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Clark E. LaRance
Clark E. LaRance, age 40, died Friday, Oct. 25, 2002, in Willows, Calif.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held in Conrad at 2 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, at the Conrad Mission Church. Pondera Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.
Clark was born Jan. 18, 1962, in Conrad to Joe and Audrey LaRance. He attended school in Conrad and Bardy. He worked as a ranch hand before beginning his career as a long haul truck driver. He worked for Mazger Trucking in Arbuckle, Calif., at the time of his death.
Survivors include his parents; a son, Travis LaRance of Joliet; a brother, Mark Fitzgerald of Conrad; a sister, Julie Navarro of Helena; four nephews, one niece and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
John P. Twichel
Missoula - John P. "Jack" Twichel, 75, of Missoula passed away Monday, Nov. 4, 2002, at St. Patrick Hospital of natural causes. He was born Aug. 13, 1927, in St. Ignatius to Mark and Helena (Rampsberger) Twichel.
Jack was raised and educated in St. Ignatius. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WWII and served with the Navy Seabees. After returning from the service, Jack married
Jean Brison in St. Ignatius on June 1, 1947.
He owned and operated his own propane company in Plains from 1959 to 1967, at which time he sold the company to Cal Gas. Jack continued working for them as a regional manager out of Billings, Helena and Spokane until his retirement in 1987. Jack and Jean lived in Billings after his retirement until moving to Missoula in 1991.
Jack was a past commander of the VFW Post #3596 in Plains and a member of Pope John XXIII Catholic Church in Missoula.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Harold and Kenneth Twichel, and two sisters, Vivian Young and Marie T. Lee.
He is survived by his wife, Jean of Missoula; two sons, Brent Twichel and wife, Peggy, of Laurel, and Michael Twichel and wife, Gena, of Lakeside, Calif.; one brother, Tom Twichel and wife, Marilyn, of Helena; four grandchildren, J.D. Twichel of Port Orchard, Wash., Sarah Twichel of Bozeman, Kelly Twichel and Mike Tyler, both of Lakeside; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Mass of the resurrection will be celebrated on Thursday, Nov. 7, at 10 a.m. at Pope John XXIII Catholic Church with burial to follow at Old St. Mary's cemetery. There will be a reception following the committal services at the church. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Garden City Funeral Home and Crematory.
Robert I. Lefler
Robert I. Lefler, 69, of Helena, died Oct. 28, 2002, of natural causes. He was born July 1, 1933, in Los Angeles to the late Harold I. and Helen E. Lefler. Robert was a Korean War Veteran.
Being self-employed for most of his life, Robert sold outdoor sporting equipment and was a professional glass blower who created many unique designs. He was also a professional stilt walker and participated in various events as an 11-foot tall person. During the early 60s he worked in the Berkley Pit for the Anaconda Copper Mining Company.
Robert was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed volunteering for the Salvation Army many years ago in Helena, and various other charities.
Survivors include daughters, Robin Mecca of Helena, Terri Lewis of Elko, Nev., Cindy Lefler of Dryden, Mich., and Sherry Shoup of Butte; sons, John Lefler of Elko and Rod Lefler of Coeur d' Alene, Idaho; a sister, Merle Lupien of Helena; 16 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two nieces and one nephew.
Military graveside services will be held Wednesday, Nov. 6, at noon from the State Veterans cemetery at Fort Harrison with Lewis and Clark Veteran's Council. Hagler-Anderson Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.
Jesse Clifford 'J.C.' Taapken Sr.
Jesse Clifford "J.C." Taapken Sr., age 62, of Jefferson City died on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2002, in Billings of natural causes.
J.C. was born on Sept. 12, 1940, in Petersburg, Ill., to Russell W. and Edith J. (Lowe) Taapken. On Oct. 7, 1978, J.C. married
Ellycia Diane "Lish" Furman in Alexandria, Ind. J.C. served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and worked for 15 1/2 years at the Apollo Gold Corporation (MTMI) in Jefferson City.
