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Robert 'Bob' T. LeMieux
Robert "Bob" T. LeMieux, 75, died of natural causes Oct. 16, 2003, at Peace Hospice Residence in Great Falls.
Bob was born May 13, 1928, in La Crosse, Wis.
He married
Beverly Hippe on April 9, 1955, in Williston, N.D.
Bob attended the North Dakota School for the Deaf and Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., where he received his bachelors degree. He later received his masters degree from California State University at Northridge.
Following his education, he worked as a printer in Washington, D.C., moving to Great Falls, where he worked at the Great Falls Tribune. He later worked as a teacher for the Montana School of the Deaf and Blind for 31 years. He also taught hunter safety for 30 years and received an honorary award for his service. He taught drivers education for 22 years.
Bob was a leader in the deaf community in Montana. He was a tireless, energetic lobbyist for the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind and its students as well as the deaf community of Montana, holding numerous civic positions in various organizations.
His hobbies included lapidary and gemology, golfing, skiing, camping and traveling. He also loved to read, and his passion was spending time with his family. Bob was an educator who had a strong desire to learn throughout his life.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Helen Knutson.
Survivors include his wife, Beverly LeMieux of Great Falls; daughters, Jan (Rick) LeMieux Nelson of Helena, Brenda LeMieux of Great Falls, and Darcie LeMieux of Beaverton, Ore.; sisters, DeVona (Josiah) Blaisdell of Sun City West, Ariz., LeRita Knight of Missoula, and Marian English of Hood River, Ore.; brothers, Allen (Lucille) LeMieux of Boulder, Mont., and Paul Blaine LeMieux of Vancouver, Wash.; two grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will take place Monday, Oct. 20, at 11 a.m. Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.
Memorials are suggested to Montana Association of the Deaf or the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind Foundation.
Vara Jones Pyfer
With typical strength and dignity Vara Jones Pyfer passed away on Sept. 30, 2003, from an aortic aneurysm.
She was born on Nov. 27, 1917, to Edward Benjamin (Ward) Jones and Nova Shank Jones at the family ranch near Challis, Idaho. She graduated from Challis High School in 1935 and served as the draft board clerk of Custer County, Idaho. Her desire for further education never ceased even during World War II as she attended night classes in Pocatello, Idaho, and Berkley, Calif. While in California she worked at the Quarter Master Corps in Oakland, Calif. She married
Lloyd A Pyfer on Aug. 31, 1942 in Berkley.
After Lloyd was discharged from the Army Air Corps in 1945, he and Vara returned to Three Forks to live on the family ranch on the Old Trident Road. She was a homemaker and long-time active 4-H leader on local and county levels. She worked with youth groups during her child rearing days. In later years she was active with VFW and American Legion Auxiliaries, Three Forks Senior Center, United Methodist Church and Montana Association for Blind and Low Vision. Vara was always there to do what was needed for others. She loved working outside and took great pleasure in her success with plants. She had lifelong enjoyment for books and collecting.
Vara will be greatly missed by daughters and son-in-laws, Vicki and Allen Veltkamp of Three Forks; Linda and Pete Griego, Mead, Wash.; Terry and Bob McAnally, Poplar, and son Tom Pyfer, Elgin, Okla.; 14 grandchildren and 10 and one half great-grandchildren; sisters Idafaye and Harvey Sauvageau of Caldwell, Idaho; Velma and Ovid Guay of Elk Park; and brother Verl and Hattie Jones of Challis, Idaho, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Clark and Mary Pyfer of East Helena; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death include her husband of 52 years, infant son, daughter-in-law Mary Ann Pyfer, son Randy Pyfer and brother Val Jones.
Interment of ashes was Oct 4, at Sunset Memorial Gardens. A memorial service of mourning, hope and sharing followed at the Three Forks United Methodist Church with Pastor Linda Fritz officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Varas name may be made to the Three Forks United Methodist Elevator Fund, Headwaters Historical Museum, Three Forks Library of charity of donors choice.
Denise Roe Welch
Townsend - - Former Lewiston, Idaho, resident Denise Roe Welch died Monday, Nov. 3, 2003, of complications of renal failure at St. Peters Hospital in Helena. She was 47.
She was born March 12, 1956, to Jim and Mary Ann Roe in Coeur dAlene, Idaho. The family moved to Lewiston where she grew up and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1974. Denise rose above her many disabilities as a result of an automobile accident in 1977.
