Char-Koosta News
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For the Record...January 2008 ObituariesWilliam
George Barba Bill was born at Pittsburg, PA on February 11, 1927 to William and Amelia Barba. Bill joined the US Navy in 1944 and served through 1946. He then returned to school and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in California. On February 13, 1948, Bill married Dolores Sumner in Hollywood, CA. Bill returned to the armed forces and joined the Air Force in 1950 and served through 1952. Bill worked with microfilm. He was a fireman, real estate agent, land developer, welder, salesman, and was the inventor of the salvage master. In the late 1970's, Bill tried his hand in politics by running for the position of Lake County Commissioner. Bill had a wide variety of hobbies and interests. He enjoyed photography, fishing, hunting, making model airplanes, restoring old cars, painting heavy equipment, oil painting, scuba diving, flying, metal cowboy art, and he built a bi-plane from scratch from plans he had purchased. His parents William V. and Amelia, sisters Queen and Pat, brothers Vince, Jack, and David precede Bill in death. Bill is survived by his loving wife Dolores, children John Charles, Donald Robert, Evie Marie, Philip James, sisters Lois and Monte, brothers Bob, Jerry and Jimmy, and seven grandchildren. Memorials may be made in Bill's name to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, 636 Morris Turnpike Suite 3-A, Short Hills, NJ, 07078; or at www.christopherreeve.org. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Eldora
W. (Miles) Morrow Dora started her lifelong joy of learning at the Ursuline Nun's school in St. Ignatius and continued her education at Flathead High School in Kalispell. She married David S. Morrow on December 4, 1933, and Whitefish became their home. Dora worked as a retail clerk for several Whitefish businesses and retired from the staff of North Valley Hospital. Her proudest time of employment was helping the World War II effort as a mechanic's helper at the Great Northern Railroad roundhouse in Whitefish. She prided herself on being able to carry around 50 pound wrenches with her 110-pound frame. She also loved to travel. From Hawaii to Hong Kong, Canada to Mexico, Florida to California, she continued learning about this world. Dora and Dave raised three children, all of whom survive her. David (Pat) H. Marrow (Margo) of Sacramento, CA; Marla Natoli of La Crosse, WI; and Glenda (Thomas) Vollertsen of Anthem, AZ. She is also survived by sisters Louise (Bill) Ambrose of Bigfork and La Verna Nielson of Anchorage, AS; and brother C. Mickey (Bonnie) Bartlett of Vancouver, WA. Dora was blessed with nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to extend love and thanks to very special friends, Liane Jett and Arleen Nelson, both of Whitefish. Dora was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Dave in 1990; sister Ocie Kelsey; brothers Robert and Otis (Bud) Miles and Raymond (Buzz) Bartlett; son-in-law Neil Natoli; and daughter-in-law Lois Morrow. Honoring her wishes, Dora will be laid to rest in the springtime when the family gathers for a private graveside service at Glacier Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be given to the charity of your choice in her name. The Austin Funeral Home of Whitefish is assisting with the arrangements. Laura
Martha Matilda Detert She was born January 23, 1912, in Ceylon, Minnesota, the oldest girl of Anna and Otto Prust. In the middle of much activity and laughter, she was brought up with Walt, Mike, Evelyn, Alice, Pete, Bob and Anna Mae. Anna Mae Iverson, Fairmont, MN, is now the only survivor of Laura's siblings, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Laura graduated from the 8th grade and then was asked to stay home from school to help take care of her brothers and sisters. On December 3, 1933, Laura married Selmer Detert and began a great adventure - they moved to the "Wild West" - St. Ignatius, Montana! Unsure of how she could survive there, her parents sent her a Sears catalog so she "wouldn't have to wear buckskins." Worried about the condition of Laura's soul in such an "uncivilized" place, her parents arranged for a Lutheran missionary pastor to come to the Mission Valley, and several churches were established there. Her son, Roger was born April 23, 1941, and farm life kept her busy. Fluffy, handmade angel food cakes were her specialty as she cooked huge dinners for Selmer's thrashing crews. Laura loved new cars, good jewelry and nice clothes, but most of all, she loved flowers. She always had beautiful flowerbeds in her yard, and her floral arrangements won many prizes. She made flower arrangements for the altar of Zion Lutheran Church for over 50 years. She belonged to the Garden Wall Garden Club and became a floral show judge. She was also a member of the Foothills Club and the Lutheran Women's Missionary League. In the 80's Laura and Selmer became "snowbirds" and enjoyed part of their winters in Mesa, Arizona and joined most of her sisters and brothers. Selmer died May 29, 1994. They were married 61 years. After several strokes, Laura became a resident of Mountain View Care Center in Ronan. Because of the dedication and friendliness of the staff and Dr. Vizcarra, she had 12 more comfortable years to play bingo, tell stories about babysitting Walter Mondale, be a rascal, laugh with family and friends and tell people about Jesus. Mom, grandma and friend, Laura, you will be missed so much. Laura is survived by her son, Roger (Rosemary) Detert; grandsons Bruce (Jessi) Detert and their daughter Abby of Seattle, and Daniel (Hollie) Detert and their children, Kiera and Cole of Livermore, CA. Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, Mountain View Care Center or to a charity of the donor's choice. Alma
Bernice "Butch" Goode She was born January 21, 1930, at the family home in Camas Hot Springs and was one of five children born to William and Judith (Cluzen) Markle. She attended schools in Hot Springs and graduated in 1949 and was voted "Best Legs", Athlete and Dancer. Bernice was a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. On November 5, 1949, she married Harold S. Goode in Rapid City, SD. The couple lived in Hot Springs where they raised their two sons, Ralph and Gary, and a niece Sue. Besides being a wife, mother, and Cub Scout Den mother, she worked as a bookkeeper for Fisher Logging, at the Hot Springs Post Office, and The Hot Springs Citizen, the local newspaper. Bernice had a special gift of conversation and could make anyone feel special. She loved and spoiled her pets and was a great cook who was excited to pass on her recipes to the next generation, but playing cards with her family and friends was a favorite pastime. She enjoyed bridge, pinochle, Scrabble and other board games and was always eager to share her skills with anyone who would dare to challenge her. She also loved helping her grandkids, nieces, and nephews with their math in a game or two of crib. If anyone wanted to play bingo or keno, you could always talk her into going and most times she came out a winner. There was hardly a garage sale she would miss or a special deal she could pass up in order to get that "special granny gift". She is preceded in death by her husband Harold, an infant daughter, son Gary Goode, her parents Bill and Judith Markle, brothers Ted and Jasper and her sisters Jean and Frances Snyder. She is survived by son Ralph (Janice) Goode of Charlo; daughter-in-law Maggie Goode of Niarada; and niece Sue (Dave) Woods of Helena. She was Gramma to her grandchildren; Rory (Terrance); Todd (Macy); Sue (Suny); Stan (Michele); Becky (Paul), Craig (Kay), Keeley, and Shayla; and MeMa to her great-grandchildren; Suny J, Jed, Faith, Wyatt, Boston, Saray, Ryan and Brenna. She is also survived by her wonderful extended family and friends who called, stopped by to visit, or just sent a note or card. A very special thank you to her daughter-in-law Maggie Goode, and nieces Raelynne Peterson and Christy Rhine for their kindness, care and love for her these past few months. It is no secret that family was important to her; she was so proud of the accomplishments of her sons, grandchildren, and the many nieces, nephews and other relatives that she has left behind. Cremation has taken place at Grogan Funeral Home and a service and celebration of her life will be held in the spring. The date and time of the celebration will be announced by the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Lake County Hospice, your choice of cancer societies or youth programs. Condolences may also be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Lorraine
Jessie McDonald White Lorraine always put her family first in her life; husband Bob and two sons Galen McDonald and Pete White, along with their families. She lived a simple life along side Bob, running and managing the family meat packing company. Lorraine enjoyed making and beading moccasins and gloves. She loved to be outdoors, some of her favorite past times were fishing steelhead on the Salmon River and playing with her three Qene's: Mackenzie, Kyler and Meagan. In high school, Lorraine was an accomplished basketball player and cheerleader while attending school in St. Ignatius. She graduated from high school and attended Haskell Indian Nations University in Kansas, studying in dental assistance. Lorraine loved to take pictures of everyone; she loved to watch her boys as they grew into men and had families of their own. There was never a hungry mouth when Lorraine was around. She always made time to help family and friends who might need her kindness. In the summer, alongside Bob, they would regularly feed up to 20 people or more at a time. She loved to cook; no matter what she was doing she always put her heart and soul into it. Along with being a loving wife and mother she was also a rodeo secretary. She ran the entire business end of the rodeos her family had a hand in. Her job was stressful