.

A rosary-vigil service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 13, at the Charlo Catholic Church, followed by the Funeral Mass at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Mountain View/Calvary Cemetery in Ronan. A reception will follow at the church.

Grogan Funeral Home of Polson is in charge. Messages of condolences may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

Marcia “Marsha” Marie Day Harris of Ravalli, MT passed away peacefully, surrounded by her two sons on Monday, January 9th, 2012 at the age of 61.

She was born to Donald Clifford and Geneva May Day on October 24th, 1950 in Missoula, MT and was raised in Ravalli, MT.  She attended St. Ignatius School for most of her schooling, but graduated high school in Arlee after the birth of her first son, Steven Day.  She went on to study Accounting at the Vo-Tech in Missoula, MT.

While attending college she met and married Richard Harris of Missoula, MT and together they had her second son Stacy Harris.  Although divorced, they have remained friends over the years.  She later met Morrie Wilson of Missoula who she shared over 20 years of her life with.

Over the years Marsha has worked at several bars, managed Car Town car lot and the family rentals in Ravalli.

Marsha was talented with her hands and excelled at quilting, beading, cross-stitching, crocheting and knitting.  She recently started knitting from her own hand-spun, hand-dyed yarn.  She has given many hand-made gifts that will long be treasured by her family.  She enjoyed her pets over the years, from the horses of her youth to her chickens and flying squirrel in Missoula to her birds and cats in Ravalli.  She enjoyed having coffee at her local hangouts in Missoula and Ravalli and socializing with the regulars.

Throughout her life she taught us, by example, the importance of: Unconditional Love, Acceptance, Forgiveness, Respect and Perseverance.  She has made those around her better people and we will all miss her greatly.

She is survived by her sons, Steven Day of Ravalli, MT and Stacy (Rhonda) Harris of Florence, MT;  grandchildren, Ashley Shafer and Seth Harris,  great-granddaughter Madison Shafer, sister, Jeanette Heberle of Great Falls, MT;  nephews, Randy (Anita) Heberle, Chris (Michelle) Heberle and Luke (Tyla) Heberle along with numerous extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Geneva Day and life-partner Morrie Wilson.

Funeral Mass will be on Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 11:00 am at the St. Ignatius Catholic Church followed by a memorial lunch at the Longhouse in St. Ignatius.  Interment in the Sunset Memorial Cemetery in Missoula will occur later this year.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the many people from Lake County Home Health, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Evergreen Rehabilitation and St. Luke’s Hospital who helped care for Marsha during the last years of her life.

Messages of condolences may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

Billy was born on Oct. 8, 1936 in Red Bluff, Calif. He received his education in Westwood, Calif. & Roseville, Calif.

He married Ellen Louise Sipes in Las Vegas, NV in Oct. 8, 1962.

Billy served in the U.S. National Guard   and the U.S.Navy. He worked as an Aircraft Foreman at McClellan AFB in Sacramento, Calif. He was also a College Certified Professional Farrier .

He was a member of the Montana Fiddlers Association. His hobbies included guitar, music, bowling, golf & hunting.

He is preceded in death by his daughter Linda & a sister Shirley Rose Knox.

He is survived by his wife Ellen Achenbaugh of Polson , Parents- James & Pansy Achenbaugh of Polson, son, Brian (Debra)Achenbaugh of Tacoma, WA. Uncle  Donald(Ruby) Sipes of Fair Oaks, Calf. many other relatives.

Services will be Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 11:30 AM at the Polson Community Church, Polson.  A reception will follow.  Messages of condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.  Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for the Achenbaugh family.

Her graveside service will take place at Lakeside Cemetery at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 14, 2012 followed by a memorial service at Polson Community Church at 11:00 am, with reception to follow.  All are welcome.  Memorials suggested to Lake County Hospice.

She was born Nelsine Norbeck, inHelena,Montanain 1947 to the  Rev. Nels Norbeck and Adelle.  She graduated from Corvallis High School in 1965, after which she attended Pacific Lutheran University and the University of Montana.

Nelsine married Roger Rasmussen in 1976, and they built a home together inMissoula.  While her children were young, Nelsine worked as a homemaker and grew much of the food for the family table in her garden and through raising animals.  As her children grew up, she began working in home health and in nursing homes as a CNA.  She then found her calling in hospice work in the early 1990s.  She was a devoted caregiver at the hospice house inMissoulauntil it closed.  She then cared for her mother in her home.