She was a gourmet cook, and she and her brother, Mike, would prepare a free Thanksgiving dinner for the people of Townsend in their restaurant The Mint. She was an avid animal lover and people lover. Over the years she traveled extensively, including Japan and Hawaii, and went on cruises. Denise married
Shane Welch May 17, 1997, at Coeur dAlene, and they made their home in Townsend.
Survivors include her husband at their home in Townsend; her mother and stepfather, Mary Ann and Harold Stelljes; a sister and brother-in-law, Sherry and Ron Lyons; a brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Rosa Roe; four stepsisters and their families, Deanna Squires, Leslie Roberts, Terri Law and Debbie Ruchert, all of Lewiston; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father. The funeral is 2 p.m. Saturday at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Townsend with Pastor Rob Gohl officiating.
Arrangements are under the direction of Connors Funeral Home in Townsend. A memorial service will be held in Lewiston at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Tri-State Dialysis Center, 1221 Highland, P.O. Box 189, Clarkston, St. Peters Hospital Dialysis in Helena or the Humane Society.
Kenneth A. Tyler
Dr. Kenneth Aloysius Tyler of 30 Circle Court Drive, Clancy, died Friday, Nov. 7, 2003, at St. Peters Hospital. He was 91 years old.
He was born on April 2, 1912, in Kalispell to Frank L. and Florence (Sheehy) Tyler. His primary education was in both Kalispell and Ithaca, N.Y. He attended Cornell University and received his B.S. degree in 1934, and later his M.D. degree from Cornell University Medical College in 1937. He met and later married
Aileen N. Tyler in New York City in June 1937.
Dr. Tyler had a general private practice in Boulder from 1938 to 1941. At the same time, he was a part time staff physician at the Boulder River School and Hospital. Later, he became a staff physician at the Montana State Tuberculosis Hospital (from 1941-1945). From there, he moved on to become the first and only medical director of the Idaho State Tuberculosis Hospital. He held this position for 24 years (1946-1970). He retired, but served as the administrator for the Montana State Tuberculosis Hospital from 1970 to 1975.
Dr. Tyler had many hobbies, which included traveling, fly-fishing, reading, fly-fishing, viewing wildlife and fly-fishing. He was very active in his community, and one of the founding members of the St. Joseph Mission of Montana Association. He was a member of both the American Medical Association and the Montana Medical Association.
While Dr. Tylers wife of 59 years preceded him in March 1996, he is survived by his son Arthur and his wife, Toi Tyler of Clancy, his daughter Patricia and her husband, Leigh Kelley of Shoshone, Idaho, and his daughter, Barbara and her husband, Dale Miller of Albany, Ore. He has 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to extend their thanks to the doctors and staff at St. Peters Hospital, especially those associated with the CCU/ICU, as well as all who prayed for him during his illness.
Visitation will begin at noon Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2003, at Retz Funeral Home. Rosary services will be Wednesday, 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, at the funeral home, followed by burial at St. Anns cemetery in East Helena.
Donna Thompson
ANACONDA - - Memorial services for Mrs. Donna Thompson, age 66, will be conducted from the Hope Lutheran Church, Tuesday morning, Nov. 18, 2003, at 11 a.m. with Pastors Steven Olson and Ted Hamann officiating. Inurnment will be in Sunset Memorial Garden of Helena at a later date.
She passed away Friday evening, Nov. 14, 2003, at her Anaconda residence with her family at her side. Donna fought a courageous battle against leukemia for the past 15 years.
Donna Rae was born on April 14, 1937, in Helena. A daughter of Clark Fredrick and Esther J. (Swanson) Clausen. She was raised and educated in Helena, graduating from Helena High School.
On Oct. 7, 1961, she married
Joseph Dale Thompson at the Lutheran Church in Kalispell. Donna lived in several communities in Montana; Helena, Bozeman, Butte, Great Falls, Hamilton and Anaconda. In Anaconda, Donna was the founder and established the PCA Family Resource Center, where she served as executive director. She received several recognitions for her work. In 1994 Donna was the first recipient of the Montana Governors Celebration of Children Award.
Donna loved children. She was very committed to her family, her relationship with God, her ministry and developing Anaconda PCA. She enjoyed working with crafts. Donna was a member of the Hope Lutheran Church.
Memorial donations in lieu of flowers are requested to Anaconda PCA and/or Hope Lutheran Church in her memory.
She is survived by her husband, Joe, at the family home; two daughters and sons-in-law, Joby and Jon Morgan of Minneapolis, Traci and Bruce Vatne of Auburn, Wash.; two grandchildren, Erik and Sarah Vatne; a sister and brother-in-law, Darleen and Nick Anderson of Helena. A special cousin raised by the family, Joe Crabtree and wife, Nancy, of Missoula.