and strenuous, but that's what she loved to do. Being organized and hard working was just who she was. There wasn't a place she had ever been where no one knew her. Lorraine was loved by everyone she met. Lorraine is preceded in death by her grandparents; her father, Louie McDonald; brothers, Billy; Pat; and Baby Doug; and sister, Ruby McDonald. Lorraine is survived by her husband, Bob; her son Galen (Niki) McDonald and Qene's Mackenzie, Kyler and Meagan; and son Pete (Shanna) White. Lorraine is also survived by her mother, Felicite McDonald; sisters, Clara Charlo, Maxine McDonald, Vi (Ron) Trahan, Joyce (Gordon) Schliep and Lisa (Joe) Frost; her brothers, Ben, Louie, Arnie (Andrea) and Phillip (Monique) McDonald. Lorraine was auntie to several nieces and nephews. Clement
William (Bill) Bourdon - "Whistling Elk" Bill was born on December 20, 1933 in St. Ignatius,. to Columbus F. Bourdon, Sr. and Ursula (Vinson) Bourdon. Bill attended the Ursaline School in St. Ignatius. He joined the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War, achieving the rank of Sergeant. After his honorable military discharge he returned to the Mission Valley. Bill married the love of his life Mary Ann Ford Altman in 1967. He welcomed her and raised her seven children as his own. In addition, Bill and Mary Ann brought two loving sons, Willie and Art, into this world. Bill worked various jobs to support his large family. He always made sure to keep everyone in his family fed. Bill worked at Indian Health Service, Dupuis Lumber, Pack River Sawmill and eventually went to work at Salish Kootenai College. Bill worked at SKC as the Maintenance Supervisor for over 30 years. Bill was an avid hunter and shared his game with many in the community. Fall was his favorite time of the year and when his neck would swell, it was time to go hunting and camp in Valley Creek. He loved to watch his kids and grandchildren play sports and attended their games. He was a loyal New York Yankees fan and also supported the Lady Griz. Bill was a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and a member of the Tribal Veterans Honor Guard. Bill was proud of his Baptist faith and his sobriety. He was a man of prayer for his loved ones and humanity. He was a founding member of the Pablo Baptist Church when it began in 1991. In fact, the church began in Bill and Mary Ann's home in Pablo. The library in the church is named after his wife Mary Ann Bourdon. As an active part of his faith, Bill would travel with Pastor Kenny to other reservations to help with the other churches. "Uncle Bill" loved and was loved by many. He was always there to provide love and support for each of those lives he touched dearly. One couldn't help but return the friendship and affection he gave. The college community respected and admired him and is deeply affected by the passing of this great man. He is preceded in death by his loving wife Mary Ann, his parents, four brothers and two sisters. He is survived by his nine children: Willie (Lorraine) Bourdon of Ronan; Art (Staci) Bourdon of Pablo; Ken (Debbi) Altman of St. Regis; Steve (Gail) Altman of Polson; Becky Altman of Mullan, Idaho; Janet ( Don) Munn of Polson; Diane (Cecil) Mattingly of Fremont, Utah; Bruce Altman of Pablo; Alex (Cindy) Altman of Finley Point; 19 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Visitation will be held on Wed., Jan. 23 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday, Jan. 24 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Grogan Funeral Home in Polson. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, Jan. 25 at 1 p.m. at the Joe McDonald Health and Athletic Center on the SKC Campus, with Pastor Kenny Prewett officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Polson. A reception will follow graveside services at the Pablo Baptist Church. 3 Ave and 6th Street. Memorials may be made to the Pablo Baptist Church, PO Box 68, Pablo, MT 59855 Condolences may also be made to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Wesley
Lowell Jones Wes was born on January 30, 1919 in Klawoch, Alaska near the Pacific Ocean. His early days were spent in Ketchikan, Alaska and he was a proud member of the Tlingit Indian Tribe. He had numerous brothers and sisters. Wesley was a decorated Army Veteran of World War II. He entered the Army on January 10, 1942 at Ft. Ray, Alaska and separated from the service on December 13, 1945. Upon discharge, Wes received the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, the World War II Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Ribbon Medal. He was a Technical Sergeant in the Harbor Craft Detachment. Wesley spent some of his adult years in Alaska and Montana. When Wes was fifty-one, he met the love of his life, and present wife Marjorie A. Noel Jones. They were married in April 1970 and remained married for 37 years. The joy of Wes's life was their daughter, Jody. Through his live, Wes enjoyed deep-sea fishing in Alaska, laborer work, and highway construction work. Wes was content to mow the lawn on his riding lawnmower at Turtle Lake. One of Wes' favorite pastimes was giving his grandchildren rides on his lawnmower. He enjoyed pow-wows, driving in the mountains, and spending time with his grandchildren and family. He was preceded in death by his parents and a first wife, Mabel Dupuis Jones. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie, his daughters Jody Jones and her children Kelsie Jones, Ridge, Malia and Lucas Vanderburg, Jeanne (George) Christopher and her children Melissa Jones, Joseph (Korrie) Christopher and James Christopher, Julie (Brian) Johnson and their children Cassandra (David) Riley and Boone (Samantha) Johnson and Teresa (Tom) Wall-McDonald and children Andrea, Katie, Erin, Christopher and Noah McDonald. Wes also had eight great-grandchildren Alex and Avery Jones, Lauren, Ethan, Bruin and Mason Christopher, Benjamin McDonald and Sky Dustybull-McDonald. In recent years Wes's health declined. Yet, he retained his good spirit, handsome smile and quiet sense of humor. Since Wes was such a private man, the family will not have a public viewing. The family asks that all remember his twinkling eyes and wide smile. A memorial service will be held on Friday January 25 at 11 a.m. at Grogan Funeral Home. A reception will follow the services at Grogan Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Gerry
Byrl Weivoda Gerry was born in Bancroft, Idaho on April 28, 1936 to Koral and Dick McLain. The family moved to the Polson area in 1945 where she attended and graduated from Polson High School in 1954. While attending high school, Gerry was proud to have been a Candy Striper at the St. Joseph Hospital. In August 1954 she married Wallace Weivoda and they made their home in Ronan and later in Polson. They raised five children and their kids' close friends and countless tag alongs. All those who entered Gerry's home left with a full stomach; a good night's sleep and laundered clothes. Wally and Gerry owned and operated the Gambles Store on Main Street in Polson for 13 years, where they forged lifelong relationships with many residents of Lake County and the surrounding areas. Gerry owned the Kut-n-Kurl Beauty Shop in Polson from 1972 go1993 before turning the keys over to her daughter, Bev. Upon retiring in 1980 Gerry and Wally became snowbirds and were Las Vegas residents during the winter months. The first season they tried the Airstream life, but gave up and bought a condo instead. Gerry's love for hummingbirds was evident both inside and outside the family home. She leaves behind so many close friends and had such an outpouring of concern, love and visitors that it left the family dizzy at times. This year marks the 29th year in which Gerry's life was afflicted with cancer of one sort or another. She fought a courageous battle and will be an inspiration to us all. The love of her life was her family and she treasured the frequent gatherings that they held. She wasn't satisfied until all bellies were filled and the dishes were done. She was preceded in death by her grandson,Christopher Craig Weivoda; parents Dick and Koral McLain; and grandparents: Ray and Maude Kelly of Polson and David and Loretta McLain of Bancroft, ID. She is survived by her loving husband Wallace of Pablo; her children: Leonard Combs of California, Beverly and Dewey Richards of Pablo, Deborah Weivoda of Pablo, Chuck and Carolyn Weivoda of Pablo and Michael and Pamela Weivoda of Polson. She is also survived by grandchildren: Sgt. Justin Borders, Blake Richards, Charmel (Shawn) Sternick, Koral (Pat) Haggard, Brianna Weivoda (Fiancé-Brad Rowe) and Anthony Weivoda; great grandchild, Haislea Sternick; brother; David "Ray" (Jeannie) McLain of Polson; sister Adrienne (Rick) Smith of Pablo; and numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving her is Aunt Virda McAtee of Twin Falls, ID, who held a special place in Gerry's heart and was more of a sister to her. A service and celebration of her life will be held at a later date this spring. Time and date will be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Cheerful Hearts, Lake County Council on Aging, Lake County Hospice and St. Luke Hospital. Condolences may also be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Carol
Marie (Dellwo) Kleidosty She was born to Henry and Rose Dellwo, August 19, 1940 in Ronan. She met the love of her life, John Alvin Kleidotsy, at age 15 in Seeley Lake. Their marriage was blessed with two sons; John Avin Jr. and Thomas Alan. Carol's husband and son Thomas preceded her death, as well as her firstt granddaughter, Carly; her parents; grand parents Nick and Regina Dellwo; Rudolf and Sophie Otto and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews. She is survived by her son John A. Kleidosty, Jr. and family of Hayden Lake, ID; her sister Yvonne (Rusty) Cordier of Ronan and family. Terry (Dave) Orr; Jim (Joyce) Cordier; Dalene (Frank) Homan Scott (Colleen) Cordier (Terri Jo) Cordier and her brother Tom (Sandy) Dellwo of Seeley Lake and family; Mike (Joan) Dellwo; Dean (Gerri) Dellwo; and Theresa (Jeff) Christiansen of Great Falls. She is also survived by her cat Sassie and her dear and loyal friends, who helped Carol in so many ways, after she learned of her illness - thank you from the bottom of my heart to Marcia Strandlof, Dale McDaniels, Millie Alseth and all her other friends in Hot Springs. Carol's last 20 days of life was spent with her sister Yvonne, in Ronan. At her request, there is no service and her ashes will join her husband to be spread at her special location. Laura