In 2003 Roger and Nelsine leftMissoulato move to a farm in PolsonMontana, where they were quickly welcomed into the community.  Nelsine was an active member of the Valley View Women’s Club and the Mission Mountain Quilt Guild.  She volunteered for some time for the local Humane Society.  Further, she frequently found time to travel the country  to visit her children, daughter-in-law, Debbie, and son-in-law, Sam, and seven beloved grandchildren.  She led her family by her example, to a love of reading and education. She loved her flower garden.

She is survived by her husband Roger, her four children, Carmen, Jason, Kristine, and Eric, brothers, Luke and Pete, and grandchildren Maia, Noah, Sierra, Kiah, Isaiah, Emma, and Cora.

Messages of condolences may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.  The staff of Grogan Funeral Home considers it a privilege to care for the Rasmussen family.

Marilyn was born at Fort Wayne, Indiana on March 1, 1920. She then moved to Albion, Indiana where she grew up and attended school.

Marilyn married in Albion and had two girls, Susan Harris & Sally Huntsman. She moved to Whittier, Calif. where the girls went to school.

When she retired she moved to Polson, Montana.

She is preceded in death by a sister Polly Sikie. She is survived Dean of Polson, a brother Leonard Schutt and family in Indianapolis, Ind., her two daughters Susan & Sally, five grandchildren & eight great grandchildren.

No services are planned and cremation has taken place. Condolences may be left for the family on-line atwww.groganfuneralhome.com.

Grogan Funeral Home considers it a privilege to assist the family at this time.

Bill was born on Oct 28, 1947 in Windom, Minn. to Virgil & Leatrice Voss.

Bill graduated with Distinction with a BSN from University of Arizona in 1977 and from the Nurse Anesthesia Program at the Mayo School of Health Sciences in 1984.

He worked as an RN since 2006 in North Dakota and Montana, for the past year at his beloved job at Teton Medical Center in Choteau. Bill was also a CRNA from 1979 to 1992. Between nursing careers Bill was a master tile craftsman in Arizona and Montana.

Bill was a Captain in the USAF from 1979 to 1982. He was had numerous awards and ribbons: Small Arms Expert Marksmanship, Air Force Good Conduct, Air Force Longevity Service, National Defense Service and Air Force Training.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, Virgil L. Voss.

Survivors include his wife Shaun of Choteau, MT; sons Eric William of Iowa City, IA, Timothy of Rochester, MN, Christopher of Kalispell, MT, stepson Brian Privette of Missoula, MT, daughters Laurel of Brooklyn, NY, Jessica of Minneapolis, MN, grandchildren Chandler Johnson of Rochester, MN, Haley and Arianna of Iowa City, IA, Angelina of Kalispell, MT, his mother Leatrice Voss of Polson, MT, sister Jane Taylor (Jerry) of Polson, MT, nephews Jeremy Taylor (Stormy), Justin Taylor (Jaime), and 6 grand-nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 7th at 11:00 am at New Life Christian Center in Polson.

We are comforted in knowing that Bill was in a very happy and peaceful place in his life, enjoying his home in Choteau with his loving wife, Shaun and their 3 ‘kids’, Annie, Oscar and Zoey. He loved his job, riding his motorcycle, and finding serenity in the fruits of his life.

Bill, we will be with you in the Fellowship of the Spirit as we trudge the road of happy destiny.

Memorials may be made to Teton Medical Center Foundation.

Messages of condolences may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

Grogan Funeral Home considers it a privilege to help Bill’s family at this time.

Mondell was born on December 2, 1934 in Miles City, MT to Mondell  J. & June C. Metz.

Preceded in death by his parents, his grand uncle “Doc” Metz & Granddad Scanlon.

Survived by wife Cristina of Polson, children- Mondell R. Metz of Glendale,Calif., Elena
(Rick) Kaiser of Lynden, WA, & Margarita Barker of Burbank, Calif., four grandchildren- Ricky, Mason, Sabrina & Brooke, 1 great granddaughter Coralee, 3 brothers- Leo, Jim & John & a sister- Judell.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial mass will be held this summer in Polson.

Messages of condolences may be sent to the family on-line at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

Grogan Funeral Home considers it a privilege to care for the Metz family at this time.

