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Jack D. Peters
Jack D. Peters, 90, a longtime resident of Trego, died Saturday June 29, 2013, at Health Care Northwest in Kalispell from natural causes.
He was born April 28, 1923, in Ontario, Ore., to Albert and Mary Anna (Bennage) Peters. Jack grew up and attended school in Ontario and graduated from Ontario High School with the class of 1941.
Jack served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II and was stationed on Midway Island. After returning from the service, Jack married
Mary Louise Wise on Oct 18, 1945. in Ontario, Ore. The family moved to Trego in 1955, where they bought a ranch.
Over the years Jack proved to be a good steward of the land. He turned his ranch into a park. He made a living by raising cattle, pigs, Christmas trees and by logging. Jack was named tree farmer of the year twice, once in 1983 and the second time in 2003. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.
A sister and a brother preceded him in death.
Survivors include wife Mary Louise Peters of Trego; children Susan Utter and Terry of Eureka; Kenneth Peters and Deb of Kalispell; Leslie Peters and Alan of Maine; grandchildren Mark Utter and Marla, Chad Utter and Stephanie, Amy Pacella and John, Trevor Utter and Amber, Jayson Peters and Mary, Chris Peters and Reisa, Stephanie Boon and Adam; great-grandchildren include Charlaine, Terrin, Ashlen, Rachael, Elizabeth, A.J., Sienna, Alyssa, Caleb, Natalia, Andi, Urijah, Issac.
Private family service will be held.
Local arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Eureka.
Jack G. Teeples
Jack G. Teeples is listening to the music in heaven, fully hearing, and dancing with his Savior Jesus Christ. Jack, 82, died peacefully June 20, 2013, with his family beside him, in God’s grace.
Jack Teeples, husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend, will be dearly missed.
Jack was born to Ray and Violet Teeples March 31, 1931, and celebrated his last birthday on Easter Sunday this year. He was raised on the Bluewater Ranch and graduated high school in Bridger, Mont.
Jack married
the love of his life, Mary (Onken) Teeples, Dec. 28, 1950. Together they waltzed life’s dance for 62 years. Jack worked with his dad on the ranch until he began his career with the railroad. Originally hired out on the Northern Pacific Railroad in Laurel, Mont., Jack retired as an engineer with the Burlington Northern Railroad in Whitefish, 40 years later.
Jack will be remembered as one who deeply loved his family. His grandchildren were a complete source of joy and pride. For his family he was the No. 1 fan in their activities, sports, education, and all other endeavors.
Jack was a relational giant, friend and mentor to many in the communities where he lived. He especially had a passion for the younger generation.
Jack saw the world through the eyes of an artist. He used his large, strong hands and his servant heart to willingly express his gift through woodworking, photography, landscaping, leading bible studies, and building and improving his homes, the homes of his children and his church home. These acts of love were accomplished with much generosity, fortitude, joy, and laughter. Many will recall him simply as a compassionate disciple of Christ.
Jack is survived by wife Mary; the family of Karen and Bill McDonald, Columbus, Mont.; Jason and Carie McDonald and Jonathan and Stephanie McDonald; the family of Bob and Misty Teeples, Columbia Falls, Jennifer and Andy Steele and Kristin and Derek Thompson; the family of Linda and Jim Roberts, Eureka, Jay Roberts and Amy Roberts; the family of Jeff and Kris Teeples, Hawley, Minn., David, Eric and Philip Teeples; and great grandchildren Savanna, Jonathan, Tegan, Drew, Jax, and Kathleen.
Jack was the patriarch of the entire family and was the older brother to four sisters: Phyllis Joki, Dorothy Spracklen, Joanne Hamwey, and Edna Coates.
Join us for a service of comfort, worship, and celebration at 3 p.m., June 30, at Christ Lutheran Church, 5150 River Lakes Parkway, Whitefish.
Jean Francis (Heibein) Lalum
Jeannie went home to the Father, the Creator of all, on Nov. 9, 2012, after an extended illness.
She is survived by husband Clint; sons Randy and Darin Newton. step-sons Jason and Jon Lalum; mother Gertie Heibein; sisters Gloria Jones and Carol Cogar; six grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jeannie was born Oct. 12, 1944, in Blairemore, Alberta. She was raised in Eureka, where she loved ice skating, fishing and enjoying her pets as a young girl and lady.
Later, in Renton, Wash., she enjoyed time with her sons and grandchildren, as well as enjoying some of her artistic talents with crafts, particularly sketching.
There will be a memorial service at the First Baptist Church, 935 9th Street E., Eureka, June 29, 2013. The service will start at 1 p.m., with a light brunch at 2 p.m., then a graveside service with family at the Tobacco Valley cemetery, two miles south of Eureka on Highway 37.
Dennis J. Vandeberg
Dennis Vandeberg, formerly of Eureka, passed away May 17, 2013, in Canyon, British Columbia, after a battle with cancer.