Donna was preceded in death by her daughter, Beth, who died when she was 5 years old and her parents.
Services and cremation are under the care of the KT Riddle Funeral Homes, Anaconda.
Rita M. Jahnke
LITTLETON, CO - - Rita M. Jahnke, (Rita Kinshella) age 80, died of complications of Alzheimers on Monday, Nov. 17, 2003, at Cherrelyn Healthcare Center.
A memorial Mass will be held at Our Lady Of Lourdes Catholic Church, 409 13th St. S., Great Falls, on Dec. 6, at 1:30 p.m. with a reception to follow.
Rita was preceded in death by her husbands, Leo Kinshella in 1979 and Dick Jahnke in 2001.
Survivors include her sons, Paul in Phoenix, Rick in Denver, Dan in Houston and Dale in Ashburn, Va.; her sister, Theresa Wanlin in Kelowna, B.C.; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Rita was born Aug. 11, 1923, in Ponteix, Sask., to Louis and Rosa DeMontigny. She married
Leo Kinshella Jan. 31, 1946. Rita and Leo raised their family in Whitewater where she operated the general store and served as the communitys postmaster for many years. She moved to Wolf Creek in 1972 and served as postmaster until her retirement in 1985.
She was an active member of the Catholic parishes in Whitewater and Wolf Creek. In her retirement, she enjoyed spending winters in Yuma, Ariz., and summers on the Missouri River.
Memorials may be made in Rita Jahnkes name to the Alzheimers Research Center, 640 Jackson St., Saint Paul, MN 55101, (800) 229-2872.
Linda Skelly
Walinda "Linda" Irene Skelly, age 90, of Helena went to be with the Lord on Nov. 18, 2003. Linda was born on Oct. 20, 1913, in Blue Grass, N.D., to Andrew Bauer and Adelgunde (Ruede) Bauer. She was the oldest of seven children. She attended school in Blue Grass before coming to Helena in 1935. She worked as a housekeeper for Dr. Flynn of Helena after which she moved to St. Paul, Minn., for one year.
She returned to Helena, and shortly thereafter, she met Edwin Skelly, also of Helena. They were married
on Oct. 11, 1941. Edwin and Linda had three children, Carol, Kathleen and Daniel.
Linda worked for Anthonys and McDonald Department Stores, retiring in 1985. She enjoyed church activities, Womens Club, baking, quilting and gardening. Her husband, Edwin went to be with the Lord in 1990. She moved to the Waterford on Saddle Drive in August 1997. She moved to Big Sky Care Center in April 2002.
She is survived by her children, Carol Skelly of Helena, Kathleen (Skelly) and son-in-law Robert Aguilera, of Santa Barbara, Calif., Daniel and daughter-in-law Arlene Skelly, of Simi Valley, Calif.; her brothers, Kurt Bauer of Salem, Ore., Walton, Martin and Roy Bauer, of Bismarck, N.D.; and her four grandchildren, Troy, Tiffany, Todd Aguilera and Andrew Skelly, all of California.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Edwin; parents Andrew and Adelgund Bauer; a sister, Lillian, and brother Aaron.
Viewing will be from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23, at Retz Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 24, at the First Lutheran Church, with interment to follow at Forestvale cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the First Lutheran Church School, 2231 E. Broadway, Helena, MT 59601.
Anne W. Patrick
The beautiful smile and warm laugh of Anne W. Patrick were stilled on Nov. 11, 2003, after a brief illness.
Her life began in Corry, Pa., on Dec. 27, 1914, as the third and youngest daughter of Robert and Anna Wolford. During her youth she developed the wit, skills and compassion that would serve her well throughout her life. Self discipline with a quick mind earned her an early high school graduation and then a degree in teaching from Edinboro State College in Pennsylvania. A gift for writing poetry and a resolute desire to win at playing cards helped pay her way through college. After graduating, she began her teaching career in a one room rural school and later taught in Erie. During this time she also pursued interests ranging from becoming a pilot to earning a certificate in engineering drafting. She also traveled as much as her finances would allow and had a genuine appreciation for the diversity of our country.
After caring for her parents and settling their estates, in 1946 Anne accepted a teaching position in Hawaii. On her way, she stopped in Montana to spend the summer with her sister Margaret Fortune. During this visit she met Chase Patrick and on Aug. 8, 1947, they were married
in St. Peters Cathedral in Helena. She never saw Hawaii.