Auctioneering, the Beer Booth at the East Helena Rodeo, playing harmonica, playing the keno machines, party time at the Cribbage Board in Jefferson City and fishing were activities that J.C. enjoyed very much. He was also involved with the Jefferson County and East Helena Valley Rodeo Associations, VFW in Indiana, the NRA, and the Indiana Auctioneer's Association.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Russell and Norville Taapken, and a sister, Betty.
Survivors include his wife Ellycia "Lish" of Jefferson City; children, Jesse C. Taapken Jr. of Rawlings, Wyo., Randy L. Taapken of Beardstown, Ill., Tony R. Taapken of Elkhart, Ind., Michael W. Taapken of Billings, and Lisa Fortney of Georgetown, Ill.; step-children, Dale J. Ferguson of E. Chicago, Ind., Roxanne L. Ferguson of Buchanan, Ga., and Caryn J. Eaton of Highland, Ind.; brothers, W.J. "Bud" Taapken of Pleasant Plains, Ill., and William Taapken of Chandlerville, Ill.; sisters, Bertha Ratleph and June, both of Tennessee; 15 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Graveside services with military honors by the Lewis & Clark Veterans Council will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, at the Montana State Veterans cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Jefferson City Volunteer Fire Department or to an organization of the donor's choice.
Retz Funeral Home is caring for arrangements.
Charles R. Peters
Charles R. Peters, age 77, of Wolf Creek, died Nov. 14, 2002, at Rocky Mountain Care Center.
Born on March 12, 1925, in Marion, Ohio, to Floyd and Alice Peters, Charles served as a navigator in WWII and received a mechanical engineer’s master’s degree from Ohio State in 1951. On June 20, 1948, Charles married
Anna Evelyn Winslow in Ohio.
Charles had his private pilot’s license, was a general contractor, and retired and moved with Evelyn to Montana in 1993 where he pursued his passion for fishing and hunting while building their home.
Charles is preceded in death by his parents, Floyd M. Peters and Alice Hurley Lindsey; and granddaughter Babe Rollins.
Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Evelyn; sons, Rick of Atlantic City, NJ, Victor and Roger of Tuscon, Ariz., and Timothy of Wolf Creek; daughter, Nancy, of Elyria, Ohio; 6 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.
Private family services will be held at a later date.
Retz Funeral Home is caring for arrangements.
Bessie Lee
Bessie Lee, 104, six-year resident of Big Sky Care Center in Helena, died Friday, Nov. 15, 2002, peacefully in her sleep at St. Peter's Hospital.
Bessie was born Aug. 4, 1898, to Eliga and Minnie Cowin in Cleaver County, Ark. On June 3, 1914, Bessie married
the love of her life, Martin Lee, in Rugby, N.D.
Bessie, Martin and their six children lived in Wolf Creek. After Martin retired they moved to Kooskia, Idaho, and then returned to Helena in the late 1960s.
Bessie will be missed for her love of family and her great sense of humor.
Bessie was preceded in death by her husband, Martin; sons Earl and George; and daughters Florence, Lillie and Viola.
Survivors include daughter Violet Mergenthaler and her husband, Glen; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Martin Kottke, Don Everard, Chris Jelmberg, Josh Jelmberg, Gil Jelmberg and Lloyd Everard.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 18, 2002, at Retz Funeral Home with interment to follow at Forestvale cemetery. A reception will be held at The Waterford (915 Saddle Drive, Helena) following the interment.
Lillian Rose (Gerlach) Guisti
Lillian Rose (Gerlach) Guisti, 84, of Stockett, Mont., died Nov. 16, 2002, at the Benefis Skilled Nursing Facility.
Lillian was born in Stockett on Aug. 25, 1918, and raised on the family ranch outside of Stockett. On Sept. 2, 1939, she married
Rinaldo Guisti. She was a homemaker who enjoyed crocheting, gardening, reading, taking bus trips with the senior citizens, and going out to dinner with family and friends.
She is survived by daughters Sharon Korin of Great Falls and Linda Ganno of Helena; sons Ron, Brian and Randy Guisti of Stockett; and 18 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rinaldo; a daughter, Charlene LaRonde; a grandson, Casey Guisti; and a great-grandson, Mathew Yuhas.
