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Sharon Watson
Sharon Redding Watson, age 66, of Broadus passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2009 at the Powder River Manor in Broadus.
Sharon Redding Watson was born February 20, 1943 at Lewistown, MT. She attended school in Hardin and worked as a waitress and as a nurses' aide. Sharon was married
to Don Watson until their divorce in the 1960's.
Sharon was confined to a wheelchair since 1977 when she was a victim of assault. She resided in two nursing homes in Billings until making her home at Powder River Manor, Broadus, since March 21, 1995.
Sharon was a member of First Baptist Church of Broadus. She has one son, Ronald Watson of Florida.
Her interests included sorting her huge collection of jewelry, passing out candy to children who visited the Manor, and playing "Name that Tune" when volunteers played piano music. She was very good at remembering titles of old songs. She also enjoyed the music of Alan Jackson and Vince Gill. At the time of her death, a trip to hear Vince Gill in concert was being planned.
Sharon is survived by her son Ron of Panama City, Florida; one grand-daughter, Candace; one great-grandchild; one niece, Selenna Moehr of Hysham; and her guardian, Kathy Biesheuvel of Broadus.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Mabel Redding Staehnke; her father, Hardy Redding; one brother, Steve; and one son, Wayne.
Her many friends, especially the staff at Powder River Manor, will miss her teasing, her sharp wit, her jokes, and her ready smile.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 at 11:00 am at the First Baptist Church in Broadus. Visitation will begin prior to the funeral service at 9:00am. Interment will be held on Wednesday, at 3:00 pm at the Hardin Fairview cemetery in Hardin.
Terry Gierke
Terry LaVern Gierke, age 51, of Miles City passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2009 at his home in Miles City.
Terry LaVern Gierke was born on May, 3rd 1957 to Robert W. (Bud) Gierke and Marjorie Ann (Bruner) Gierke in Anaconda, MT. Shortly after Terry was born, the family relocated to Polson, MT. In 1964 the Gierke family left Polson and settled in Miles City, MT where Terry spent almost his whole life. Terry eventually graduated from Chinook High School in 1976.
After high school Terry began working in the oil and natural resource exploration industry as a seismographer for Grant Geophysical Inc. During this period Terry worked and traveled extensively in the western United States. Over the years as a seismographer Terry encountered a colorful cast of characters who developed into lifelong friends. It was also during this period that Terry met the love of his life, Katie Grieman Gierke of Glendive, MT. Terry and Katie were married
on the 8th of August 1981 in Miles City, MT. On February 2, 1982 Terry and Katie's first son Casey Grant Gierke was born in Miles City. By the time Katie was pregnant for the second time the young family was finally ready to put down roots so they bought a modest house just east of Miles City. Shortly thereafter, on the 21st of September 1983 their second son Coby Robert Gierke was born.
Around this time Terry began work for Portable Pavers Inc., a Miles City, MT based road construction company. Terry worked seasonally as a heavy equipment operator and spent winters with his growing family. His work in the summer months brought Terry all over Montana, always meeting new people and making friends along the way. Winter months gave Terry the opportunity to spend time with friends and explore the country with his family. Long, cross county drives and flights took Terry and his family to all corners of the nation.
Terry's compassion for those around him was demonstrated time and again as he repeatedly came to the aid of those in need around him. Be it caring for sick family members, providing meals, financial assistance, and transportation to anyone who could use it, Terry's love and sincere generosity was felt by many. Terry will also be remembered fondly for his great hospitality and open door policy. Many wayward friends and loved ones were welcomed into Terry and Katie's home with open arms and without notice.
There were no strangers in Terry's world. Newcomers quickly became engaged in conversation with Terry, who could talk about just about anything with anybody. Terry's joyful and colorful side was often on display during his infrequent appearances at Montana Bar. The people Terry met along the path of his life rarely forgot his adventurous style and exuberant zest for life. Terry lived his life as a celebration and his infectious passion for fun could not be stopped from spreading to those around him. Terry was a well known figure in eastern Montana and could often be found entertaining crowds or piloting his RV to the perfect Main Street parking spot during the Bucking Horse Sale. The love and joy that Terry brought to the lives of the many people whom he knew will be missed greatly. The forge that produced the man so many of us knew and loved was broken immediately after his birth; his unique character is of irreplaceable value. It is with very heavy hearts that we wish him the same happiness in death that he shared with so many of us in life.
