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Lucille E. Hunter
Lucille Hunter passed away Thursday night, Dec. 3, 1998, at Aspen Meadows Retirement Community.
Lucille was born April 1, 1924, in Crookston, Minn., the daughter of Elizabeth and John Altepeter. She married
Ralph H. Hunter on June 2, 1947, in Grand Forks, N.D. Lucille's husband preceded her in death in Oct., 1979.
Lucille was a homemaker, beautician, seamstress and accomplished gardener. After moving to Billings in 1955, Lucille was active in her families lives and events. Her yard and flowers drew the attention of all passers by. In 1977, Lucille opened "Lu's Alteration Shop" in the Viking Sewing Center downtown to keep active after her children were grown and her husband retired.
Survivors include her brother John Altepeter, of Crystal Lake, Minn.; her daughters, Vivian and Jean Hunter of Louisville, Colo.; her son and his wife, Ron and Diane Hunter, of Billings, and her grandchildren, Tyson, Nathan, Kim, Beau and Katie.
Memorial contributions may be made in Lucille's name to St. Pius Catholic Church or Yellowstone Treatment Center.
Cremation has taken place. Graveside services will be held for family and close friends on Dec. 30, at Mt. View cemetery.
Katherine Dee Kuchera
Katherine Dee Kuchera went to be with our Lord on Dec. 3, 1998. She was born Katherine Dee Earl, August 18, 1922, to Frank Earl and Emma Mills Earl in Hardin.
She spent her childhood in Miles City where she met and married
Rudolph M. Kuchera on May 30, 1940. She and Rudy moved to Las Vegas in 1958 where she worked for the Post Office 20 years before returning to Billings in 1985.
Katherine was a wonderful musician and enjoyed performing at local dances. Later she shared her music by playing for the Senior Citizen Center activities and local nursing homes. She was also active in the Moose Lodge and Eagles Lodge. At one time she was 1st Chair Violinist for the Miles City Orchestra.
preceded in death by Rudy in 1994, Katherine is survived by her children, Judy Marco of Billings, Barbara (James) Blumer of Las Vegas, Nev., Carol Ann Kuchera of Summerville, S.C., Rudy (Connie) Kuchera of Houston, Texas, and Louis (Susan) Kuchera of Billings; eight grandchildren and a soon to be great grandchild.
A vigil will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, at Dahl Funeral Chapel. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at noon on Wednesday, Dec. 9, at St. Patrick's Co-Cathedral with Rite of Committal at Holy Cross cemetery. Service arrangements are being made by Dahl Funeral Chapel.
James M. Long
CODY, Wyo. - James M. Long, 86, died Saturday, Dec. 5, 1998, at West Park Long Term Care Center.
Cremation has taken place. Private family memorial services will be held. Ballard Funeral Home is in charge.
Betty M. McCone
TACOMA, Wash. - Betty M. McCone, 81, formerly of Glendive and Fairfield, died Saturday, Nov. 21, 1998, in Tacoma.
A private family interment will be held Saturday, Dec. 5, in the Dawson County cemetery in Glendive. Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home is in charge.
Patricia Forquer Morgan
PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. - Patricia Forquer Morgan, a native of Billings and a longtime musician and educator, died Tuesday, Oct. 20, 1998, at St. Luke's Hospital, New York City.
She was born Patricia Mickey Forquer on Feb. 18, 1930, in Billings, daughter of the late Rowena Stumbo Forquer Hood and Claude E. Forquer. She graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1948 and went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. She married
Victor H. Morgan in 1953 and they began their family while she sang with the Cincinnati Music Drama Guild. They returned to Billings in 1958 where she made a major contribution to the city's music community through performance and teaching. A classically trained soprano, Pat Morgan established a voice and music studio with her husband and she taught voice at Rocky Mountain College. While residing in Billings, Pat Morgan sang with the Billings Symphony and was an active member of the Junior Service League and starred in their annual charity revues, "The Follies." The Morgans relocated to New York City in 1964, and upon finishing their graduate studies at Teacher's College, Columbia University, Pat and her husband settled their family permanently in Port Washington where she taught music for the Port Washington Public Schools for 24 years.
Pat Morgan's music career spanned over 40 years. She debuted in the world premier of "The Taming of the Shrew" with the Cincinnati Symphony and performed leads in numerous summer stock performances and recitals. As a young woman, she won the Northwestern Region Metropolitan Opera auditions. For many years Mrs. Morgan was a national piano clinician for Robert Pace Music Inc. and taught piano and voice privately. More recently she was an active member of the Music Advisory Council at the Port Washington Library and was vice president of the Port Washington Music Study Club.