He was born Oct. 21, 1941, to James and Bernice Vandeberg in Williston, N.D. He was raised and attended school in Bainville, Mont., graduating in 1961.
He married
Pat Wilde (Mahler) in 1965, and together they had two sons and four grandchildren.
He had various jobs, living in Great Falls, Eureka and Whitetail, Mont.
In Eureka, he was manager of Cenex, hauled lumber for Gwynn Lumber and worked for Homeland Security at the Port of Roosville.
In 1996 he and Pat moved to Whitetail, where he was immigration inspector for Port of Whitetail. They were divorced in 2003.
After his retirement in 2003, he moved to Canyon, British Columbia, where he lived until his death.
He is survived by wife Theresa of Canyon; sons Shawn and Carrie of Eureka; Brady and Melissa of Lusk, Wyo.; grandchildren Mikayla, Zach, Nikoda, and Savana Vandeberg; step-daughter Kaylee; sister Joy and Murl Nesseth; twin sister DeAnn and Arlen Larson, both of Port Orchard, Wash.; numerous nieces and nephews.
His parents and two brothers preceded him in death. Theresa will be having a celebration of his life at a later date at their home in Canyon, and per his wishes, his sons will scatter his ashes in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
Evelyn D. Larson
Evelyn D. Larson, 83, of Eureka, passed away May 1, 2013.
She was born April 21, 1930, in Chester, Mont., to Norval and Clara Nelson. When she was a small child, her family moved to Ferndale, Mont., where her parents started a strawberry farm. She attended and graduated from the Ferndale school in 1948.
On Nov. 14, 1948, she married
Louis M. Larson. As a young married
couple, they moved around, living in Kalispell, Bremerton, Wash., and Polson. They eventually bought land and settled in Eureka, where they have lived and raised their family.
These facts may sum up the obvious things about our mother, sister, auntie, grandmother and friend, but in no way does it reflect who she really was.
She would very much dislike it if she thought we would write up some flowery obituary about her, but let us take a moment and reflect on who she really was.
Her life was filled for many years raising her family. It just comes naturally for some, and it certainly did for her. Three boys and one girl called for much patience, but she wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. We never had to wonder if we had a lunch for school or if, after getting off the bus, there would be anyone home to welcome us. Mom was always there. She always had food cooking and cookies in the cookie jar. I’m sure we couldn’t appreciate this as children, but we certainly do now. As the years went by and need for more income came along, she and dad started an upholstery business. Auto seats, chairs, couches, etc.; you name it, she upholstered it. Most of Eureka has something that she has recovered.
She was always very involved in her church, as it was small and required the members to do much of the work. She and Dad never failed to have their family there, helping out and showing us the importance of God and faith in our life.
She loved to craft, sew, garden and make her home beautiful. She loved and enjoyed her family so much. The grandchildren and great grandchildren have brought her great joy. You could see sheer pride and joy dancing in her eyes as she watched them. Her greatest joy the past few years, however, has been her dog, Lexi. This dog has been her companion in life, doing and going everywhere with her since she felt the pangs of loneliness after losing Dad a few years back. We often joked with her that she loved that dog more than us kids. She would only smile—but never deny it. Thank you, Lexi, for giving Mom what we couldn’t give her these past years, “a constant companion.” Though we don’t know how we will ever fully enjoy our lives without her in it, we are so grateful in knowing she is reunited with our dad and her parents and many others whom she has missed for so many years.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Louis M. Larson; parents Norval and Clara Nelson; her infant daughter, Sandra Jean Larson; infant grandson Jarrod D. Heinrichs and sister, Bernice.
She is survived by her children: Verl and Pam Larson; Darrell and Cheryl Larson; Larry and Laura Larson, all of Eureka; and Carol and Robby Heinrichs of Columbia Falls; grandchildren Darren Larson, Brian and Kylie Larson, Tommy and Elissa Larson, Jory Larson, Dillon Larson, Caitlin Larson, Jenessa and Justin Stewart, Justin and Laura Heinrichs, and Jeffrey Heinrichs; great-grandchildren Aria and Ever Stewart, David, Trenton, Laina and Graham Heinrichs, and Astrid Larson; brothers Ed and Iva Jean Nelson and Leon and Merry Jane Nelson; sisters Margie and Warren Ortman and Echo and Orvin Larson; and many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family. Special thanks to her closest friends Lawrence and Helen Riffle and Anita Rankosky for their constant love and watch over Mom these past years and last, but not least, Lexi girl.
Graveside services were Saturday, May 4, at the Tobacco Valley cemetery in Eureka.
John “Jack” R. Sturgis
John “Jack” R. Sturgis, 78, passed away suddenly from a brain aneurysm April 16, 2013, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, surrounded by his family.
Jack was born Jan. 6, 1935, to Harold and Mabel (Clark) Sturgis in Kansas City, Kan., joining brother Harold R. Jr. and half sister Mary Jane Sullivan.
Jack grew up in Kansas City, where he made many friendships that have lasted a lifetime.