Terry is survived by two sons: Coby Robert Gierke of Bozeman, MT; and Casey Grant Gierke who is teaching English in Brazil; his father, Robert 'Bud' Gierke of Miles City, MT; three brothers: Bill (Patty) Gierke of Tunnell City, WI; Rick McFall of Mandan, ND; and Bob McFall of Bismarck, ND; four sisters: Debra (Wayne) Torgerson of Antelope, MT; Patricia Ward of Miles City, MT; Kathie Zoller of Bismarck, ND; and Melody (Bob) Hanson of Bismarck, ND; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marjorie; wife, Katie; sister, Barb Smith; and a brother Daniel at birth.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2009 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 24, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Miles City. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Emmanuel Lutheran cemetery in Bloomfield, MT. Friends and family will meet at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home at 9:30 a.m. to proceed to the cemetery together.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the family of Terry Gierke to be designated at a later date.
Christopher Mangen
Christopher Mangen, age 79 of Broadus, Montana passed away on Saturday, November 22, 2008 at St. Vincent Health Care in Billings.
Chris was born on August 19, 1929 on the family ranch in the Kingsley Community north of Broadus.
He attended country schools for three years and then the Mangens moved to Broadus where he graduated from Powder River County High School. Following his schooling, Chris worked for Braley construction in Broadus. Next he worked at P.R. Motors. On June 12, 1950 Chris and Loretta Jensen were united in marriage at the First Lutheran Church in Miles City. The couple lived in town for about 8 years where their children were all born. Chris’ dad owned 2 sections of land and Chris bought out his brothers’ shares of the ranch. However, he continued working at the Ford garage until 1958. At that time Chris bought a section of land that had a house the family could live in and they moved to a ranch north of Broadus. Chris began his ranching career by raising sheep. After a spring storm, in which a majority of the sheep were lost, Chris decided to go into cattle ranching and in 1972 he purchased 25 registered angus cattle. From there, Mangen Angus Ranch humbly began and progressed to what it is today.
Chris loved his horses and cattle and spent many years improving the look and performance of his livestock.
Chris and Johnny traveled thousands of miles to find the best bulls around. Though Chris thrived in building the ranch, his family and grandchildren were the most precious things in the world to him.
Chris was a 50 year member of Powder River Masonic Lodge #135 and Margaret Trautman Chapter #108 O.E.S.. He was also a charter member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Broadus.
Chris’ family includes: his wife Loretta, three sons; Chris Jr. (Shelly) of Billings, MT, John (Mary Alice) of Broadus, MT and Dan (Ramona) of Pocatello, ID.
Adopted family: Johnny and Sue Richards of Broadus, MT. Eight granddaughters; Adrienne, Melea, Celes, Joele, Melissa, Amanda, Elizabeth and Anna. Three great grandchildren’ Dominique, Evani and Tyson Jr.. A brother; Pete (Dale) Mangen of Miles City, MT. Seven nieces and nephews; Elaine Hassid, Paul Godtland, Janice Meyers, Betty Ganje, Mike Mangen, Doug Mangen and Valeray Edwards and several great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Linda Marie, his parents Theodore and Katie (Newmiller) and a brother, George Mangen.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church or to the charity of one’s choice.
Dorothea Mitchell
Dorothea Mitchell, age 84, of Miles City passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at her home in Miles City.
Dorothea Mitchell was born August 30, 1924, the daughter of Herman and Elizabeth Kahn in Dodson, Montana. She spent her childhood attending country school at Brookside, Mt and graduated from Malta High School in 1941. Following graduation she worked as a telephone operator and served as deputy at the Phillips County Superintendents Office.
Dorothea Kahn and Jim Mitchell were married
in Malta, MT on March 8, 1947. They made their home on the ranch south of Malta for nearly twenty years. During this time, their three daughters Charlotte, Cheryl, and Judy were born.
In 1966, they moved to a ranch near Clyde Park, MT. Dorothea was active in the 4-H and Cowbelle organizations. In 1974, they moved south of Miles City on the Tongue River to ranch with their family. They spent several years ranching near Grass Range, then returned to Miles City to retire in the Yellowstone Valley. Dorothea remained active with the Cattle Women until the time of her death.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Jim Mitchell, her three daughters Charlotte Miller (Myron Allerdings) of Miles City, Cheryl (Mick) Melin of Ashland, and Judy (Mark) Bloxham of Ekalaka. Also surviving are four grandsons, Nolan Melin and Ryan (Nikki) Melin of Ashland, and Mitchell and Jordan Bloxham of Ekalaka. She is also survived by one great-grandson, Brand Warren Melin.
She is preceded in death by her parents, a sister Gertrude, and an infant brother Daniel.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 4th at 3:00 at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Inurnment of the ashes will take place in Malta at a later date.
Albert Jerke
Albert Jerke died of natural causes on March 28, 2009 in Miles City Holy Rosary Hospice. His immediate family kept vigil over him until his death releasing him from this earth into heaven.
Albert was born on October 19, 1924 to Edward and Mathilda (Kramlich) Jerke in Gackle, ND. Survivors include his wife Lorraine Jerke, sons Larry (Sue) and Dana (Kim) Jerke all of Miles City and daughter Bonnie Jerke of Newberg, OR. His beloved grandchildren are Nick (Kira) Jerke, Brendon Jerke of Miles City and Rhianna (Mike) Tonn of Livingston, MT. Albert was a doting Great Grandfather to Nick's children, Kyle and Asha.
He is survived by 2 brothers; Elmer (Barb) Jerke of Bozeman, Daryl (Bonnie) Jerke of Billings and 4 sisters; Alice Schroeber of Miles City, Delores Engel and JoAnn (Lyle) Peil both of Billings and Darlene (Leo) Solf of Winnett, MT; one uncle Christ Jerke and 2 aunts Leah Jerke and Leah Kramlich, all in ND; lots of nieces and nephews and cousins-too many to list or mention.. Albert was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers; Arnold Jerke and Daymon Jerke and sister Delphine.
Albert and Lorraine were married
in Red Lodge in 1949 and subsequently raised their 3 children on a farm west of Terry. Albert's working life resulted in becoming a master farmer, cattleman and trucker. He was a Buffalo Rapids board member, affiliated with the National Farmer's Organization, and league-bowled in Miles City for many years. Cattle and machinery auction sales were among his favorite things, along with visiting with people. After leaving Terry, Albert continued his passions by working with his sons in the Jerke Livestock Trucking Company and on the Lazy V Ranch south of Miles City. Winter wheat farming and long-haul trucking over 3 million miles were among his many achievements.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Custer County cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Miles City FFA, and sent to 1717 Main Street, Miles City, MT 59301.
James Stephen Butler
James Stephen "Jim" Butler, age 60, of Miles City passed away on Monday, March 30, 2009 at the Friendship Villa Care Center in Miles City after a short battle with cancer.
Jim was born in Billings, Montana on May 4, 1948, the son of James and Betty (Stephenson) Butler. In 1952, the family moved to Miles City where Jim attended special education school for ten years. At the age of 24, he moved into his own apartment.
Jim was known as a Great Storyteller, a Philosopher, a Technologist, a Patriot and an avid Cyclist. There was also a Spiritual side to Jim which ensured Love of Family as a Son, Brother, Uncle and Great Uncle and a Love of Nature and her wildlife, especially Eagles. We will miss our opportunities with Jim, but realize he has moved on to his next Adventure.
Jim is survived by his mother, Betty Butler of Miles City, MT; a brother, Bob and wife Jody Butler of Seeley Lake, MT; two sisters: Bettiann and husband Terry Haggard of Castle Rock, CO; and Katy and husband Vernie Harbaugh of Miles City, MT; two nieces, four nephews and seven great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, April 3, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Custer County cemetery. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of ones choice.
Reinhart F. Rath
Reinhart F. (Reinny) Rath, age 88, of Billings passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2009 at the Billings Heath and Rehabilitation Center in Billings.
Reinny was born April 14, 1920 in Kidder County, North Dakota to John H. and Magdalena Vollmer Rath. He was the youngest of 10 children. Daddy was so proud to been born in a sod house as there are not many in this day and age that could say the same. He attended school in Tuttle, ND and spent a couple of years in the CC Camp and then proudly served in the United States Army during World War II. He was a member of Company D, 41st Infantry and his entire time in the service was in the Southwest Pacific Theater, throughout the Philippine Islands. He arrived home in October 1945 where he worked with his brother doing carpentry until the spring of 1946. On a visit to Jordan, Montana to visit his sister Erna Schwindt, he met his future wife Dorothy E. Watson at a dance and they loved to dance ever since. They were married
after a short courtship on August 28, 1946. At that time Reinny worked for the Montana Highway Department until the spring of 1950 and then went to Barber School in Spokane, WA. Dorothy and Reinny returned to Jordan and Reinny opened his own Barber Shop in October 1950. He barbered in Jordan for 48 yrs and also ran a liquor store in his shop for many years. Some of his hobbies included dancing, watch repair, woodworking, gardening, fishing and hunting. Dorothy and Reinny were blessed with 4 children, Gloria, Carol, David and Diane.
Reinny was involved in many organizations including Volunteer Fire Department, Volunteer Ambulance Service, City Council, Church Board and was a devout member of the American Lutheran Church. He was also a very proud life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Reinny was a very talented self taught musician and played numerous instruments and loved to sing and play music. Dorothy and Reinny were fortunate to travel to see family, friends and Army buddies and loved going to his army reunions. In August 2003 Dorothy and Reinny moved to Billings to be close to their Daughters. Reinny passed away the evening of March 22nd at Billings Health and Rehabilitation with his devoted family by his side.
Reinny is survived by: his devoted wife Dorothy, daughters, Gloria (D.J.) Milroy, Carol Raschkow, and Diane (Gerald) Hewett, all of Billings, Grandchildren: R. Dean (Barb) Clark of Jordan, Kara (Bill) Lambert of Hammond, Cody (Callie) Clark of Worden, Mark Raschkow of Missoula, L. Cpl David Raschkow, Currently with US Marines in Iraq, (Miranda) of Billings, Nathan Raschkow of Billings, Heather Pippin (Fiancé Quin Fuhrman) of Missoula, Megan Pippin (Britt Hougan) of Billings. Step grandchildren: Sarah Maya, Justina (Huston) Curran, Patrick (Amanda) Hewett all of Billings. Melody Milroy of Billings, Tracy (Candy) Milroy of Brockway, Great grandchildren: Chantz and Misty Lambert, Trevor Clark, Natalie Rogers, Hallie Murray, Newborn Baby Chloe Raschkow and 13 step great grandchildren. He is also survived by sister Erna Schwindt, special family friend Ellen Loveall and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by 6 brothers, 2 sisters and son David.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2009 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 27, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veteran's cemetery in Miles City with full military honors provided by VFW Post 1579.
Joshua Robert George Burns
Joshua age 33, died Friday, March 13th, in Helena, Montana. He was pronounced dead at St. Peter's hospital around 1:30 am.
Joshua was born on February 21, 1976 in Billings, Montana. He was born to Georgia Burns and William White Cow. He was nine days old when his mother, Georgia remarried
Billford Curley, Sr. William White Cow was his Father, but Billford, Sr. was his 'Daddy'. He grew up in Lame Deer, Montana. He also lived in Bozeman and Ashland, Montana. He was the first born son of Georgia's. He had four older sisters and loved to tease them. As time went on, he teased all of his brothers and sisters. He loved playing football. He played for St. Labre Indian School. He was picked for the 'Down Under Bowl.' As an all-star player, first team all conference, MVP, defensive player of the year. He traveled to Australia and New Zealand. He attended school at St. Labre and graduated in 1994. He also liked to ride horses. He helped with ranching, logging and tried his hand at many other endeavors. As a young man, he was trained as a professional card dealer and security guard. He also attended college in several Washington Junior Colleges.
Joshua was always teasing, making everyone laugh. He always had a smile on his face. He had a big heart and loved everyone, especially his children and family. He had a protective spirit around him and always wanted everyone to be out of harms way. Some of his special friends were, C.R. Stewart, Dave Fox, Bobby Big Back, Lyle Bull Shows, Paul Ryan and many more. He struggled with the disease of alcoholism most of his adult life, His last words to his mama, were. 'Mom I'm going to treatment, I have to learn the hard way, my way.' What a hard lesson, a painful lesson. This may be a lesson to help others to achieve and maintain sobriety. One more time, may be our last.
His partner, Tiffany Bogdan of Woodenville, Washington, survives him. His children, Justin Sioux, Raheem Red Star, Kyle' and Tayton Joshua. His siblings, Rhonda Curley, Stacie (Ed) Joiner, Phyllis (Brand) Jackman, Melanie Curley, Jayna (Melbourn) Walker, Billford Curley, Jr., Georgette (Bobby) Ball, Jeremy Nowlen, Casey, Cassie Curley, Melissa Velasuquez and Robert Huss. Special nephews Joseph, Paul, and Nikalis Huss. Special brother in laws, David Powell, Sr. and Dennis Mc Cormick. Uncles Ronnie (Bernadette), Jack (Terri), James (Sue Chen), John Duane 'JD' (Charlene) Burns, Tex, Logan, Kevin, Jodi, and Terry Curley, Melbert ' Moke' Eagle Feathers and LeRoy (Charlotte) Runsabove. Aunties, Erma (Wilmer) Spang, Bonnie (Wesley) Spotted Elk, Audrey (Oliver) Haugen, Tera Curley, Ethelyn Charley, Florene (Kenny) Taylor, June (Seminole), Della Runsabove. His Grandmothers, Edna Seminole and Fern Shoulderblade. His GroVentre Aunties, Bernadette (Alfred) Lodge, Catherine (Roger) Long Knife, Helen Talks Different, Roberta (Robert) Werk, Mary White Cow and Great Aunts and uncle, Barbara Hilstead, Rosie Heedick, Eva Korber, Catherine Schindler, Margaret Lind, Francis (Sissy) Burnette and Great Uncle, Marcus (Betty) Gress. He is survived by many cousins, also numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, William White Cow, maternal grandparents, Dempsey and Annie Burns, paternal grandparents, Josephine and Joseph White Cow and Irene and Joseph Curley Sr. His sister, Melissa Ann Curley, Uncles Robbie Burns, Joseph Curley Jr., Robert Burns Sr., and Clifford White Cow. Aunts Phyllis Lafever, Vinnie Bear Cub, Barbara and Jean White Cow. His cousins Lisa Marie Burns, Ben and Clifford Lodge.
The extended family includes the descendants of George and Sally Harris. The White Cow, Talks Different, Lodge, Bear Cub, Werk, Long Knife, Gress, Curley, Haugen, Red Neck, Little Bird, Red Fox, Elk Shoulder and Shoulderblade families.
We would like to apologize for anyone that was not mentioned as Joshua has a large family.
Daniel Pine
Daniel Pine, age 87 of Lame Deer, Montana died in the peaceful presence of Maheo and heavenly angels on March 3, 2009 after a short illness at Billings Deaconess Hospital.
He was the son of Julia Kingfisher and Rutherford Pine. He was born and raised in Kirby, MT. He married
Florence Redneck of Birney, MT. He raised his for children in Lame Deer. Daniel attended the Busby Boarding School. As a young man, he was chosen to be rider who rode into the sacred Sun Dance lodge. A ceremonial horse was prepared for the entry which was fully decorated as part of the tradition. When his father passed away, he became the next heritary Chief of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. The Chief Council of 44 was established by the Cheyenne Prophet, Sweet Medicine. He then began role as a Peace Chief. A Chief's pipe ceremony was held in his honor. He helped make important decisions about our Cheyenne Way of Life. He upheld his Chief responsibility to keep it strong within our tribe.
At an early age, he participated in the Native American Church ceremonies with his father. His family history includes his grandfather, Fran Pine, who was a traditional healer. He was known to have mystical power. His great grandfather, HighBackWolf, whose necklace is kept at the Smithsonian Washington D.C. It is considered as a very sacred object.
As a father, he was a hard worker who always held a job. He worked as a ranch hand, Foley Bros in Colstrip when stripmining took place for 10 years, Ashland Guild Arts & Crafts, Truck Driver for the tribe, he transported coal between Colstrip, Lame Deer and throughout the reservation, Northern Cheyenne Headstart as a bus driver, HIS Ambulance driver, BOH (Board Of Health) Transfer Driver, Birney Garden Project, AARP program as a driver for the elderly, IGA store as security. He also enjoyed playing hand games with his friends and family.
He was very proud of his children when they participated in pow-wows as pow-wow singers and dancers. He was especially proud of his two sons when they completed their Sun Dance vows.
As a grandfather, he was very proud of his grandchildren when they completed their Sun Dance vows. He attended every Sun Dance ceremony and gave support to the fasting and prayers of all the participants. He was very proud of his grandson when he joined the U.S. Marine Corp.
He especially enjoyed the pow-wow trail throughout the northwest. He traveled with his two sons who were known as the famous Little Brown Beavers. His sons started singing when they were children. As adults they became known as Teton Ramblers, Champion singers at Pow-Wows.
Daniel Pine was one of the originators of the 1st Annual Chief Pow-Wow which started in 1967. His tireless efforts kept the tradition alive for many years. Today, the Northern Cheyenne Chief's Pow-Wow held on 4th of July is known as one of best Pow-Wows in Indian Country. When he retired as treasurer, he made sure that he didn't miss the grand entry. He danced and was recognized a chief of the tribe. His special lifelong friend, James Ant, went to the right people for support, such as late Senator Melcher, late Pres. John Woodenlegs, Fr. Emmett and Don Bailey. He supported many candidates who ran for Tribal Council.
Daniel is preceded in death by is parents, Julia Kingfisher & Rutherford Pine, sister Cecelia Walksnice, his son Raymond Pine and his granddaughter Caroly Roundstone.
Survivors include his two daughters, Anna Ryan (Vann Ryan) and Holda Roundstone (Frank Roundstone), one son, Perry Pine (Dawn Boyd) and nephew, Leroy Pine Sr. Numerous grandchildren, greatchildren and relatives including Rednecks, Bellymules, Strangeowls, Standing Elks, Fightingbears, Walksnice, KingFishers, Morrisons, Spotted Elks, Braidedhair, Taylors, ClubFoot, Killsnight, NightWalkers, Bigbacks, and Biglefthands.