Perhaps the most joyful of her music was evident as she worshipped with her voice. Pat Morgan was a longtime member of the First Congregational Church of Billings where she directed the choir and soloed. She is also remembered for her many years of service and fellowship to the choir and congregation of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Port Washington. Her family and friends were blessed on many Sundays as Pat's voice filled the parish. Among her many church activities, Pat served as a Vestry member, Diocesan Convention Delegate and chairperson of numerous church committees. Pat never missed the opportunity to involve members of the church community, new and old, into the work and fellowship of the parish. She was known by the congregation and her many friends as someone who was never bashful about taking on the challenge of organizing several church events, including the annual Antique Fair, Epiphany Ball and Clam Bake. Her deep faith was evident in the manner in which she approached life's joys and tribulations.
Pat cared deeply about others and she found great pleasure in playing with her grandchildren and working in her garden. She loved her home state of Montana, visiting most recently last July for her 50th class reunion at Billings Senior High and a family reunion with the Graham Family in Livingston. For the past 20 years she never missed a class reunion and made annual visits to Montana to spend time with family and her lifelong girlfriends. While growing up in Montana she loved fishing along the Stillwater and Rosebud rivers.
She will be forever loved and missed by her husband, Victor H. Morgan of Port Washington; her daughters and sons-in-law, Marcia and John Lazaro of Ukiah, Calif., Lisa and Tom McNaney of Glen Rock, N.J., and Kim and Larry Wohler of Stratton, Vt.; by her two grandchildren, Zoe Lazaro and Britt Wohler; and by her sisters, Lorraine McLuskie of Missoula, Mont., Stella Foote of Billings and Betty Forquer of Berkeley, Calif.
Memorial services will be scheduled for a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 9 Carlton Ave., Port Washington, N.Y. 11050.
Hannah B. Hoskin Nesset
RED LODGE - Hannah B. Hoskin Nesset, passed away Friday, Dec. 4, 1998, at Cedar Wood Villa in Red Lodge, where she has lived for the last four years. Hannah was born in Gatzke, Minn., to Charley and Anne Haugen Olufson on Feb. 23, 1907. She weighed in at a mighty two pounds! She slept in a shoe box in the warming oven on the wood stove. She attended grammar school in Gatzke and "farmed out" during her high school years in Middle River.
Hannah came to Montana to visit friends, where she met and married
Clarence A. Hoskin in Red Lodge, March 11, 1938. They lived at Bridger, then Powell, Wyo., for seven years, returning to Bridger to raise garden produce. Hannah and Clarence and their two sons sold the produce door to door in Bearcreek and Red Lodge. Their main product was dry land watermelons. When Clarence passed away Sept. 14, 1949, Hannah took her two sons, Jim and Charlie home to Minnesota, where they lived with her brother Oscar for two years.
Later returning to Montana, they worked together at whatever they could, to stay here.
When the boys were married
, Hannah went back to Minnesota, where she met and married
Melvin Nesset in Bemidji, on June 15, 1960. They lived on his farm at Blackduck, until their home burned, at which time they bought a new home in Kelliher. Melvin passed away during the summer of 1987. Hannah came to Bridger in July, 1990, to be near her family again and then to Cedar Wood Villa in Sept. 1994.
Hannah is survived by her two sons: Jim and Phyllis Hoskin of Bridger and Charles and Anne Hoskin of Blackfoot Idaho; grandchildren: David and Sue Thomas, Sara and Chelsie of Lewistown. Jim and Sherry Hoskin, Cullen and Codi of Bridger. Wade Hoskin and fiance Kellie Wegner of Bridger. Cory and Joan Nelson, Kelly and Erica or Wausau, Wis. John Hoskin and fiance Chyrl of Tucson, Ariz. She leaves, one sister-in-law, Mildred Olufson of Gatzke, Minn., and three nephews; Myron, Charles and wife Jane, and Juell Olufson all of Minnesota. She is also survived by Clarence's son Floyd and Melvin's children, Marion, Carol, Dean, and Donna and their families.
Hannah was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers John and Oscar and one sister-in-law, Nettie,
Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m. Tues. Dec. 8, at Olcott Funeral Chapel 201 N. Broadway Avenue in Red Lodge with interment at Bridger cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Clarks Fork Valley Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 94, Bridger, MT. or a charity of one's choice. Visitation day of service only.
Louis Robert Nichols
Louis Robert Nichols, 80, of Billings died at Parkview Convalescent Center on Dec. 4, 1998. The eldest of nine children, he was born at Purewater, on March 6, 1918, to Patrick and Edna (Brown) Nichols. His youth was spent in Otter. During WWII he served in North Africa and Italy as a member of the Air Corps Ordnance in the 515th Squadron of the 376 Heavy Bomb Group.