Jack graduated from high school in 1953, after which he joined the Army, serving for two years and being stationed in Japan for one year. On his return to the states, he married
his high school sweetheart, Lois Holmes, on April 29, 1956.
Moving to Denver, Colo., Jack attended trade school for two years, pursuing his lifetime interest in gunsmithing. The family, now joined by daughter Beckie, returned to Kansas, where son Matt was born and Jack worked at restoring pianos. The family than headed west to Kalispell.
Jack obtained a job scuba diving to remove sunken logs in Flathead Lake. Then he started working at Bauska Gun Shop. Daughter Tami and son David were born during this time. In 1966 the family moved to Stryker, where they resided for 18 years and Jack worked as a machinist near Fortine.
In later years Jack and Lois returned to Kalispell where Jack, partially retired, continued to do specialized machine work, eventually joining a partnership making scope mounts and parts for Swiss rifles.
He taught himself to play the guitar when quite young and blessed us all with music and song, which will be sorely missed. Many evenings found Jack and Lois playing and singing folk songs to the enjoyment of many friends and family.
Jack and Lois enjoyed traveling, visiting England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and New Zealand. One of their final trips was a lifelong dream of Jack’s of going on safari in Africa.
Jack was very involved in the Church of God and became an ordained elder in 2011. Jack made many dear friends throughout his very full life. Our hearts break at our loss but find peace knowing Jack has joined his Lord and Savior.
Jack is survived by his wife Lois of Kalispell; daughter Beckie and Randy Evins of Eureka; son Matt of Albuquerque, N.M., daughter Tami and Wayne Bozarth of Eureka; son David of Kalispell; grandchildren Kerrol, Kole and Kit Evins, Jordan and Jonathon Sturgis, Tim and Tara Bozarth; eight great grandchildren; brother Harold R. Sturgis; nephews H.R. and Mike, and canine buddy Teddy.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister.
A private ceremony was held April, 20, 2013. A celebration of his life will be held later this summer.
Betty Lee Garrison
Betty Lee Garrison went home to be with her Lord Jesus on April 2, 2013, at the age of 87. Her battle with pancreatic cancer ended, and her new life in Heaven began with perfect eyesight and perfect hearing and no more pain. Thank you, Lord!
Betty was born in 1925 on a sugar beet farm in Pompeys Pillar, Mont., to John and Vera Chappell. She was second to the oldest of six children. Growing up during the Depression she met with hardship early in her life when at the age of 9 her mother woke up paralyzed from polio. Vera would never walk again. Hardship became a frequent visitor throughout her life, but that never dimmed Betty’s resilience, her fierce loyalty to family and friends, her joyful spirit or loving relationship with the Lord. When she was 19 years old, she received Christ into her life as her Lord and Savior at a small Nazarene church in Pompeys Pillar.
After graduating from Huntley Project High School, she took secretarial classes in Nampa, Idaho, and then moved to Great Falls to attend nursing school. She met Lloyd Oertli in Townsend, Mont., while visiting her sister there. They were married
in 1949. To that union were born three children, Sandy, Jerry and Jane. In 1959, Lloyd was killed in an accident while repairing a high powered electrical line.
In the fall of 1959 Betty and her three children moved to Missoula, where she attended the University of Montana and got her degree in home economics. They moved to Hot Springs, Mont., where she became the home economics teacher at Hot Springs High School. During her time there she met Miles Garrison, who was the coach and history teacher. She married
him the summer of 1963. She became a stay-at-home mom to two more children, Brad and Valerie. They remained in Hot Springs where Miles was the principal of the high school until the summer of 1971, when they moved to Spokane, where Miles, Sandy, Jerry and Jane all attended Whitworth College.
After Miles got his master’s degree in education administration, they moved to Cle Elum, Wash., where he was high school principal at Cle Elum/Roslyn High School for five years.
In 1977, they moved back to Eureka, where they built a home on the ranch owned by Miles’ parents, Homer and Louise Garrison. Miles became the high school principal at LCHS and remained there for eight years.
In 1986, because of their adventurous spirit, they accepted a position at Palmer Community Christian School in Wasilla, Alaska. They had numerous other positions in Alaska, including being resident supervisors at Kenai Peninsula Community Care Center and houseparents to developmentally disabled adults at Arca House in Anchorage. That position opened the doors for them to become foster parents to numerous children within Eureka and Lincoln County upon their return to the Tobacco Valley and their home on Burma Road north of Eureka in 1992, where they remain today.
Betty was very active in her church, First Baptist in Eureka. Her smiling face was there to greet visitors and long-time members alike. She could be found most often in the church’s kitchen preparing meals – helping whenever and wherever she could. She also loved raising a beautiful garden full of fresh vegetables and raspberries. She was well-known for her beautiful dahlias with which she made many gorgeous arrangements for the church and the nursing home. She also loved quilting, and she made a quilt for each one of her children, and her home has quilts as artwork on the walls.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Harold Chappell and one sister, