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Melissa Weaver
We lost our beloved Melissa on June 27, 2010, in a tragic accident. She died with three friends during one of her many adventures on a beautiful, summer day in Western Montana. Melissa was born on March 21, 1987, in Rochester, Minn., the first child of Dan and Kathy Weaver. She moved with her parents to Arizona and New Jersey before settling with her family in Billings in July of 1992. She attended Poly Drive Elementary School, Lewis and Clark Middle School and Billings Senior High School, graduating with honors in 2005. During her high school years, Melissa competed on the varsity tennis team, performed as a majorette and played violin in the school orchestra. Melissa loved to sing and was a part of the youth choir at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church for many years. Melissa graduated cum laude with a bachelor of arts in print journalism from the School of Journalism and a second major in psychology from the University of Montana in May 2009. Melissa was a University Scholar with distinction through the Davidson Honors College. In December 2009, she began work as a reporter journalist for the Daily Inter Lake in Kalispell. Melissa was a truly beautiful young lady with a wonderful sense of humor. Her smile would light up the room and was both contagious and comforting. She was an incredible daughter, sister, grandaughter and friend who touched the lives of all who knew her. Her wit was quick and she had a wonderful spirit: Melissa always said yes to life. She was an intelligent and energetic young woman who loved to ski, travel, write and explore the great outdoors. Melissa always gave 110 percent to everything that she did. Her dad taught her that desire and passion are the keys to success in both achievement and life. Melissa personified these ideals. She was never afraid to try new things and was always ready for another exciting adventure. She shared her mother s love of cooking and her kitchen was always stocked with delicious, freshly baked goods. Melissa was a very thoughtful, kind and caring young lady who always took exceptional care of everyone she knew, especially her family. She was a true joy in our lives and was an inspiration to us all. We will never forget her, will always love and miss her, and feel blessed to have known her for 23 years. As usual, Mellie, you are bravely leading the way. Melissa is survived by her loving parents, Dan and Kathy; sisters, Sarah and Emily; brother, Joseph; uncle and godfather, David, and Traci Weaver; uncle, Ben Weaver; aunt and godmother, Lisa Weaver; aunt, Terry Higgins; aunt, Carol, and Stevan Nelson; grandpapa, Walt, and Joann Weaver; grandmother, Jane Weaver; grandmother, Joan Bell; and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her beloved grandfather, Carl Bell. The Weaver family would like to extend sincere appreciation to law enforcement in Flathead, Sanders, and Lake counties for their efforts and compassion involved in this difficult search and rescue effort. Special thanks also to the Blaine family and countless friends and neighbors who have gone far beyond the call of duty in supporting us during this difficult time. The outpouring of thoughts and prayers for Melissa and our family have made this more bearable for us. We love you all! Viewing will occur from noon to 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 8, at Dahl Funeral Chapel in Billings. Vigil service and rosary are planned for 7 p.m. Friday, July 9, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 10, also at St. Thomas, with graveside committal and interment at Holy Cross cemetery immediately to follow. Memorials can be made to either the scholarship fund established in Melissa s name at the University of Montana or Catholic Relief Services.
Wallace Ellsworth 'Moe' Foster, 87
Wallace Ellsworth "Moe" Foster, 87, has flown west. Wally Foster passed away on June 29, 2010, in Mobridge, S.D., after a fine day of fishing with his friend and companion Bert Kasper. He was born on Sept. 28, 1922, in Littlefork, Minn. He first came to Montana when he was 15 working on a farm in Plentywood, then returned to Minnesota to finish school. After completing school, he came back to Montana to work in the timber industry. He joined the Navy in 1942 and married
his high school sweetheart, Alma Kjemperud in December of that year. Alma was working as Rosie the Riveter for the Douglas Aircraft Company in Long Beach, Calif. Due to his experience with heavy equipment Wally was assigned to the Seabees (US Navy Construction Battalion). After building runways in Gander, Newfoundland and Goose Bay, Labrador, he landed on Omaha Beach the day after D-Day driving his D6 Caterpillar. The British Army had no heavy equipment or operators, and as a result, Wally was attached to Montgomery s British First Army and traveled all the way through Belgium and Germany until the end of the war. Upon being discharged, he returned to Littlefork, spending a short period of time before moving to Montana with Alma and his son Dennis, who was born while he was away. He worked for Woods and Dempsey as a logger and moved on to American Timber Company, and in 1948, to Royal Logging, working for Holly Larson. In 1948 a second son, Richard, also joined the family, followed in 1951 by a daughter, Vicki. Wally resigned as the Logging Superintendent for Royal Logging after 27 years of service. During this period Wally earned his pilot s license. He continued flying into his 70s and his love of aviation lasted the rest of his life. Wally went to work for Foster Construction, headed by his son Dennis, and shortly thereafter, Dick joined them. He was still participating in the company up until age 85. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ira and Stella; his wife, Alma; his sister, Jeannie; his brother, Ray; and two grandsons, Ryan and Chris. He is survived by his companion, Bert Kasper; his sister, Iris Byrne of Missoula; Dennis and Barbara Foster of Somers; Dick and Tammy Foster of Whitefish; Vicki and Doug Bader of Castle Rock, Colo.; six granddaughters; and seven great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 6, at Christ Lutheran Church in Whitefish. Donations can be made to the Hoo Hoo Club Needy Children s Fund, P.O. Box 129, Somers, MT 59932, or to the charity of your choice.
Warren C. Sparks Sparling, 91
Warren C. Sparks Sparling, 91, passed away early Sunday morning, July 18, 2010, at his home in Kalispell. He was born on June 22, 1919, in Kalispell, to James and Bernice (LaRue) Sparling. Warren attended Kalispell schools, graduating from Flathead County High School. He married
his high school sweetheart, Adeline Larson and together they had one son, Robert David Sparling. Warren served in the military as a lieutenant in the Army during World War II. He was a partner in the family business of the American Timber Co., for most of his career. Warren was very involved in Bethlehem Lutheran Church, singing tenor in the choir for many years, and serving as the congregation president. Playing his guitar, he formed and led a boys choir at the church and was a faithful supporter of the outreach in his giving. Another outreach of his giving was to the Lutheran Bible Institute of Issaquah, Wash., where he served on the board. It is now known as the Trinity Lutheran College of Everett, Wash. Warren and Adeline loved to travel and went on many cruises and trips. They loved to fish and spent time with their son, Bob, and his wife, Sharon, salmon fishing on Vancouver Island and also on golfing trips in Oregon. Bob and Sharon went on some of their cruises with them. Their grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought much joy to their lives. Papa Hataburn as he was affectionately called by his family was always teasing, making up stories and singing songs. His families have many wonderful memories of times at the Flathead Lake cabin. Christmas always found Warren with his Santa uniform and a bag of gifts. Adeline passed away suddenly two days after Christmas this past year and life hadn t been so good for him since then. His Home Option s care givers (who have become like family) tried their best to bring joy into his days and we are so thankful to them. We are also grateful to Sharon Askelson for her care of their home and yard and loving care to their needs for 20 years. Warren is survived by his son, Robert Sparling, and wife, Sharon, of Tacoma, Wash.; granddaughter, Kathy Lumsden, and husband, Terry, of Olalla, Wash., and their two children, Jennifer and Thomas; granddaughter, Jill Scherrer, and husband, Scott, of Post Falls, Idaho, and their daughter, Stephanie; grandson, Bruce Sparling, and wife, Cindy, of Tacoma, and their two children, Jack and Isabel. He is also survived by a sister, Ruth Darnell, of Gig Harbor, Wash.; a brother-in-law, Hollister Larson, of Kalispell; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Warren will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 24, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church with Pastor Debra Abbott officiating. Preceding the service, a brief graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. for family and friends, at C.E. Conrad Memorial cemetery. The family suggests memorial gifts be given to the Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp, 603 S. Main St., Kalispell, MT 59901. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Warren s family.
Dean Maxwell Flansaas, 72
Dean Maxwell Flansaas was born in Malta on Jan. 31, 1938. Dean was one of seven sons born to Nels and Alma Flansaas. He was a lifelong Montana resident and served in the Air Force. Dean enjoyed the outdoors and spent time fishing, camping and hiking throughout the Flathead Valley. He managed Columbia Paint in Kalispell for over 30 years. He passed away July 1, 2010. He is survived by his wife, Audrey; his children, Debbie Thompson of Colorado, Sharon Applegate of Kalispell, Wendy Flansaas of Washington, D.C., Linda Brooks of Michigan and Kaylee Barton of Phoenix. Dean enjoyed children and has a large extended family, including John Mothershead, Jerry Mothershead, Jeffrey Scott, Edward Carter, Benjamin and Shaunda Salo of Kalispell, Frank Salo of Missoula, Tena and Josh Racki of Great Falls, and Brenda and Michael Huekhang of Kalispell. Grandkids include Kassandra Thompson of Colorado, Ali and Max Applegate of Kalispell, Isaac Brooks of Michigan, Ashley and Maegan Roberts, Julia, Brianna and Nathan Salo, Christopher, Trina, Kara and Annalise Salo, Jeremy Schrock, and Elise and Luke Huekhang. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Floyd, Nels, Joseph, Roy and Frances, as well as Joseph Salo, and an infant son, James. Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 6, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Glacier Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite children s charity.
Florence M. Moore, 96
Florence M. Moore, 96, affectionately known as Flo, passed away peacefully June 18, 2010, in Missoula. Flo was born Florence Mellem on June 7, 1914, in Rosewood, Minn., and had four brothers and three sisters. Flo originally came to Somers in 1935 to care for her ill sister s children. During that time she met and married
Cecil A. Ripke and had daughter Myrna and son Terry. After the passing of Cecil, Flo supported her family in a variety of ways; she worked in the Kalispell Hospital and later, during World War II, she was a Rosie the Riveter building Liberty ships in the Portland shipyards. During that time she worked high up on the superstructures and when asked if she was afraid of heights responded, A little, but at least up here nothing can hit me in the head! In 1947, Flo married
Boyd Shearwood. They settled in Spokane and had daughter Diane. In 1965 she married
the love of her life, Edward Park Moore, and settled in Bremerton, Wash. Although they were only married
a short time before Ed s passing, they had a wonderful and romantic marriage. After the passing of her beloved husband Ed, she became involved in several ladies groups and starting traveling the world whenever possible with her good friend Arna by her side. You never knew where Flo and Arna would be off to next; A safari in Africa? A bullfight in Spain? Vegas, Hawaii, Mexico? A cruise? They did it all and more, and had a wonderful time! Flo was endowed with a natural sense of empathy and a wonderful sense of humor that made her loved by everyone she met. She will be greatly missed. Flo was preceded in death by brothers, Alvin, Clarence, Roy and Vernon Mellem; as well as sisters, Pearl Mellem Bangeman and Myrtle Mellem Thoreson. Flo is survived by her sister, Joyce Neilson, of Libby; daughter, Myrna Hocking, of Bigfork; and son, Terry Ripke, and daughter, Diane Fullerton, both of Missoula. Flo had seven grandchildren, Jim, Vicki, Kevin, Janine, Melissa, Scott and Chad; as well as 18 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchilren. Flo will be buried in Bremerton beside her beloved Ed. A memorial will follow in August in Bigfork.
Marion 'Tommy' Carlson, 92
Marion Tommy Carlson, of Missoula, passed away on Friday, July 2, 2010, of natural causes. She was born on Aug. 25, 1917, in Max Bass, N.D. to August and Elizabeth Arndt. She grew up in rural North Dakota with her seven brothers and sisters. She graduated from Minot State Teachers College in 1938, where she reigned as Homecoming Queen in 1937. On Aug. 24, 1940, she married
her college sweetheart, Donald David Carlson. They had three children, David, Susan and James, and were happily married
for 68 years. Tommy was a teacher for many years and always devoted time to her family and friends. She was an avid bridge player, seamstress and quilter, and she loved the game of golf. She even had two holes in one to her credit! She was a snappy dresser who was known for the matching ribbon around her collar. She is survived by her daughter, Susan; her son, James and wife, Marilyn; her grandchildren, Jacque Harris, Heidi Hanks and husband, Aaron, Lisa Jahraus and husband, Steve, Amy Peterson and husband, Eric, Megan Carlson, and Kim Nelson and husband, Nick; and her great-grandchildren, Ryan, Katelyn and Sarah Hanks. Tommy was preceded in death by her parents; her seven siblings; her husband, Don; and her son, David. Services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 7, at Atonement Lutheran Church, with a reception at the church to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp, 603 Main St., Kalispell, MT 59901.
