Search Archived Marriage Records
Ethel Catherine Swainson 'Granny'
PORTLAND, Ore. - Ethel Catherine Swainson, 89, formerly of Livingston, Mont., died Sunday, July 26, 1998, at the Lawrence Convalescent Center in Portland.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 31, in the Franzen-Davis Funeral Home Chapel with graveside committal and burial in Mountain View cemetery, both in Livingston.
Valerie Lynette Norwood
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. - Valerie Lynette Norwood, 35, died July 24, 1998, in Palm Springs. She was born April 16, 1998, in Billings, Mont. She graduated from Billings Senior High in 1981. She then attended MSU-Bozeman.
She combined her love of all animals with her livelihood as a professional polo groom.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Teresa Vogel, in 1994.
Survivors include her father, Gene Norwood of Billings; her mother, Phyllis Norwood of Phoenix, Ariz.; and a brother, Ken of Phoenix.
Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 29, at Wilfels and Sons, 690 Vella Road, Palm Springs, Calif. 92264. Cards may be sent c/o Phyllis Norwood, 2936 N. 36th, No. 206, Phoenix, Ariz. 85018. Memorials may be sent to Hospice of the Desert, 1150 N. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, Calif. 92262.
Eugene H. Duppler
BAKER - Eugene H. Duppler, 82, of Baker, died Monday, July 27, 1998, at the Wibaux County Nursing Home.
Masonic funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 30, at Stevenson Funeral Home in Baker with interment in the family lot in the Bonnievale cemetery.
Ernest 'Ernie' Paul Skalsky
Ernest (Ernie) Paul Skalsky, 69, of Billings died Saturday, July 25, 1998. Born in Glen Ullin, N.D., on May 8, 1929, he was the son of Mary (Gerving) and Jacob Skalsky.
After serving four years in the U.S. Navy during WW II, Ernie then came to Billings and worked 40 years as a baker at Bon Ton, Eddy's and Sweetheart Bakeries. During this time he was very active with the Baker's Union serving on the board in various positions and attending national conventions on their behalf.
Upon his retirement in 1991, Ernie became, as he quoted, a "professional volunteer." He was active with the HOST Program at McKinley School, the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center and Billings Deaconess Hospital Information Desk. He gave of himself freely to everyone; always sharing a smile, saying a kind word and lending a helping hand. His zest for life was found in everything he did. He loved to dance the North Dakota Polka, play Bingo on Monday night at Hardees and spend time at the Community Center. He always had a story to tell and a nickname for everyone.
Ernie is survived by his daughters, LaVonne Skalsky and grandson, Nicholas; Cheryl and son-in-law Ken, and grandsons Chase, Ryan, Dusty, Jake and Kyle Raynock; brothers and sisters-in-law, Leonard Skalsky, Swanville, Minn., Ervin and wife, Lorretta, Longmont, Colo., Clifford Skalsky, Mandan, N.D., and Elsie Kelley, North Glenn, Colo.; sisters and brothers-in-law, Florence and husband, Ray Muse, Stockton, Calif., Bernita Karch, New Salem, N.D., Arlene and husband Emil Schatz, Glen Ullin, N.D., Shirley and Bill Gross, Bismarck, N.D., Virginia and Fred Muller, Arvada, Colo., and Loraine Shepherd, Billings. Preceding Ernie in death were his parents, two brothers and one sister.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, at Dahl Funeral Chapel. Cremation will follow with private family interment.
Frank G. Hernandez 'Paco'
FAIRVIEW - Mass of the Christian Burial for Frank G. Hernandez, "Paco," 79, of Fairview, is at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 30, 1998, at the St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Fairview. Wake services are at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, 1998, at the Fulkerson Memorial Chapel in Sidney. Interment will be in the Fairview cemetery, in Fairview, N.D., under the direction of the Fulkerson Funeral Home of Sidney.
Frank was born the first child of Francisco and Matiana (Gonzales) Hernandez in Brownsville, Texas, on Aug. 24, 1918. His early years were spent living and working near Eagle Pass, Texas. From very early in his life, Frank was a great provider to his parents, three brothers, and two sisters. He sold farm produce and worked in his family mattress manufacturing business. In the 1930s, Frank worked with the CC Corps as well as the Civil Aeronautics Service building airport runways throughout the southwestern United States. Because of his diligence and hard work, he soon became an engineering survey foreman.
On Jan. 11, 1941, Frank married
Evangeline De La Garza at Our Lady of Refuge Church, Eagle Pass. Shortly thereafter they moved to Montana where Frank worked for various potato and beet farmers in western North Dakota and Eastern Montana. He spent the winters working campaign for Holly Sugar in Sidney.
During this time his family grew to include four sons and four daughters. They were raised and attended school in Fairview.
In the mid-'70s Frank went to work full-time for Holly Sugar of Sidney. He served in the molasses and pellet shipping department. He retired in 1995 at the age of 76.
His hobbies included Deep Sea Salmon fishing with his daughter and son-in-law near Seattle. Closer to home he spent his time gardening, playing billiards, watching wrestling, and visiting with his family and friends.
Frank died on Saturday, July 25, 1998, at his home in Fairview.
Surviving him are: his wife, Evangeline Hernandez of Fairview; four sons and their wives, Frank Jr. and Margaret Hernandez of Miles City, Gilbert and Linda Hernandez of Sidney, Rodolfo and Sharon Hernandez of Billings, and David R. and Vivian Hernandez of Bowman, N.D.; four daughters and their husbands, Evangeline and Charles Schaubel of Sidney, Alice and Delmer Eisenbeis of Federal Way, Wash., Matiana and Rick Klaboe of Miles City, and Juanita and David Fox of Billings; a brother, Robert Hernandez and wife, Dora of Del City, Okla.; two sisters, Belia Tapia and husband, Raul of Chrystal City, Texas, and Juanita Saenz of Natalia, Texas; 24 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Pancho and Matiana Hernandez, two brothers, Gilbert Hernandez and Manuel Hernandez.
Robert Burns Ruegamer
HARDIN - Not everyone loved my Dad, but those who did have been left with a void only he could fill. When my daughter was born he sent flowers and a card that read, "Just think, now I have three of you to spoil." And spoil us he did. Perhaps too well, because neither my mother nor daughter or I have any idea how our worlds can spin without him. I seldom bought him a Father's Day card because my Dad was unique; and few cards could express how I felt about him. He was my hero. And judging by the amount of calls my mother has received since his death Sunday, July 26, 1998, he was a lot of people's hero. Few knew he was sick and that's the way he wanted it. Death came quickly, and we are thankful that he didn't suffer long.
He is survived by his parents, Henry and Catherine; three brothers; three sisters; his beloved wife, Bonnie; daughter, Brenda; granddaughter, Sunshine; son-in-law, Tommy; and his carpenter, Ron Braaton. Those of us closest to him take comfort at the thought of him on the phone in Heaven yelling at someone because the polish for the "Pearly Gates" is on back order.
Memorial Mass will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hardin. Cremation was held at Cremation or Funeral Gallery in Billings,.
Herman Young
Herman Young died Sunday, July 26, 1998, after a long courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by love from family and friends.
Herman was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He grew up in Cleveland and Detroit, Mich. He attended high school in Detroit and two years at the University of Michigan.
Herman was the owner of the Mexican Star Restaurant in Billings for 38 years. He was an avid horse racing fan. His hobbies included horse racing, football and baseball.
Herman is survived by his loving wife, Linda and daughter, Tina, both of Billings; two cousins, Lucille Lucas and Leola Dyer of Cleveland. Herman will be greatly missed by his wife, Linda, and his faithful companion, Ming Toy, as well as many friends. "We love you Papa."
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, at the Smith Downtown Chapel. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to the Big Sky Hospice, P.O. Box 35033, Billings, MT 59107.
Thomas Michael Clearwater
SHERIDAN, Wyo. - Thomas Michael Clearwater, 45, died Thursday, July 23, 1998, at his home.
Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, at the Kane Funeral Home. Cremation will take place and graveside services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, July 30, at the Sheridan Municipal cemetery.
Roy M. Cain
MILES CITY - Roy M. Cain, 83, died Sunday, July 26, 1998, at the Holy Rosary Health Center in Miles City.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, in the chapel of Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with interment in the family lot in the Custer County cemetery in Miles City.
Marilyn Schefter
MILES CITY - Marilyn Schefter, 52, died Friday, July 24, 1998, at the Friendship Villa Care Center in Miles City.
Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 29, in the Custer County cemetery in Miles City. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge.
Theodore James Big Leggins
KINGMAN, Ariz. - Theodore James Big Leggins, 27, formerly of Hays, Mont., died Wednesday, July 22, 1998, at his home in Kingman. The cause of death is under investigation.
Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 29, at St. Paul's Mission cemetery in Hays. Adams Funeral Home of Malta is in charge.
Arthur C. Lusk
HYSHAM - Arthur C. Lusk, 88, of Hysham, died Friday July 24, 1998, at the Rosebud Health Care Center in Forsyth following an extended illness.
Art was born Oct. 29, 1909, in Woodson, Throckmorton County, Texas, the son of Oliver C. and Sina Jones Lusk. He spent his youth and attended school in Texas and New Mexico. At the age of seven, Art's mother died and it was Art's responsibility to stay on the family homestead to do chores and take care of the place while his rather worked elsewhere.
Art moved with his grandparents Robert and Lucy Lusk in Clapham N.M., when he was 14 to help them take care of their newly purchased ranch, which he later purchased from them. At 15, Art got on his horse and joined numerous cattle drives, trailing cattle from Texas to Colorado. He later worked on oil wells and then owned a filling station with his brother-in-law, J.D. Smith in Hobbs, N.M.
On June 18, 1937, Art married
Mary Pauline Taylor in Clayton, N.M. Art's dad would always give the kids a dime for candy and Art would always save his dimes. Art and Mary lived on his grandparents place which he had purchased from all of the dimes he had saved as well as from all of his other endeavors.
They came to Montana in 1945, buying a ranch 11 miles south of Sumatra. They later bought a farm in the Myers area in 1956. They moved to Hysham in 1985 but Art continued to work on the family ranch until his health failed.
Art was a past member of the Hysham Masonic Lodge and Order of Eastern Star as well as a member of the Church of Christ. He loved his cows, riding and breaking horses and teaching his grandkids to drive a pickup before they could see over the steering wheel.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary of Hysham; his daughter, Roma Lusk Byerly and husband, Gordan of Bozeman; three grandchildren, John Arthur (J.A.) Byerly and wife, Beth of Billings, Sindi Hasler and husband, Wade of Ogden, Utah, and Mitchell Gordon Byerly of Rapid City, S.D.; six great-grandchildren, Sari, Elizabeth, Jessica, Ashley, Casey J, and Stacy; two brothers, Henry Lusk of Roswell, N.M., Wendell Lusk of Woodburn, Ore.; three sisters, Lillian Evans of Lovington, N.M., Inez Campbell of Hermiston, Ore., Corrine Buckalew of Sandy, Ore.; and one stepbrother, Travis Harris of Elex, Okla. Art was preceded in death by 11 brothers and sisters as well as his great-great-grandson Gage Gates.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday July 28, at the First Baptist Church in Hysham with interment to follow in the Rancher cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Rosebud Health Care Center Nursing Home in Forsyth. Beals Mortuary of Forsyth is in charge of the arrangements.
Albert 'Bert' Wegner
Albert "Bert" Wegner was born July 31, 1917, in Billings. Bert passed away on July 25, 1998, at Deaconess Hospital. He went to Baseline School. While serving in the army air corps, Albert married
Evelyn Rishel on Jan. 19, 1943. He worked for Cenex Co-op for 30 years.
Gardening and farming were his loves.
Bert is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.
Bert is survived by his wife, Evelyn; one daughter, Carol Metzger and husband, Gene; three sons, James of Melstone, Charles of Silesia, Donald of Billings; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by two sisters, Emma and her husband, Mickey of Acton, and Emilie Connally of Harlowton; one brother, Solly and his wife, Barbara of Malta; and also many nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church. Funeral services for Albert will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 29, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 537 Grand Ave. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Vella R. Grinolds
SIDNEY - Vella R. Grinolds, 77, of Sidney, died Saturday, July 25, 1998, at the Sidney Health Center Extended Care Facility.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 28, at the Fulkerson Memorial Chapel, with interment at 3 p.m. CST, in the Rest Haven cemetery in Palermo, N.D.
John James Collins
ASHLAND - John James Collins, 70, of Ashland, died Friday, July 24, 1998, at his home near Ashland.
Wake services will be 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, at the St. Labre Mission. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Thursday, July 30, at the mission, with interment in the St. Labre cemetery. Rausch Funeral Home is in charge.
Frank G. Hernandez
FAIRVIEW - Frank G. Hernandez, 79, of Fairview, died Saturday, July 25, 1998, at his home.
Wake services will be 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, at the Fulkerson Memorial Chapel in Sidney. Mass of the Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Thursday, July 30, at St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Fairview, with interment in the Fairview, N.D. cemetery.
Laundina A. Kemph
HARDIN - Laundina A. Kemph, 86, of Hardin, died Saturday, July 25, 1998, in Hardin.
Visitation will be 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, July 28, at the Bullis Funeral Chapel in Hardin. Following the visitation, her remains will be transported to the Buehler-Larson Funeral Home in Mandan, N.D. for service and burial in the Sunset Memorial Gardens in Bismarck, N.D.
Linwood M. Hickel
WOLF POINT - Lin Hickel died in his home in Wolf Point on Thursday, July 23, about 8:45 p.m., of a heart attack.
He was born on April 16, 1919, in Stanwood, Wash., the oldest of five children to Alfie and Hilda Hickel. He was raised and attended schools in Wolf Point graduating from Wolf Point High School in 1939.
Lin joined the National Guard in 1939 and served in the Army with the 41st Infantry Division in the Pacific Theater during WWII. He was discharged as a master sergeant in 1945 and he then attended a two-year refrigeration school in Yakima, Wash. Lin worked at Boeing Manufacturing and later for MDU.
On Feb. 1, 1947, he married
Lorraine M. Peterson at Seattle. In 1955, they moved to the Strand Brothers Farm 18 miles south of Scobey and worked on the farm. Lin enjoyed the farm and a couple of years later bought it and lived at the farm for many years but also had a home in Wolf Point. He retired from farming in 1988. In December of 1990, Lorraine passed away.
On Feb. 10, 1995, he married
Lily Bryan in Apache Junction, Ariz. They spent their winters there as snow birds and their home in Wolf Point at 329 Johnson in the summers.
Lin's hobbies included carpentry, stained glass and fishing and spent many enjoyable hours with those interests.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Lorraine.
Survivors include his wife, Lily of Wolf Point; a daughter, Sandra Pless and son-in-law, Wake of Cheyenne, Wyo.; two sisters, Hazel Cole of Washington and Harriet Torgerson of Billings; two brothers, Kenny and Raymond of Billings; 14 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Visitations will be held from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, July 27, at the Clayton Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point with a prayer service at 7:30. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Wolf Point with Rev. Timothy Whiteman officiating. Interment will be in Greenwood cemetery. Clayton Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the Wolf Point 100 Club, P.O. Box 1001, Wolf Point, Mont. 59201.
Mary Caroline Sullivan
KIRKLAND, Wash. - Mary Caroline Sullivan, 39, of Kirkland, died in an automobile accident on Thursday, July 23, 1998. She was born Sept. 27, 1958, in Sidney, a daughter of Clair L. and Dorothy L. Garris Evanson. She graduated from Sidney High School, married
Terry Bussard, and was employed at Safeway.
In 1981, she moved to Helena, where she married
Dan Sullivan. They later moved to Kirkland where she continued working at Safeway.
Mary loved her children, liked flowers, and enjoyed decorating her home. She also loved basketball, especially watching the Sonics.
Survivors include three children, Lisa Marie Bussard of Bellevue, Wash., Shannon Paul Bussard of Bainville, Mont., and Brandi Nicole Sullivan of Helena; three brothers, Dennis (Norma) Evanson of Billings, James (Lisa) Evanson of New York City, and Paul Evanson of Seattle; a stepmother, Joan Evanson of Billings; a half-sister, Kimberly (Marvin) Boelter of Billings; two stepsisters, Deborah (Mark) Keller of Billings, and Rebecca (Dwayne) Hayden of Salem, Ore.; and a half-brother, David (Nilda) Anderson of Tacoma, Wash. Mary was preceded in death by her parents and one stepbrother.
Cremation will be at the Cremation or Funeral Gallery. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, at Atonement Lutheran Church, 407. Wicks Lane, Billings. Memorials may be made to MonDak Heritage Center, Sidney.
