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Michael Arthur Hessian, 56
Michael Arthur Hessian, 56, a longtime resident of Bigfork, died there June 29, 2010. He was born Oct. 6, 1953, in Minneapolis, the son of Maurice and Jeanette Hessian. He graduated from Hopkins High School in Minneapolis in 1971, where he was a varsity hockey player. Michael first came to Montana from Minneapolis to ski on Big Mountain in 1976. Michael felt a strong connection to the Flathead Valley and returned that summer to work as a carpenter in Glacier National Park. Michael settled in Bigfork in 1977, where he lived for the remainder of his life. He was a skilled carpenter and worked in housing construction as a master craftsman and supervisor. He married
Blakely Brown in 1981. They divorced in 1990. They had a son, Hunter Bo, born Sept. 27, 1985. During his life in the valley he owned Hessian Construction, Hessian Crane Service and was the co-owner of the Bread Board Bakery in the 1980s with Blakely. His parents preceded him in death. He is survived by his son, Hunter Bo Hessian, of Portland; his former wife, Blakely Brown, of Missoula; brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Karen Hessian, of Excelsior, Minn.; brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Brenda Hessian, of Hopkins, Minn.; sister and brother-in-law, Jeanne and Greg Jacobs, of Sequim, Wash.; sister, Maureen Gluek, of Roseville, Minn.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Michael was an avid sports enthusiast and cherished the natural outdoor playground that Montana provides. In 2000, Michael was in a serious construction accident that nearly crippled his body and hindered any further outdoor exploration. Through all that life dealt Michael, he was always capable of maintaining high spirits even in life s darkest moments and would want to be remembered by his gracious smile and generous laugh. A celebration of Michael s life will be held beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 11, at the Garden Bar in downtown Bigfork.
Homer Lyle Steele, 82
Homer Lyle Steele, 82, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away at his home on July 11, 2010, surrounded with the love of his family. He was born April 1, 1928, in Wolf Point, the youngest son of Ruth and Archie Steele. He married
his high school sweetheart, Joyce Elaine Wilkinson, on April 23, 1949. They were deeply in love for 63 years. Homer and Joyce lived in the house that Homer built near Columbia Falls. Homer was a football star at Wolf Point High School where he was awarded a full scholarship. He helped build Hungry Horse Dam, where he worked for seven years, then worked at Columbia Falls Aluminum Co., for 36 and a half years, where he retired. Homer s greatest love was his family and the fun spent on family trips, boating, camping and hunting. He was an elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His kindness and gentleness made him special in every way. He had such a big heart and would help anyone in need. Homer was preceded in death by sister, Helen Steele; mother, Ruth Steele; father, Archie Steele; and brothers, Harold and Robert Steele. He is survived by his children, Kim W. Steele, Cheryl D. Sands and husband, Mike Sands; Shane L. Steele and wife, Beth Steele; and Shawn D. Steele. He has 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, Angela Cote and husband, Paul; Tina Sands and son, Brandon; Michael Sands and wife, Dina, and children, Marissa, Megan and Shawn; Shane Steele and wife, Sonja, and children, Shelby and Zach; Kasey Steele; Andy Steele and wife, Jennifer, and children, Drew and Jax; Jeremy Steele and children, Kirsten and Andon; Jamie Griffith and husband, Ryan, and children, Colton and Sierra; Kandis Steele and son, Joey; and Kelsey Steele. We will miss you every day. May the Lord hold you in His arms for all eternity. Funeral services for Homer will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 16, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Columbia Falls. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. in the Relief Society Room. Burial will follow at the Woodland cemetery. A reception will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints following the service. Columbia Mortuary is caring for Homer s family.