Dorothy Mary Voermans, 91
Dorothy Mary Voermans, 91, peacefully passed away on June 30, 2010, in Whitefish. She was born Aug. 22, 1918, in Elbowoods, N.D., the eldest of Margaret and William Voigt s seven children. Dorothy attended school at the Indian Mission in Elbowoods. In 1935, after hard times and drought, the family loaded up the Model A and a trailer fashioned like a covered wagon and headed west. Friends in this area welcomed them Times were tough and Dorothy worked for several families as a nanny and hired girl, sharing her wages with her folks. One job was working for Nellie Van Aken Raiber who just happened to be the sister of Andy Voermans. They were married
June 10, 1939 and Dorothy joined Andy at the Meadow Brook Dairy east of Whitefish, where they later transitioned into farming. They raised their three children there, Marlene (Dwayne) Becker, Margaret Margo Voermans, and Andrew Bill (Marsha) Voermans. After Andy passed away in 1968, Dorothy remained active on the farm. She spent many wonderful days with grandchildren Douglas Stevens, Kevin Becker, Ryan Voermans, Cody (Dulcie) Voermans, and Holly (Tom) Manning; and her great-grandchildren, Lane and Kyler Voermans, and Mason Manning. Dorothy was preceded in death by Andy; grandson, Ryan Voermans; son-in-law, Jerry Stevens; and siblings, Irene (Bud) Knapton, Hildegard (Bob) McClurg, William (Dee) Voigt, Vincent (Merle) Voigt, Norbert (Flossy) Voigt, and Leona (Pat) Frerich. Dorothy loved to shop, walk, hook rugs and crewel embroider, and travel, until macular degeneration limited them. Talking books became very important to her and the Montana Talking Book Library sent her over 3400 books in nearly 20 years. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Montana Talking Book Library, P.O. Box 201800, Helena, MT 59620-1800, or a charity of your choice. A visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday, July 5, at the Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish. A rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, July 5, at the Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 6, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Whitefish, Father Pat Patton officiating. Burial will follow at Glacier Memorial Gardens in Kalispell.
Valicity Lee Faith, 5
Our dear princess Valicity Lee Faith was taken on angel wings with her crown to heaven on July 6, 2010, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Valicity was born Jan. 21, 2005, to two of the most beautiful parents, Joshua and Candeta Faith, and a wonderful big brother, Dominick Faith. Valicity had a contagious smile and laugh that pulled at everyone s heart strings. She loved many things in life, from socializing with friends to traveling, gardening and shopping with Mom, working and playing with Dad, or tormenting and playing with her bubby. She was at her highest glory when she was outdoors with all of its natural beauties. Valicity, until we meet again leaves grandparents, Meredith and Dean Faith of Kalispell; aunt, Cora and uncle, Karl Mauldin; cousins, Kayden, Petra and Arlo of Bend, Ore.; grandparents, Jennifer and Larry Wilke; uncle, Sonny and aunt, Beverly Wilke, cousins Matt and Mike of Columbia Falls; great- grandparents, and numerous extended aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Valicity is our shining star, the butterfly on our shoulder, the flutter of angel wings. With her crown, our brave little princess has been graced with wings. She now watches over the ones who stood guard and cared so vigilantly for her. We will miss our princess so very much and will hold close the memories of the times we shared. A celebration of Valicity s life will be held at 2 p.m. July 17, at the Woll Family Farm, 3707 Lower Valley Road, Kalispell, followed by a princess potluck.
Lorraine Odell Henry, 81
Lorraine Odell Henry passed away at home in Post Falls, Idaho, on June 27, 2010. She was born on May 31, 1929, to Maxwell and Cailla (Brenna) Ove in Charlson, N.D. She moved to Post Falls in November of 2006 after spending 41 years in Alaska with her husband, Elwood. By that time, she had retired from the commercial insurance industry as a vice president. Lorraine was a member of the Peace Lutheran Church in Coeur d Alene. She enjoyed jewelry-making, crocheting, golf, embroidery and spending time with her eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Lorraine is survived by her sons, Barry Henry, of Yucaipa, Calif., and Lonnie Henry of Enumclaw, Wash.; and daughter, Julie Leadbetter, of Denver. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elwood Henry, in September 2005. Contributions can be made to the National Brain Tumor Society, www.braintumor.org. Memorial services will be held 2 p.m. Monday, July 5, at Peace Lutheran Church, 618 Wallace Ave., Coeur d Alene. English Funeral Chapel, Post Falls, was in charge of the final arrangements.