Louis married
his loving wife Rita Kachelmeier in 1952 and they moved to Billings in 1953. He worked in his father's freighting business for many years, ranched in Southeastern Montana and worked for Northern Pacific Transport in Billings until his retirement in 1980,
Louis lived by the philosophy of "God, Country and Family." He was a member of Little Flower Parish, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Knights of Columbus and Teamsters Union. He enjoyed rock hunting with his children, Sunday drives, working on his cars, baseball and traveling to veterans reunions.
Survivors include his wife, Rita; sons, James, Robert, Raymond and John; daughters, Clare and Theresa; brothers, Patrick and Vincent; and sisters, Viola, Josephine, Lucille, Catherine and Jean. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Louise, and a Sister, Clara.
A vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at Little Flower Church. Funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 7, at Little Flower Church. Rite of Christian Burial at Holy Cross cemetery. Luncheon to follow. Dahl Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent DePaul; 2610 Montana Ave.; Billings, MT 59101.
George L. Ruff
George L. Ruff, 65, of Billings passed away Friday evening, Dec. 4, 1998, at the Aspen Meadow Care Center following a long illness.
He was born August 8, 1933, in Lovell, Wyo., the son of George and Sara (Foote) Ruff. He was raised in Kane, Wyo. At age 16, his family moved to Roberts, and then to Joliet where he graduated from high school in 1951. Following graduation he worked for Boeing Aircraft in Seattle. He entered the U.S. Air Force April 22, 1955 and served until June 30, 1962. He worked as an Air Traffic Controller in Great Falls before moving to Billings, where he began working for Pacific Hide and Fur where he worked for 23 years, retiring in 1996 due to ill health.
He married
Amelia "Amy" Zielke, May 25, 1973 in Cody, Wyo.
George enjoyed gardening, woodworking, and painting pictures.
Survivors include his wife Amy of Billings; his mother Sara Ruff of Billings; brother, Bill (Jeanne) Ruff of Billings and sisters Peggy (Keith) Springer of Spokane, Wash. and Kathy Ruff of Moraga, Calif.; children Richard (Kate) Karp, and their children: Rick, Kari, and Kelle of Dallas, Texas; David Zielke and children: Libby and Lindsay of Bothel, Wash.; Connie Davis and children: Racheal, Seth, Ezra, Isac, Joshua, Rebecca, Ethan and grandchildren: C.J. and Cord; Randy (Kris) Zielke and their children Zack, Kimberly, Jake and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Smith West Chapel, 302 34th St. West. Cremation has taken place. Memorials to the American Cancer Society; 16 N. 26th; Billings, MT 59101.
Gerald 'Jerry' F. Stagner
Gerald "Jerry" F. Stagner, of Billings, died Friday, Dec. 4, 1998, at Saint Vincent Hospital after a brief illness. He was 80 years old.
Jerry was born on Nov. 24, 1918, in Hale, Mo., the son of Rush and Etta Stagner. He grew up in Carroll and Livingston Counties, Mo., where he helped his father farm. In 1936, Jerry first came west to Wyoming and Montana, where he worked at various cattle and sheep operations. On. January 14, 1944, he married
Delores Louella Lionberger, of Dawn, Mo. In April, 1944, Jerry was inducted into the U.S. Army, and served until 1946, stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. After discharge from the military, Jerry and Delores returned to Montana, where Jerry worked at various cattle ranches in Rosebud County, and later, served as a state brand inspector. In 1955, Jerry and Delores moved to Billings. In 1956, Jerry began working as a Yellowstone County Sheriff's Deputy. He served as a Deputy until his retirement in 1985.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Delores, of Billings; his son and daughter-in-law, Clint and Atha Stagner, and grandsons John and Will Stagner, all of Harlowton; his son Craig Stagner of Billings; and his daughter and son-in-law Peggy and Gaylen Black, and step--grandchildren Haylie and Derek Black, all of Bozeman.
How do you memorialize eighty years of a full life in one small paragraph - or capture a soul with a few sentences? Jerry was an avid hunter who loved the outdoors. He had a multitude of friends from many different walks of life. His slow temper and easy-going demeanor gave him innate talent in working with those around him - be it horses or people. In his role as a law enforcement officer, he was especially adept at resolving conflicts. He always had thoughtful insights and advice for family and friends in need. Above all, he loved his family. Goodbye Jerry - loving husband and father, old friend, horseman, hunter, wild Montana boy - until we meet again. You will be sorely missed. We all love you very much.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, 1998, at Smith Chapel located at 304 34th St. W. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association and/or the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Reserves; Yellowstone County Court House 2812 1st Ave. N.; Billings, MT 59101.