Bruce Darryl Kuck, Sr., 81, of Pablo, MT. passed away on Monday, Dec. 26, 2011 at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, MT. Bruce was born January 4, 1930 to Harmen & Gladys (Stine) Kuck on a farm in Gosper County, Nebraska.  He grew up and attended school in Nebraska. He married Genevieve Weber on August 21, 1950. They farmed and raised four children in Gosper County until 1974. In 1974, Bruce and Genevieve and their youngest daughter moved to the Valley View area near Polson, MT. where he ranched for a couple of years. He then took a job as a ditch rider for the Flathead Irrigation System. He retired in 2004 at the age of 75.He always enjoyed
visiting and having coffee with his friends and neighbors. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, family and friends throughout his life.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years- Genevieve of Pablo, MT 4-children- Rose ( Bob) Fouts of Eaton, Colorado, Pamela (Ken) Campbell of Smithfield, Neb., Bruce “Chip” (Kristi) Kuck, Jr. of Bertrand, Neb. & Cindy (Jeff) March of Laramie, WY., 7 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild and his siblings- Alfred Kuck & Lola Davidson of Smithfield and several cousins, nieces,nephews and friends.

Cremation has taken place and Bruce’s cremains will be scattered at the farm in Nebraska
where he grew up. Condolences may be sent to the family at 43253 Road 735, Elwood, NE, 68937 or on-line at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory considers it a privilege to help the Kuck family at this time.

Ethel Genevieve McAlear Montgomery,88, passed away peacefully at her home the evening of December 22, 2011, after a short battle with cancer.  Ethel led a full and productive life and her legacy of faith and love of family lives on in her descendants.

Ethel was the daughter of J.F. and Olive McAlear born in Polson Montana on August 17, 1923.  Ethel battled cancer once before as a brave 17 year old.  Ethel graduated from Polson High School in 1941 as Valedictorian, then attended nursing school at MSU and Deaconess Hospital in Bozeman where she went on to become a Navy Cadet Nurse.  She traveled a troop train in 1944 to visit her fiancé Monty Montgomery also of Polson, MT.   They married in Beeville, Texas on August 29, 1944.  Upon her return to Bozeman, she completed her nursing training and began a long career as a nurse. She began her career at the Hotel Dieu (St. Josephs) Hospital in Polson.

Ethel interrupted her career to care for her four daughters and returned to nursing at St. Josephs’ Hospital in Denver.  After the family moved to Spokane WA she became Assistant Administrator at St. Luke’s Hospital and was named to the Washington State Board of Nursing.  In 1966, the family returned to Missoula where Monty ran Bearing and Rim Supply on N. Broadway.

Ethel first was Head Nurse in OR and then in OB at St. Patrick’s Hospital.  She returned to MSU in 1969 to finish her Bachelor’s Degree with emphasis in Public Health.   Following her graduation from MSU, she was hired by the Missoula County Public Health Department.  During her years there, she became the County DPH Supervisor, was named to the Montana State Board of Nursing, and elected Nurse  of the Year on October 7, 1982, for her work with the newly arrived Hmong Refugees whose health problems created great challenges for her and her staff.  During her tenure there, she and the Health Officer noted a strong correlation between Missoula’s poor air quality and hospital admissions for lung diseases; based on that data they created the first air quality warning system which was adopted into state statute and is now nationwide.

Ethel and Monty shared 75 years together.  First, as childhood friends; then, as husband and wife for 62 years.  They enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and traveling in Montana, Colorado, Arizona, Washington, and Alaska. She was a member of Eastern Star, Sigma Tau, Montana Nurses Association, Business and Professional Women’s Association, Grace United Methodist Church, Polson Community Church and an Honorary Board Member of the Polson-Flathead Historical Museum. Mrs. Montgomery had a keen memory of early Flathead Valley history, and stories of pioneers and homesteaders.   As the first curator at the museum, she catalogued and organized all of the collection and deeds, obtained grants for preservation of all photographs, and delicate and precious historical items.  She was twice the Grand Marshal of Polson’s July 4^th parade. The second time was for the 2010 Centennial when, despite declining health, she joyously waved an American flag and participated in an “Old-Time” ice cream social, sharing memories with many of her friends and community founders.  She was co-author of the historical book about her mother, Goldenrod Girl© 2010, donated to the PFH Museum.

Ethel was preceded in death by her husband, Melton (Monty) D. Montgomery in 2007, her parents, infant grandsons Allan and Brian Ebel, and her sister, Ina McAlear Davis.