Charles L. 'Chuck' Samuelson
At the age of 79, Charles L. 'Chuck' Samuelson At the age of 79, Charles L. Chuck Samuelson went to be with his Savior on Thursday, July 15, 2010, after a five-year battle with lung cancer. Chuck was born on June 6, 1931, in Maynard, Iowa, to Nicholas G. and Ardath (Conrad) Samuelson and was the youngest of four brothers. He was raised on an Iowa farm into his high school years. He attended college in northeast Iowa. Chuck worked and later managed a retail lumber yard. He then served in the U.S. Army from 1952 until 1954, with 16 months in Korea. After military service he returned to a retail lumber business. In 1952, Chuck married
Elaine R. Matthias at Klinger Lutheran Church in Readlyn, Iowa. In 1957, Chuck, Elaine and daughter, Suzanne, moved to Columbia Falls, where Chuck was employed at the Plum Creek mill. In 1958, he accepted a job with the U.S. Forest Service and moved to the Condon Ranger Station in the Swan Valley. During the first year, a second daughter, Lori Jean, was born. In 1964, Chuck and family transferred to the Bigfork Ranger Station, serving first as fire dispatcher, later promoted to fire management officer, then retired in 1985. This was followed by 20 years of carpentry and construction work and traveling by motorcycle with his wife Elaine and numerous motorcycling friends. Chuck was faithful and devoted to family and whatever he did. He always strived to do his best, whether it was work, volunteering or enjoyment. Chuck enjoyed his family and grandchildren, as well as hunting, ice fishing, canoeing, woodworking, carpentry and construction, forestry and gardening. He especially enjoyed motorcycle touring and camping around the western United States and east to the Mississippi River and Canadian provinces with motorcycle club friends. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Kalispell, Montanans for Multiple Use, Glacier Wings Motorcycle Club, Gold Wing Touring Association, and was a member of the Dirt Bags, a large men s weekly Bible Study group in Bigfork. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Philip and Thomas Samuelson. He is survived by his wife, Elaine, of Bigfork; and two daughters, Suzanne Newgard and husband, B.J., and their son Brandon, and Lori Jean Strodbeck and husband, Mark, and their daughter Leslie and husband Skyler McKinzie, all of Kalispell; and a brother, James Samuelson, and wife, Leila, of Yuma, Ariz. Memorial services for Chuck will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 24, at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Mark Cutler officiating. The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church, 400 W. California St., Kalispell, MT 59901; or Montanans for Multiple Use, or Home Options Hospice, 430 Windward Way Suite 100, Kalispell, MT 59901. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Chuck s family.
Scott Zimmerman, 59
Scott Zimmerman, 59, passed away on Saturday, July 10, 2010, at his home in Columbia Falls. Scott was born on May 15, 1951, in Cut Bank, to Earl and Joan (Morgan) Zimmerman. Scott graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 1969 and went to work at the Aluminum Plant where he worked right up until its closing. He also owned a farm where he harvested wheat and barley, and raised cows. He enjoyed traveling, road trips, motorcycle riding, hunting, fishing and woodworking. He loved spending time with his family and grandkids and was known for his great sense of humor. Scott will be remembered by his family as a wonderful dad and grandpa. Scott was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his son, Jason, and Jennifer Zimmerman, and his daughter, Amy, and Jeff Tucker, all of Spokane; sister, Beth, and Alan McDonald, of Columbia Falls; and four grandchildren, Aiden Tucker, Gavin Tucker, Josie Vasquez and Lily Zimmerman. Graveside urn services for Scott will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 16, at Fairview cemetery. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Columbia Mortuary is caring for Scott s family.
Adelyn Lois Luther, 90
Adelyn Lois Luther, a resident of Bigfork and Singer Island, Fla., passed away on June 23, 2010, of natural causes in Kalispell, at the age of 90. Adelyn was born on June 3, 1920, the daughter of Ira and Mary (Bransky) Coplin, in Chicago, but spent the majority of her life in Minneapolis. In October of 1940, she married
Maurice Gordon and they had two children, Richard Dick and Patti. She was widowed in 1967 and married
Charles Luther in 1970. Adelyn lived life to the fullest and will be remembered as a savvy businesswoman, philanthropist and world traveler. A woman of independence, confidence and strong will, Adelyn worked hard in her life and showed great pride in the success of the business, Cardinal Glass Industries, started by her husband Maurice Gordon. She remained chairman of the board of Cardinal Glass until her death. In her later years she turned her focus toward philanthropy, supporting medical research at the Mayo Clinic and Duke University Medical Center. Adelyn loved to laugh, was always looking for a good joke and was especially gifted at making a short story long. With an enduring zest for life, she particularly enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandson in Montana and Hawaii. She is survived by her children, Dick Gordon and Cheryl Watkins of Whitefish, and Patti Pastor and Joe of Bigfork; stepson, Mark Luther of Minneapolis; granddaughters, Monica Pastor of Whitefish, Alicia Pastor Hollis and Daniel of Sun Valley, Idaho, and Greer Gordon of Whitefish; and great-grandson, Teague McDonald, of Whitefish. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Adelyn s family.