James Mark Wood Wolfe, 57
James Mark Wood Wolfe, 57, of Columbia Falls, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 9, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell, surrounded by family and close friends. Known as the Wolfeman, Mark was a collector of odd knick-knacks, including wolf pictures and figurines and coffee pots. He never left his house without his trusty wood walking stick, his sunglasses, his choice of vest and an unforgettable smile to start the day. He s also known for being the only dad to drop his daughter off in his cherry red hearse to school. He got a kick out of these things, being the amazing single father he was. He called this duty his privilege. Mark lived his life beyond the fullest. He is a legacy among his peers, friends and family, stamping every heart around him with his silly ways and contagious personality in a unique and special way, and making him unforgettable to all who had the pleasure of meeting and knowing him. His passions involved fishing, camping, bonfires, music, cribbage and his morning coffee. He loved a double white Russian latte from his favorite coffee girl. Anything that involved the company of friends and family made him a happy man. Mark was preceded in death by his father, James Rogan Wolfe; brother, Scott Wolfe; sister, Margarette, and brother-in-law, Ed Price; and baby brother, Thomas Wolfe. He is survived his son, David Wolfe, and grandson, Cody Milliron; daughter, Yvonne Wolfe, and grandson, Taylor Bryan; granddaughter, Celina Bryan; his mother, Mildred Wolfe; brothers, Jeff, Dave, Phil and Roger Wolfe; sister, Liz Bolles; along with countless cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones, and his favorite cousin, Becky, and last but not least, his loyal friend and companion of 18 years, Leah Kvamme, and her five sons, Mike, Matt, Mark, Marshell and Monroe Kvamme, and daughter, Ann Kvamme, and grandchildren who were Mark s second family. Mark always loved gathering people together for a great time. So please join us for a tailgate potluck Wolfeman Style in remembrance of Mark, to celebrate his life and new beginnings, and where we would love to share stories and conclude his life the way he wants us to. A meet-and-greet and potluck will start at 4:20 p.m., Saturday, July 17, at 126 Poverty Lane, in Columbia Falls; call Sonya Green 890-0179 for details. Services will begin at 6:30 p.m.. In lieu of flowers, donations to Mark s expenses may be made to assist his children at this difficult time. P.S.: Dad, we will love and miss you. See you on the flip side. Columbia Mortuary is caring for Mark s family.
D. Franklin Kohl, 94
D. Franklin Kohl of Arlee died at St. Peter s Hospital in Helena on July 6, 2010, following a short illness. Franklin was born to William F. and Edith Ann (Garst) Kohl in Yates Center, Kan., on April 13, 1916, and lived in various parsonages throughout Kansas before the family relocated to Aberdeen, S.D., in the early 1930s. Franklin enjoyed a youth filled with hiking, bird hunting and taxidermy, and helped extend the family s resources by working as a newspaper carrier. After two years of college in Aberdeen, Franklin transferred to Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where he earned Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Divinity degrees. At Drake, Franklin met LaVern DeLong who would become his dearest companion for 75 years. Franklin loved to travel and spent the summer of 1937 touring England by bicycle. He preached in various communities in Iowa and Nebraska while completing seminary and accepted his first calling as the minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Grand Island, Neb., in 1939. Franklin and LaVern were wed on Aug. 7, 1940, in Lake City, Iowa, beginning their married
life and partnership in Christian ministry. From 1945-1955, Franklin served as the enthusiastic and popular pastor of a large congregation in Maryville, Mo. Throughout his career, he always undertook at least one major project in each church he served " in Maryville it was securing a new pipe organ, an endeavor which took several years to complete. In 1949 he completed additional schooling at Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, Calif. In 1955 Franklin and LaVern answered the call of the mountains, which had always been a lure to them, when he assumed the position of minister at the Central Christian Church in Great Falls. He served there until 1966, leading the congregation in the construction of a new education building. Franklin continued his passions for traveling and the great outdoors as he took family and friends on journeys throughout the world, and enjoyed countless hunting, fishing and camping trips in the Bob Marshall Wilderness and Glacier National Park. He was also an avid amateur photographer. Christianity, world peace and reconciliation were constant themes in Franklin s life. He completed his ministerial career as the Disciples of Christ regional minister for Montana, from 1967-1981. He spent countless hours driving the highways and byways of Montana, helping to coordinate the state s Christian fellowships. Franklin was also active in the Montana Association of Churches and the Great Falls Ministerial Association; was on the Northwest Christian University Board of Trustees in Eugene, Ore., and the Disciples of Christ Church Extension board of directors; and traveled with the Witness for Peace program to Nicaragua and Guatemala. Following retirement in 1981, Franklin and LaVern spent the next 25 years as members of the American Tree Farm Association, managing their Two Rivers Tree Farm in the Jocko Canyon of western Montana. They were also ardent supporters of the Society of Friends (Quaker) communities in Missoula and St. Ignatius. Growing a garden, raising llamas and dogs, working in the woods, hiking in the summer, and cross-country skiing in the winter brought pleasure and satisfaction to Franklin during his retirement years. Following an illness in 2005, Franklin and LaVern joined the Waterford community in Helena, where they have enjoyed the kind and devoted staff, and long walks in the surrounding neighborhoods. Franklin was preceded in death by his parents; half sister, Neoma Kohl Beale; brothers, Leon, Robert Homer and Herbert Kohl; and grandson, Benjamin Kohl. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, LaVern DeLong Kohl; sons, David of Cincinnati, and Stephen and wife, Katie, of Sweet Home, Ore.; daughters, Ruth Solie of Detroit Lakes, Minn., and Rebecca Kohl and husband, Kirby, Lambert of Helena; grandchildren, David W. Kohl and JoAnn of Portland, Nathaniel Kohl and Becky of Westport, Conn., Mary Solie and Jiancarlo of Costa Rica; Paul Solie and Jessica of Minneapolis, and Jane Solie of Missoula; great-granddaughter, Claire Solie, of Minneapolis; numerous nieces and nephews; and special neighbors, Hank and Carol Adams and family. Cremation has taken place. A private memorial service is planned for later this summer. The family requests that memorials be sent to a hospice of the donor s choice; or the Disciples Peace Fellowship, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), P.O. Box 1986, Indianapolis, IN 46208-1986, or https://dpfweb.org/donate/.