She is survived by her four daughters:  Karen & Keith Dunwell of England; Connie & Muirray Potter of NM; Pamela & Fred Ebel of Montana; and Theresa Jones of Germany.  She leaves four grandsons: Jess and Chuck Ebel of Montana; Mike Ebel (Heidi) of Oregon; David & Julie Jones of OK, and adopted grandson Bradley Mitchell of Oregon, as well as four great-grandsons, seven nieces and nephews, and many cousins.  Ethel was a brilliant, caring person; a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and cousin.

She made lifelong friends and maintained contact with them regardless of where she lived.  Her home was always cheerful, warm and welcoming.  Her family misses her deeply, but gives thanks to God that she met Him without pain or suffering.  We wish to thank Community Medical Center’s Coronary Care and Stepdown Unit staff and hospitalists, Missoula Hospice, and Pastor Barber of the Polson Community Church for their loving care in her last days.  Her family also thanks her many caring physicians, nurse practitioners, and nurses.  The family is immensely grateful that her daughter and nurse, Pamela, gave her parents years of personal and professional care.

Ethel requested that memorials be given to the Polson Flathead Historical Museum in Polson, MT in lieu of flowers.  A memorial will be held in Polson, MT at the Polson Community Church next summer when family members can be present.  The date and time to be announced.

Messages of condolences may be sent to the family on line at www.groganfuneralhome.com.  Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson,  considers it a privilege to assist the Montgomery family at this time.

Mildred was born on Oct. 14, 1920 in New York City, New York to Salvatore & Marietta (Marinaro)  Paolillo. She grew up and attended schools in New York City and graduated from Julia Richmond High School. Mildred
married Edward T. Hendrix on April 11, 1920. She and Edward moved to Highland Mills, N.Y. in 1954 where they raised their four children. Mildred worked in several places including Macy’s Department Store in New York City, the Saturday Evening Post, Groos Family Clothing Store and Citibank N.A. from
which she retired. Mildred was involved in many activities including the town of Woodbury Senior Center, Orange County, NY Board of Elections and was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church since 1954. She enjoyed many hobbies including cross word puzzles, solitaire, traveling, shopping, watching T.V. and following the N.Y. Yankees. Mildred and Ed moved to Montana in 2004 to be near family.

Mildred is preceded in death by her husband Ed in 2007, her parents and a sister Rose. She is survived by her children- daughter- Marianne Hendrix of Charlotte, NC, sons-Edward (Jill) Hendrix of Polson, MT, John (Susan) Hendrix of Chandler, AZ & Phillip (Carrie) Hendrix of Phoenix, AZ, nine grandchildren- Daniel, Thomas, Kelly, Mollybeth, Sean, Katie, Joseph, Lauren & Natalie,  Great grandchildren- Edward McRae Hendrix & Amelia Murphy Hendrix.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Polson, MT with interment to follow at
Lakeview Cemetery in Polson. A reception will follow at the church.

Messages of condolences may be sent to the family on line at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

Grogan Funeral Home, of Polson considers it a privilege to assist the Hendrix family
at this time.

Hib graduated from Polson High School in 1936 and from the University of Montana in 1940, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration.  Upon graduation he was commissioned as a 2^nd Lieutenant in the US Army with immediate assignment to the University of Montana as an Assistance Professor of Military Science and Tactics in the ROTC program.  After two years at the University he transferred to the Army Air Corps to continue flight training he had started on his own with Johnson Flying Service in Missoula in 1938.

He married Sarah Jane Barclay May 30, 1942, in Helena and they had one son, Douglas J. Hanson. uring World War II, Hib served in the European heater of Operations in the Army and saw considerable action in Europe. Hib was he pilot of a single-engine spotter plane locating enemy troops and targets.  He then directed artillery fire while in light.  He flew 157 missions and survived crashes induced by enemy fire.  He was involved in the campaigns in France, Luxembourg and Germany and was among the first pilots to spot the massive movement of a German Panzer division of troops and tanks toward what became the Battle of the Bulge.  Hib also participated in the liberation of Stalag 7.  He was awarded the Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters, received his honorable discharge and then in 1946 went to work in the Security State Bank.

In 1953 he bought the bank.  As president of Security State Bank, he was deeply and quietly involved in many community activities and charitable endeavors.  Among them, he assisted with the creation of what was to become the Sandpiper Art Gallery; was instrumental in the expansion of the Polson public library; spearheaded the drive to light the Polson bridge; and arranged financing for many community improvement districts and school bond issues.