Glen C. Starkweather
EVERETT, Wash. - Glen C. Starkweather passed away Nov. 16, 1998, in Everett.
He was born April 19, 1925, in Billings, where he was raised. Glen attended Fratt Elementary and Billings Senior High School. He entered the U.S. Army upon graduation, June 1943. Glen was involved in action on D-Day, Battle of the Bulge and later was stationed at Nuremberg during Nazi war crime trials.
Glen married
Betty Jo Evans, June 24, 1947, and started their family in Billings. Glen worked until retirement at the Northern Hotel. Glen enjoyed fishing, hunting and swapping stories where the first liar didn't stand a Chance!
Glen is survived by wife, Betty Jo of Everett; three sons, David, Donny, and Denny, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
No services at the request of Glen. Memorials to the American Cancer Society. Interment at Tahoma National cemetery, Maple Valley. Cards to Betty Jo Starkweather, 1625 151st Place, NE, Arlington, WA 98223-9653.
Glen is greatly missed.
Logan T. Wilson
RED LODGE - Logan T. Wilson, 94, of Red Lodge, formerly of Fairbury, Ill., died Saturday, Dec. 5, 1998, in Cedar Wood Villa in Red Lodge.
Logan was born March 25, 1904 in Lincoln, Neb., a son of William and Lillian Wilson. At an early age, the family moved to Saskatchewan, Canada where they farmed south of Dundurn. Logan graduated from the University of Saskatchewan and later obtained a Ph.D. in animal nutrition at the University of Wisconsin. Logan married
Nevah Westfall in 1933 in Plainsboro, N.J., where he was employed at a large dairy operation.
Logan was very active in community affairs in Fairbury, Ill., where he and his wife resided for many years. He loved music and was in the Methodist Church choir. He was also an active Rotarian, serving as secretary treasurer, and was awarded the Paul Harris medal by his club. He also belonged to the International Club and was on the board of the Echoes Museum, both in Fairbury. Due to his farm roots, Logan was an avid gardener all his life and enjoyed the outdoors and physical activity.
Logan and his wife moved to Red Lodge in 1996 to be near their son Bill and his family. Logan became a member of Red Lodge Community Church and attended services regularly. Logan enjoyed a long and healthy life extending from the day of the horse to the space age.
Logan was preceded in death by his wife Nevah; two brothers, William J. Wilson and Robert Wilson. Survivors include a brother, Paul Wilson of Ontario, Canada; Two sons and their wives: Bill and Elsie Wilson of Red Lodge and George and Catherine Wilson of Ogunquit, Maine; three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, in the Red Lodge Community Church. Cremation has taken place. Interment will be in the Red Lodge cemetery. Olcott Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the Beartooth Hospital and Health Center; Box 590; Red Lodge, MT 59068.
Deborah Ann Berg
At the age of 34, Deborah Ann Berg of Billings died at her home as the result of heart complications. The daughter of Maurice and Delores (Knaup) Muth, Deborah was born on May 1, 1964, in Sheridan, Wyo. She moved with her parents to Billings in August of 1965, graduating from Billings Central High School in 1982.
On April 11, 1987, Deborah was united in marriage to Todd Eugene Berg in Billings, making their home here.
Deborah worked for Big Bear, Lil Pizzas, War Bonnet Inn, The Sheraton and most recently for Marriott Food Service as well as being a full time MOM. She loved working with puzzles and doing plastic canvas, was active in church activities and very involved with the Down's Syndrome organization.
Survivors include her husband of 11 years, Todd; three children, Joe (8), Beth (6) and Doug (5). She is also survived by her parents, Maurice and Delores Muth of Billings; sister, Darla and her husband, Greg Berumen of Livingston; two grandmothers, Theresa Knaup and Margaret Muth; in-laws, Oscar and Carol Berg, Crystal and John Brown, Sharon and Tom Stinchfield; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Her younger brother, Howard James Muth, preceded her in death in 1982.
Visitation will be Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 am until 8 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 6, from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Dahl Funeral Chapel A gathering of family and friends will be 7 p.m. at the chapel on Sunday, Dec. 6. The Funeral Service will be at the Open Bible Church, 19th and Howard, on Monday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. with interment in Mountview cemetery. Memorials may be made to Parents of Downs Syndrome, c/o Norwest Bank, 1325 Main, Billings, 59105; or directed to her children, c/o Yellowstone Bank, Box 81010, Billings, 59108.