Clara L. Lipp, 86
Clara L. Lipp, 86, passed away on Thursday, July 1, 2010, in Kalispell. Clara was born on June 21, 1924, to Alphonse and Hilda Muller in Hingham. She attended school in Hingham, graduating in 1942. On Oct. 8, 1946, she married
Phillip Lipp in Hingham. They resided in Hingham until 1983, when they retired and moved to Kalispell. Clara spent many enjoyable years bowling, golfing, doing needlework and getting visits from family and friends. Clara is survived by her husband, Phillip Lipp, of Kalispell; daughters and sons-in-laws, Marge and Bob Hoene of Bigfork, Jane and Nate English of Lolo, Rita and John Laird of Chester, Diane and Keith Engebritson of Kalispell, and honorary daughter Kim Spicher of Whitefish; grandchildren, Casey, Sara, Jessica, Cory, Heather, Mitch, Aaron, Megan, Keegan and Leah; and great-grandchildren, Carolyn, Finley, Edie, Evelyn, Georgia, Declan, Cartrin and Spencer. She is also survived by two sisters, Viola Rambo of Libby, and Eileen Bucholtz, of Beach, N.D.; two brothers and their spouses, John and Joann Muller of Hibbing, Minn., and Jim and Shirley Muller of Rudyard. Clara was preceded in death by a daughter, Carolyn Davies; and a grandson, Drew Engebretson. A visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., with a vigil service at 7 p.m. today, July 2, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:30 p.m., Saturday, July 3, at Risen Christ Catholic Church with the Rev. Rudy Bullman officiating. Interment will follow the services at C.E. Conrad Memorial cemetery. The family request memorials be made to the charity of the donor s choice in Clara s name. You are invited to go to www. buffalohillfh.com to sign the book or leave a message. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.
Allard 'Al' Loraine Seelye, 90
Allard 'Al' Loraine Seelye, 90, passed away on Friday, July 16, 2010, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell. He was born on Feb. 28, 1920, in Watford City, N.D., to George Eugene and May Oretta (Johnson) Seelye, in the old hotel where his grandmother ran a maternity home. Al had three brothers, Dale, Donald and Jack. In 1929 his folks moved to the Dixon farm near Tioga, N.D., and he went to school there, graduating in 1938. He later wrote a book called, The Dixon Farm, to document and share the exciting experiences he had growing up there. Al later went to San Diego and worked two years to the day, helping build B24 airplanes at Consolidated Aircraft Co., during World War II. Then the Navy caught up with him and he attended boot camp in Farragut, Idaho, followed by two years in the world s largest ammunition depot at Hawthorne, Nev. This is where he met Doris Barlow and they dated for one year before he went overseas. Al was stationed in the Philippines aboard ship for one year and following his discharge from the Navy, he and Doris were married
June 9, 1946, in Hawthorne. The couple moved to Seattle where Al took a two-and-a-half year course in electronics at Edison VoTech. Al then worked for Gambles in Kalispell doing their electrical repair work. He later worked for the Montana State Highway Department as their two-way radio man until his retirement; and he enjoyed every day of it. Following retirement, Al and his fishing buddy, Hank Dawson, fished all the rivers and lakes in the Flathead. He also started playing the fiddle and was a member of the Fiddling Friends, often accompanied by his wife, Doris, on her guitar. Al was a faithful member of the Central Bible Church in Kalispell and, as one of the workmen when the original facility was built, often claimed he pounded in almost every nail in the building. They have enjoyed many years of camping and fishing, traveling south in the winters, and fiddling for local nursing homes. Al was preceded in death by his parents, and all three brothers. He is survived by his wife, Doris, of Kalispell; two daughters, Sharon Skillman and husband, John, of Lustre, and Melody Nickel and husband, Dan, of Limrick, Ireland; one son, Tim Seelye, and wife, Melodee, of Kalispell; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services for Al will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 22, at Central Bible Church with Pastor Ron Youde officiating. Burial will precede the services at the church and will be at 10 a.m. at C.E. Conrad Memorial cemetery. Johnson - Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Al s family.