In 1959-60 he and Ronan attorney John D. French organized the campaign against the Army Corps of Engineers proposal to build Knowles Dam, which would have flooded large portions of the Moiese Valley.  He also helped convince Congress to reject a Corps proposal to dredge the outlet of Flathead Lake, which would have had the potential of creating vast mudflats in Polson Bay.

After the death of his son, Doug, in an airplane accident in 1998, Hib sold the bank to First Interstate, marking the end of his long career in family banking.  After Sara Jane passed away Hib married Mildred Weber of Polson.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Sarah Jane, son Douglas J. and brother Bob.

Surviving are his wife Mildred Hanson, daughter-in-law Vickie Hanson; four grandchildren, Patrick, Kimberly (Ethan), Skyler and Trever; and nephew, Rob Hanson (Johanna).

Services will be at the First Presbyterian Church in Polson later this summer with Military Honors.  A private burial service will occur at the family plot in Lakeview Cemetery, Polson. Memorials may be made to the Polson Presbyterian Church or the Polson Dollars for Scholars.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson is assisting with local arrangements.

Her health had recently failed and eventually she succumbed to congestive heart failure. Marjorie, and her twin sister, Myrtle, were born in St. Ignatius Montana on March 15, 1933.  She was one of 14 children born to William Herbert Noel and Laura Cecelia Glover .  Her surviving siblings include Barbara Ross, Gerald Noel (Mae) and Patsy Anderson (Larry).  She was 78 years young when she passed.  Her memory and quick wit
surprised many of her family and friends.

During Marjorie’s younger years she worked at Eddie’s Drug and the Ranch Supper Club, in Polson.  She did not drive but was often seen walking from jobs to home and back.   She frequently worked two jobs at the same time providing for her family. Marjorie was working at Eddie’s Drug when she met Wesley Jones and she retired from retail and become a full time home maker caring for children and grandchildren at the family home.  Marjorie was an enrolled member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

Marjorie had several loves in her life including Wesley Lowell Jones, who preceded her in death after 37 years of marriage.  She was also married to Richard “Dick” Wall and Authur “Bud” Roat.

Marge was a frequent sight at local casinos while Wes waited for her in the car or lobby.   They loved spending time together going to rummage sales, going for scenic drives, pow wows and going to the lake.

Marjorie had four daughters:  Jeanne Christopher of Ronan, Teresa Wall-McDonald (Thomas) of Ronan, Julie
Johnson (Brian) of Red Bluff, California, and Jody Jones of Polson, MT. She is survived by four daughters, 14
grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren with one great grandchild on the way.

Friends and family are invited to a memorial service to share stories and memories about Marjorie on Thursday, December 15, 2011 at 1 pm at the Grogan Funeral Home in Polson. Those who truly knew Marjorie and her love of cooking are invited to come and enjoy a piece of pie and coffee. Cremation has taken place per Marjorie’s wishes.

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 Marjorie’s family.

Merle Jo was born in Forsyth MT, on October 6, 1921. After high school, she attended Normal School in Billings and earned her teaching certificate. She taught in Vananda and Lame Deer.  During World War II she worked at the Boeing Aircraft Company in Seattle, after the war, she married Clarence Murray and became mother to his three sons. Merle and Clarence had seven children, three of whom died prior to birth.  She is survived by her children:  daughter Jackie and her husband Darrell Kruzen of Polson; her son, Ted Murray, currently in Arizona; her daughter Kitt and her husband Steve Adams of Proctor; her daughter Nonna and her husband Jerry Anderson of Polson; her three stepsons, Donald, Bill and Darrell; Six much-loved grandsons and eight great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

As her children grew, Merle returned to teaching, first at the Proctor School, where she taught all 8 grades, then at Browning Elementary before taking a position as school librarian in Boulder, Montana.  Merle truly loved books and she touched many children’s lives through the books and stories she shared with them.

One of Merle’s final desires was to let people know that she was sorry for any pain she had caused anyone and for them to know that she was so sorry.  She also wanted people to know that she forgave anyone who had ever hurt her and to know that she completely forgave them.

We will remember her warm generous nature, her kindness and sense of fun, her deep love for Montana and her commitment to our Catholic Church.