Memorials may be sent to the Alzheimer Association, Centerville Senior Citizens, the American Cancer Society or the Humane Society.
Services are set for 11 a.m. Nov. 20 in the Rose Room at Croxford and Sons Funeral Home in Great Falls. Interment is in Highland cemetery.
Mom is now at peace. We know that she again has a twinkle in her eyes, a mischievous grin and heartfelt laughter. We will always love you.
Danny Scott Rushford
Danny Scott Rushford, age 43, of Belgrade, died unexpectedly on Nov. 13, 2002, surrounded by friends and family. Danny was born in Helena, July 27, 1959, to Richard and Bonnie (Bernhardt) Rushford. He graduated from Helena High School in 1979. He married
Jan Francis in 1991. They lived in the Helena area where he worked for Buttery for 15 years as a meat cutter. During this time he also ran his own wild game meat shop where he forged many friendships and was highly respected. He moved to the Bozeman area in 1995 where he worked for County Market as a meat manager. Dan has four beautiful children. He was a Christian man and a very loving father. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He was Jan's "Mr. Fixit" and the kids' personal jungle gym. He was a man who enjoyed the outdoors and looked forward to teaching his kids how to hunt and fish.
He was preceded in death by his father, Dick, and grandparents, Bernice Lambkins, and Ed and Eleanor Bernhardt. He is survived by his wife, Jan, and Danny's four children: Dustin, age 20, Patricea, age 8, Isaiah, age 3, and Quincy, age 1. Also surviving are his mother, Bonnie Bailey; sister, Sherry Rushford; and brothers Steve (Ginny) and Rich (Diane); all are from the Helena area. Numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews also survive Danny.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 18, 2002, at Retz Funeral Home with a time of fellowship and visitation to follow. Pastor John Marks of Abundant Life Church in Bozeman will be officiating. A private family interment will take place at Forestvale cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Hearts and Homes, 3316 W. Babcock, Bozeman, MT 59718.
John Downs
A husband, father, servant, counselor, professor of psychology and doctor of trees....On Nov. 15, one of the mighty oaks of our community, John Downs, passed peacefully and restfully from our hands to His, immersed in the love of his family and the prayers of our community.
The seed of that oak germinated 60 years ago here in Helena. John was born on April 15, 1942, the fourth of five children of Harry and Caroline Downs. His 96-year-old mother, as well as siblings Harry, Tom, Carol and Diane, survive him and spent the past weeks by John's side.
The seedlings' roots webbed the streets and trails in and around Helena. As a child, John was an altar boy and a paper boy, at the Marlin Theater on Saturday and singing in the Cathedral Boys Choir on Sunday. As an adolescent, John led the Cathedral Greenies as quarterback, honing his agility by dodging the rulers so deftly wielded by the nuns who endeavored to keep him in line.
John first joined the Carroll College community in the fall of 1960, entering as both a scrappy nose guard and a quiet pre-seminary student. It was not until his junior year as a prebuck when a ranch girl from Geyser studying nursing at Carroll helped John appreciate that his calling was elsewhere. John and Barbara first dated in 1963, he first asked for her hand in 1965, and a year later she accepted. The mighty oak received a brace, foundation and purpose that would forever sustain him, and theirs has been a life of continuing courtship, friendship and love.
Summers during college were spent in the back hills and mountains of our state while working for the Forest Service. Throughout those summers, and continuing to the present, he was inseparable from Tom, his brother and best friend (other than Barb).
John and Barb started their life together in Whitefish, where John worked as a counselor and teacher at Whitefish High School. While in Whitefish, Lisa, their first of six children, was born. Their second, Theresa, was born while John was in graduate school at Central Washington University in Ellensburg. John served as the resident assistant of the men's dorm, meaning that Barb was charged with caring for John, two kids and a building full of young men.