Rollan Samuel Kauffman, 89
Rollan Samuel Kauffman, 89, passed away on Monday, July 19, 2010, at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. He was born on Dec. 4, 1920, in Kansas City, Mo., to Daniel S. and Bessie (Hook) Kauffman. Rollan moved with his family to the Flathead Valley at an early age and received his early education here. He graduated from Flathead County High School. Two years later Rollan married
Jane Adair Rowell on Feb. 3, 1940, in Polson. He was drafted into the Army and served during World War II. Back in the valley after the war, Rollan worked as a manager for Economy Foods in Kalispell and as a manager in Stevensville, until 1951. He then worked for Kalispell Pole and Timber until 1954, until beginning his career at the Ford garage, where he trained as a mechanic. By the time Rollan retired in 1985, the Ford dealership was Rygg Ford. Rollan and Jane loved the outdoors and spent nearly every weekend with the family at one lake or another. Fishing, camping and hunting were favorite pastimes. Rollan also had a great affinity for the Mennonite faith as he grew up. In retirement, he took art classes and enjoyed painting and spending time with his garden and greenhouse. Rollan was preceded in death by his three brothers and three sisters. He is survived by his wife, Jane; son, Dennis, and wife, Irene; daughters, Phyllis Swallow and husband, Wesley, and Cheryl Hammond and husband, Buddy, all of Kalispell; as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral services for Rollan will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, July 23, at Central Bible Church with Pastor Ron Youde officiating. Burial will follow at C.E. Conrad Memorial cemetery, with military honors. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Al's family.
PFC Owen David Witt
B-Troop 1-4 Cavalry
1st Infantry Division
Visitation: Friday, June 4, 2003 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Jordan
Funeral Service:Saturday, June 5, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. at the Garfield County High School Gymnasium.
Interment: will follow in the family lot at the Steve Forks cemetery with full military honors
PFC Owen D. Witt
PFC Owen D. Witt, age 20, of Sand Springs, MT, died in Iraq on May 24, 2004. His mission was to serve his Country, which he chose by enlisting in the United States Army. Owen was extremely affected by the events of September 11, 2001 and was determined to defend the United States.
He was born December 6, 1983 in Lewistown, MT. He attended Benzien Country School through the eighth grade, and graduated from Garfield County High School in 2002. He was involved in the 4-H, basketball team, and loved to be at the ranch and spend time with his family. Owen was a terrific person. He was kind, loving and caring with a great sense of humor and wonderful smile. He lived with his family on a working ranch in Montana. He was an artist, working at painting in oils. Owen wanted to ranch, raise a family and paint. He liked country and western music and was a very gregarious fella.
He is survived by his mother and father; Karen and David Witt of Sand Springs, grandparents; Alvin and Patsy Clark of Brusett, three brothers; Cody and his wife Christina Witt of Missoula and their children, Catherine and Corbin, Kelly and his wife Michelle Witt of Sand Springs, and their children Megan and Morgan, and Troy Witt, and his fiancée Margo, of Sand Springs, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins and a special friend, Janina Behen of Germany.
Visitation will be held on Friday, June 4, 2004 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Jordan. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 5, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. at the Garfield County High School Gymnasium. Interment will follow in the family lot at the Steve Forks cemetery with full military honors. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Jordan is in charge of the arrangements.
Catherine Lee Tonn
Visitation: Sunday, November 16, 2003 from 1:00 to 8:00 pm in the chapel of Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home.
Funeral Service:Monday, November 17, 2003 at 2:00 PM at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Miles City
Interment: Custer County cemetery
Catherine Lee Tonn, age 82, of Miles City passed away at the Holy Rosary Health Center on Thursday, November 13, 2003.
Catherine was born on April 1, 1921 in Brighton, Iowa. She was the daughter of Eliphalet Whitman and Osa Catherine (Smith) Wood. When Catherine was 5, the family moved to Miles City where she attended grade school and high school. She graduated from North Phoenix High School in 1939. During WWII, Catherine worked at an airplane factory. After returning to Miles City, she married
Marcus Tonn on October 24, 1947. They moved to SY Ranch on Pumpkin Creek, south of Miles City, where they made their home until 1995 when they moved to Miles City.
Catherine was a people person, who always had a smile on her face. She loved being out and about where everyone she ran into was a friend. She enjoyed eating out with her friends and family. She taught many children to play the piano. Catherine enjoyed many hours playing the piano and the fiddle. Most of all she loved her family and being with them. Catherine was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, District 7 Fiddlers, Range Riders, and Lutheran Woman’s Missionary League.
Catherine is survived by her husband, Marcus, of 56 years, two sisters-in-law: Elphie Wood and Frances Wood both of Miles City, MT and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eliphalet and Osa, her sister Helen and her brothers; Charles, Merle and Eugene.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2003 from 1:00 to 8:00 pm. Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 17, 2003 at 2:00 PM at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