A Vigil will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Polson on Monday, December 12, at 7:00 PM.  Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, December 13 at Immaculate Conception Church with Father James Connor celebrating the Mass of the Resurrection.  Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery
following the Mass.

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 Merle’s family.

Kyle was born on February 6, 1964 in Ponca City, OK and lived in Shidler, OK with his parents and older brother. The family was transferred to Cut Bank, MT soon after his birth and Montana became the place that he loved and wanted to live.

His father was transferred to Casper, WY and Williston, ND where Kyle grew up and graduated from high school. During his growing up years, he was active in the Boy Scouts of America and earned the Eagle Scout award. Kyle’s next move took him to Marietta, OH where he spent the next four years obtaining a degree in Sociology with a minor in Economics. While at Marietta, he became active in student government and was
vice-president of the student body his junior year and president of the student body his senior year. His summers were spent working for the Boy Scouts of America at summer camps.

When he was finished with his college years, he began work as a District Executive for the Boy Scouts of
America and had two districts, the Silvertip that includes Polson and Ronan, plus the district in Flathead County. He enjoyed his scouting work but decided to make a change and went to school to earn his real estate license and began his life work following that profession. His last job was for Century 21 in Whitefish.

Kyle is preceded in death by his father, Howard L. Thomas and both sets of his grandparents.

Survivors include his mother, Betty L. Thomas of Polson; two brothers, Mark (Janice) Thomas of Breckenridge,
CO and Paul (Kristi) Thomas of Charlotte, NC. He was especially fond of his three nephews, Matt, Grant, and Jack, and his niece, Cate.  Kyle will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

Cremation has taken place and services will remain private. 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 Kyle’s family.

DAVID W. BURGAN, MD, 75, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife and their three daughters in Polson, MT, on Sunday, December 4th, 2011.  He died of complications from Pick’s Disease – a rare & very aggressive form of frontotemporal dementia.

David was born on April 28, 1936, to Oliver Wendell Burgan & Hazel Estelle Dewar Burgan in Helena, Montana where he graduated as Salutatorian of the Helena High School class of 1954.  He loved sports, especially baseball, and played Helena Legion Baseball, playing & coaching baseball from grade school thru college.  He was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan (he could get them on the radio in Helena and the players had ‘fun’ names!)   He enjoyed the Spring Training games in the Phoenix, AZ, area…eventually buying a condo after retirement within walking distance of the Cubs Spring Training Facilities where he and Marjorie wintered.  One of his most enjoyable weeks was spent at a Chicago Cubs Fantasy Camp at the training facility in Mesa, AZ with Cub players like Ron Santo & Jimmy Piersol in a real Cubs uniform!

David attended the University of Washington for 1 year where he made the freshman Baseball Team at U of W.  He then transferred to Montana State University in Bozeman where he received a Bachelor of Science degree With Honors in Pre-Med in 1958.  David received his M.D. degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School in 1961 graduating in the top 10% of his medical class and was chosen for Alpha Omega Alpha, a medical scholastic honorary. David met Marjorie Lois Carr when he was a Sophomore at the University of Minnesota Medical School in Minneapolis.  He saw her ‘across a crowded room’ and,uncharacteristically, boldly went up to her in the Theta house and introduced himself!!  That was March of 1959.  They were married at the First Congregational Church in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 19, 1960.  David & Marjorie celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 2010 by taking the family to Kauai, Hawaii.  They were married 51 & 1/2 years. He joined the US Army as a Second Lieutenant in 1960 with the Army Senior Medical program, then took his Internship at William Beaumont Army Hospital in El Paso, TX, 1961-62.  David continued to serve in the U.S. Army at Ft. Wainwright & Bassett Army Hospital in Fairbanks, Alaska, from 1962-65. After being Honorably Discharged, David practiced General Medicine at the Doctor’s Clinic in Auburn, WA, 1965-67.  Then deciding to specialize in Diagnostic Radiology, he took his Residency at Parkland Hospital & the University of Texas SouthWestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas, 1967-70.  He then was asked to stay & teach Angiography at UTSW Medical School, which he did for 1 year, 1970-71.  He was the sole author of 3 papers on knee orthography, 1971.  David was Board Certified in Diagnostic Radiology by the American Board of Radiology in 1971. David & Marjorie decided they did not want to raise their 3 daughters in Dallas and the opportunity came to join Missoula Radiology, Inc in 1971, so they were excited to move back to Montana.  David practiced Diagnostic Radiology in Missoula from 1971-1994.  He was the Chief of the Department of Diagnostic Imaging at Missoula Community Medical Center from 1974-1994.  When David retired, he felt very honored to have MCMC name the department in his honor:  David W. Burgan, MD Diagnostic Imaging Department. He was a member
of the Medical Staffs of Missoula Community Medical Center & St. Patrick’s Hospital. David was President of the Medical Staff Missoula Community Medical Center in 1977; President of the Western Montana Medical Society, 1979;  Councilor from Montana to the American College of Radiology in 1978 & 1979; Counselor for the State of Montana, Radiologic Society of North America from 1976-80;  Member Board of Directors of the Montana Hospital Association, 1992-1995; Member of the Board of Trustees for Missoula Community Medical Center from 1976-2005…and Chairman of MCMC Board, 1996-2005.  He was named Montana Hospital Association Health Care Trustee of the Year in 2005. David served on the Monida Health Care Board of Directors from its formation in 1996 to 2009.  David was a member of the American College of Radiology; American Institute of UltraSound in Medicine;  Society of Radiologists in UltraSound; Society of Breast Imaging; Radiologic Society of North America; American Medical Association; & the Western Montana Medical Society.