Anne firmly believed that their three children should have a stay-at-home mother, but after they all reached school age she returned to teaching. She was qualified to teach kindergarten through grade 12, but preferred primary grades and taught both full time and as a substitute. Some former students may remember her as Mrs. "Pickles."
Annes teaching skills werent limited to the classroom and extended to the Girl Scouts and 4-H in support of her childrens interests. She also supported Chases political career as a Montana legislator, and his pursuit of civic improvements.
After retirement, Anne continued to inspire the best in everything and every one she touched. Her commitment to her family was complete, her love unconditional, and her beautiful smile and wonderful laugh unforgettable. Anne will be forever missed by all who loved her.
Anne was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Lelia Vashey and Margaret Fortune Patenaude Clarke, and one nephew, Robert H. Vashey. She is survived by her husband Chase Patrick; two daughters, Sheila Forsythe of Ohio and Noelle Patrick of California; one son, Thomas C. Patrick, currently in the Philippines; three grandchildren, Michelle Shauer of California, Karl Shauer of Ohio, and Kelly Patrick of California, who shares the same birthday as her gramma and is pictured here.
The family would appreciate memorial donations be sent to any of the following charities: Lewis and Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455 Helena, MT 59604 ; National Alzheimer Assn., Montana Chapter, 3010 11th Ave. N., Billings, MT 59101 and the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 122, Helena, MT 59604,
Private services have been held and a memorial remembrance gathering will be held on Friday, Nov. 21 between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Jorgensons Meeting Room, 1720 11th Ave., Helena. Local arrangements were entrusted to Hagler-Anderson Funeral Home.
Steven Philip Schacht
Steven Philip Schacht died from colon cancer Nov. 21, 2003, in his home in Helena surrounded by loved ones. Steve was born Dec. 30, 1960, in Chicago.
Steve attended the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks where he earned a B.A. (1985) and M.A. (1988) in sociology. He then went on to earn a Ph.D. in sociology at Colorado State University in Fort Collins in 1990. Upon graduation, Steve held a series of visiting professorships at a number of Universities including Montana State University. In 1998 he accepted a tenure-track position in sociology at Plattsburgh State University of New York and this past year he was granted tenure and promoted to full professor.
He is survived by his soul mate Lisa Underwood, his father Phil and stepmother Sue Schacht (Spruce Creek, Fla.) and his brother Jim Schacht (Bloomington, Minn.).
Steve requests that all memorials be sent to: Oppressionstudies.com, c/o Lisa Underwood, 307 Geddis Street, Helena, MT 59601.
Leo F. Gustin
Leo F. Gustin, a licensed public accountant for 51 years, passed away Nov. 21, 2003, in Helena. He was 82 years old. Formerly of Bismarck, N.D., he was born Sept. 12, 1921, to Ferdinand Gustin and Katherine Eckroth in Flasher, N.D.
In 1942 he joined the Army and served in the Persian Gulf Command. In October 1945, he was honorably discharged from the active military and then joined the Army Reserve, where he attained the rank of captain.
He began his accounting career in 1945, and 10 years later formed a partnership with Carl Person in Bismarck. After Persons retirement, Leo was a sole practitioner until his retirement in 1996.
Leo was an active member in the parish of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Bismarck and was involved in several community organizations. He was president and director of the North Dakota Society of Public Accountants; President of the Bismarck Exchange Club; state marshal of the Knights of Columbus; state commander of the Catholic War Veterans; president and district governor of the Serra Club, as well as a member of the American Legion, the 40 & 8, Elks, VFW and others. He also served on the board of directors of several Bismarck businesses.
He enjoyed all sports and his 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was a member of the Bismarck St. Marys Booster Club as well as a shareholder in the Boston Celtics and Green Bay Packers. Leo was an avid fan of the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame and the Boston Red Sox.
On Sept. 1, 1947, Leo married
Polly (Pudge) Stephenson. They were blessed with six children: Mary Kay (Dan) Mitzel, Wahpeton, N.D.; Jon R. "Jake" (Karol) Gustin, Helena; Nancy C. (Michael) Etchingham, Bozeman; Stephen L. Gustin, Watertown, Mass.; Joseph D. Gustin, Great Falls; and Thomas M. (Lori) Gustin, Helena.
Preceding him in death were his parents, sisters Ida, Pauline, Margaret and Agnes, and brother Albert. He is survived by his widow, brothers Alphonse, The Rev. Theodore and sisters Rose, Anne, Blondina and Patty.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 29, at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Bismarck, followed by burial with full military honors at St. Marys cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Gods Child Project, P.O. Box 1573, Bismarck, N.D. 58502, or a charity of the donors choice. Retz Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