After receiving his master's degree from Central Washington, John and Barb returned to Helena, where their roots were already firmly planted. John began working at Carroll College as a counselor, and spent the next 33 years at Carroll serving as a counselor and professor of psychology. And over the years, their family grew to eight, with the addition of Shawn, Dan, Katy and Kelli.
The academic year was spent planting and nurturing seeds of thought, while the summers were spent trimming and removing the old growth. With Barb as his assistant, John would shimmy high into the boughs and branches throughout Helena's neighborhoods, trimming and removing branches and trees. They never advertised and rarely set a price for their labor.
John's life is defined by his commitment to family, faith, Carroll College and the community.
First and foremost, John was a husband and father. John was a fixture at Helena High sporting events for well over a decade, as he actively participated in the lives of each of his children. Evenings were spent around the kitchen table, playing games and sharing laughter. Weekends were spent as a family, Mom packing a picnic and Dad loading up the van and dragging the kids on one more hike.
Each of John's six kids - Kelli, Katy, Dan, Shawn, Theresa and Lisa - know that their father loved them as unique and independent individuals, and that the primary concern in his life was making certain they were happy in theirs . . . And each of the six children will forever carry the torch lit by their father, an energy brightly burning in their souls, and radiating outward through their eyes and smiles.
Second, John was a servant. John didn't practice his faith, he lived it. He envisioned retirement as an opportunity to spend more time volunteering, never acknowledging that his was already a life of service. John lived simply and deliberately. Wealth was measured not by what he accumulated, but by what he could provide others. And value was placed on hiking and picnics, not on clothes or vacations. Every morning, as his six children walked out the door for school, John would simply counsel, "Be a servant today."
Third, John was a part of a very special learning environment, touched by the lives of all he encountered at Carroll. During his adolescent psychology class, John would shed tears speaking of his children as he inspired his students to create a better world for theirs. For the thousands of students who connected with John, his instruction and counsel were provided as much at his office or his family's dinner table as in the lecture hall. And John looked forward every day to sharing a cup of coffee in the faculty room, eating a doughnut with the maintenance crew, and finding a place in the sun to read and visit with others.
Fourth, John's roots touched so many areas of this community in which he was raised, lived, and, ultimately, died of leukemia. Whether viewed as the college professor, the guy who cut down trees, the counselor who helped heal wounds of the heart, or the father of six wonderful children, all were hats he wore proudly. Few harsh words have been spoken of John in this community, for harsh words never passed his lips in reference to others.
John is survived by his wife and children, two daughters-in-law and two sons-in-laws, five grandchildren (with one more on the way), his two brothers and two sisters, Barb's parents and siblings, 33 nieces and nephews and their families. John made each feel as though they were uniquely special to him . . . and they are. His teachings and example will live on through his family, friends and loved ones.
A vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 18, 2002, at the Cathedral of St. Helena. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2002, at the Cathedral of St. Helena.
In lieu of flowers, please write a note and send a card to someone in your community who has touched your life. At the family's request, memorials can be sent to a college scholarship fund for psychology students established in John's name, the John Downs Endowment Scholarship Fund, Carroll College, 1601 N. Benton Ave., Helena, MT 59601, or the Cancer Treatment Center of St. Peter's, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601.
Doris A. Wanamaker
Doris A. Wanamaker, 84, of Helena died early Friday evening, Oct. 4, 2002, at St. Peter's Hospital following an extended illness. She was born Jan. 19, 1918, in Helena to the late Jacob and Mary (DeBorde) Wanamaker. She attended local schools.
Doris worked at a variety of businesses where she served as a bookkeeper. Most recently she was working for the Montana State Highway department as a bookkeeper.
Survivors include her brother, Richard W. Gross of Walla Walla, Wash., and several nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service is planned for Thursday, Oct. 10, at 11 a.m. from Hagler-Anderson Chapel with the Rev. Bill Mullette-Bauer officiating. Private interment of cremated remains will be at Forestvale cemetery. Family prefers memorials to Montana Hope Project, P.O. Box 5927, Helena, MT 59604, or to St. Peter's Hospital Foundation, 2475 Winne, Helena, MT 59601. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hagler-Anderson Funeral Home.