Morigeau Matte During her early education years, she attended a boarding school operated by the Ursuline Nuns in St. Ignatius. At age l2, she and a couple of sisters, went to an Indian boarding school in Rapid City, SD, and stayed for three years before coming home. During that time, she tried to run away but got caught downtown. After she was home for a couple of years, she and two sisters, were sent to boarding school at Chemawa, in Salem, OR. She met her husband, Joseph E. Matte, a Gros Ventres Indian from Fort Belknap while at Chemawa; they were married October ll, l934. After their marriage, their honeymoon was a three-day trip driving back to Flathead country. Her husband was eventually employed with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and they lived most of their lives at the old Dixon Agency until his retirement. They raised five children in the years they lived at the old Agency. After Joe's retirement, they moved with their youngest daughter, Sara, to Blue Bay on Flathead Lake, to live in the log house they had built together. Their home was the favorite gathering place for their extended family, many friends and relatives and will continue to be. Laura was a proud member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Indian Reservation. Because of her interest in the Tribes, she got more involved in tribal affairs by running for the Tribal Council. She became the second woman to serve on the Council but she was the first woman elected to a full-term. She was very proud of her daughters' graduating from college, as well as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren continuing on in college because education was a very important factor for her. She was also very proud of her grandchildren working for the CS&K Tribes and other Indian entities in the Northwest. Some of her other pastimes were spent fishing, hunting, crafting, sewing, beading and socializing. As the first Indian bartender on the reservation, she worked for Belle Holt and Rose (Wagner) Bailey who both at one time were individual owners of the 4-Star Bar in Ravalli. She was the first Avon Lady in the area and also sold Stanley Brush products. She and her sister, Alma Luedtke, operated a small café in Ravalli in the '60's before she ran for Tribal Council. Laura and her husband, Joe, were Montana snowbirds. Every winter, they would travel to Tucson, AZ, to stay with their daughter, Diane, Ed and two children, Joe and Laura. While there, they would take side trips to Mexico and other tourist spots throughout the Southwest. In more recent years, Laura continued to winter in Arizona. She loved going to the local casinos to play the slot machines and her favorite game, bingo. She also enjoyed shopping and just letting the "dry heat" warm her bones. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60-plus years; her son, Wayne; parents, five brothers and four sisters; sons-in-law, David Lipscomb and G. Kirk Samsel; grandson, John Lipscomb; and two great-grandsons, Jeremy and Dillon Lipscomb. She is survived by her sister, Alma Luedtke, Ronan; four daughters, Joan Samsel, Polson; Carol Lipscomb, St. Ignatius; Diane (Ed) Simmons, Tucson, AZ; and Sara (Robert) Matte-Wilber, Poolesville, MD. She has 11 grandchildren: Frances, Suzanne, Richard and George Gates; Laura (Steve) Bermel; Brian (Allyson) Lipscomb; Daniel (Alicia) Lipscomb; Laura (Mike) Mitchell; Joseph (Liana) Simmons; Sasha and Christopher Wilber; and l4 great-grandchildren, Nicole Samsel; Tim, Bethany and Emily Bermel; Jacob, Caitlin and Jenna Lipscomb, Jared and Candace Neiss; Benjamin and Taylor (Trista) Lipscomb; Chelsea and Tate Lipscomb; last but not least, Madison Mitchell. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and a former sister-in-law Phyllis Piper, and card-playing partner Stella Janison. Traditional wake services will begin at the Longhouse in St. Ignatius, Saturday, January l9. Rosary will be on Sunday, January 20, at 7 p.m at the Longhouse, and funeral Mass will be Monday, January 2l, at 11 a.m., at the St. Ignatius Catholic Church; burial will follow at the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be pallbearers as she travels on to her final resting place. She's probably swinging from a star saying, "Look where I am now!" We love you and will miss you, Mom. Grogan Funeral Home, Polson, is assisting in arrangements and condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Eneas