David was a loyal Montana State University “Bobcat” through all the years he lived in Missoula – a season ticket holder for the Bobcat football games since 1971, even traveling with the team to Charleston, SC, in 1984 when they won the National Championship!  He was President of the Montana State University Alumni Board 1977-79; on the Advisory Council for Montana State University School of Business 1980-84;  He established the Watling Pre-Medical Scholarship at MSU in 1976 to honor his pre-med advisor, Prof Harold Watling, while he was still alive. David was asked and became a member of the first Blue & Gold Emeriti Council, 2007, of the MSU Alumni Assoc. David was elected an Elder in the Presbyterian Church in Fairbanks, Alaska, 1964, where he also taught a high school Sunday School class.  He served on Presbyterian Church Sessions in Fairbanks and Missoula and served on Pastor Nomination Committees twice.  David & Marjorie started an Adult Class called “The Struggling Believers” at 1st Presbyterian Church in Missoula, which David led year round for 8+yrs…summers they would meet in a park so the children could play while the adults had their class discussions.  It had the “Harbaugh Rule” – no one could be held accountable for their opinion for more than 2 weeks – they were allowed to change their views and grow in their faith and understanding! David & Marjorie were the instigators behind the Missoula affiliate of Habitat For Humanity.  David providing the financial & emotional support for Marjorie to use her organizational skills to get it started in Missoula. David was an award winning photographer, had a good eye for composition, and his home is graced with many of his photos.  In retirement he enjoyed playing
golf – more so when he realized he was never going to be on the PGA tour so he didn’t need to keep score!  Also in retirement, because he had always liked to sing and had a nice voice, the choir director of Polson’s First Presbyterian Church asked him to sing in their choir.  Both he and Marjorie joined & enjoyed being a part of the church choirs together in Polson, & in Mesa, AZ in the wintertime.

David is survived by his wife, 3 wonderful daughters:  Judith Suzanne, Barbara Jean & Ann Katherine;  Two fine Sons-in-law:  M.A. Scot Moorhead & Keith M. Mellor; & 3 special Grandchildren:  Tieran Connor Burgan Moorhead (11), Joshua Gareth Burgan Moorhead (8) & Sydney Katherine Mellor (4);  his brother & sister-in-law, Oliver Donald & Jean Burgan, his sisters-in-law:  Katherine Roalstad & Cynthia Hardyman, and nieces & nephews.  David’s parents preceded him in death. David was a generous, kind, honorable and talented Christian man, a lifelong Presbyterian and a Republican in his politics! His “Words To Live By” were:  “DUTY   RESPONSIBILITY   INTEGRITY  LOYALTY “. In lieu of flowers, the family requests
that donations be made in David’s name to: Missoula Community Medical Center Foundation, Montana State University, First Presbyterian Church of Polson – choir, Habitat For Humanity of Missoula, or St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation.

His memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 10 at 3 pm (after the Bobcat FCS quarter-final football game!) at First Presbyterian Church in Polson. An Internment Service will be held this Spring/Summer for those unable to attend. Messages of condolences may be sent to the family on-line at www.groganfuneralhome.com.