Eugene Conko, Sr. Eneas was born on January 13, 1946 to Louise Adams and William Conko in Worley, Idaho. He was raised by his mother and grandparents, Sophie and Eneas Conko. He later went to Worley, Idaho with his Uncle Francis and Auntie Margaret. He attended school at Worley High School where he earned his diploma. Worley was a good time for Eneas and there are many stories that could be told of his days there. Eneas was a proud Marine and often talked about his experiences in Vietnam. When he returned from the Marines, he married Kathleen Barnaby and went to school in the Dakotas where he received his Criminal Justice Degree. After his schooling he lived in Worley, Moses Lake, WA, and on the Flathead Reservation where he worked for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and for his brother John's business, Iron Horse Fencing. Eneas enjoyed watching basketball and football. He did not like hunting or fishing; he'd rather visit friends and speak his language. He was very social and loved to visit, tell jokes and laugh around. He is going to be missed so much by his family and friends. We all loved and cared for him. Eneas was preceded in death by Louise Adams Conko, William Conko, Margaret Friedlander, Christine "Peewee" Conko, Anthony Paul, Duane Pierre, Jeanette Conko Torosian and Mary Agnes Conko. Survivors include his wife Kathy of Ronan; his children Nicolette (Pat) Conko, Inya (Vanessa) Conko, Shanna (Zeno) Conko, DJ (Monica) Omingo and Simone Joseph; siblings Ellen Hendrickx, Millie Camel, John (Linda) Conko and Harold Paul; his 13 grandchildren and his tupeye, Makaelah; and his friend and longtime caregiver Charlotte "Babe" Rose. Gordon
Coe He delighted in taking time to talk, listen, and joke with everyone he met, being particularly fond of politics and social issues. If he wasn't listening and talking, he was avidly people watching. He supported Native American tribal sovereignty and advocated for the oppressed. A self-described iconoclast, he challenged others to think independently, to question and resist the dominant paradigm, and to recognize the interconnection and sanctity of the earth and all her inhabitants. He walked this world in his own time and rhythm, savoring his moments, until a lengthy battle with prostate cancer pulled him from us on January 11. He is survived by his mother, Vivia Coe; his long-time companion and wife, Eloise Wiebe; his four children, Mark, Robin, Tammerly, and Jordan; six grandchildren and a plethora of loving and supportive friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Home Options Care Hospice of Flathead County, 751-4200. Francis
J. "Frank" Lucara He was born on May 28, 1919 at Red Lodge under the backdrop of the Beartooth Mountains. Born to Joseph and Anna Lucara of Northern Italy, Francis was the last of three brothers and three sisters. His childhood was spent in the beautiful countryside of Red Lodge. This is where Frank flourished. He hunted, he fished, he schooled, and he grew up, all this with his favorite dog "Snuggles." Frank married the "love of his life", his high school sweetheart, his compliment, his best friend, Miss Sylvia Vivian Koski, on September 16, 1940 in Helena. Throughout his life, she has been constantly at his side. Frank and Vivian moved in 1942 to San Rafael, CA, where he worked as an apprentice carpenter. Then, with the outbreak of WWII, he went to work in the Shipyards. After the war was over, they ventured back to Montana, where they built their life together with their four children. As time went, that adventuresome Frank went into the soft water business in Powell, Wyoming. Then he decided that briquettes would be his next game. So on to Polson in 1960, that adventure led to a career at Plum Creek Timber. He retired from Plum Creek in 1981. Now he decided to be a gardener and garlic should be his game and garlic he grew and grew. For several years he grew and sold garlic to many of Polson's residents and passing tourists. From garlic, to goats and to wine making, Frank had many, many talents. He loved woodworking and built everything his mind could conjure up, from houses to furniture; he loved carpentry. His children and many others have enjoyed his handiwork. Many of us have a Francis classic, the signature stool. Frank "fished the fish" and "built the built" the things that made him a happy man at heart. It was during this time that he really got the sense of serving his Creator, Jehovah God, as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Sylvia Vivian; his son, Francis David (Luella) Lucara; his daughters, Anita (Virgil) Peek; Lynette (Virgil) Dupuis; Vondanette Holland; sister, Elizabeth (Henry) Hodnik; 11 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 11, 2008 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. Arrangements for the family are being taken care of by Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com. So this is how it is from the beginning to the end, with the hope for him to start life all over again. |
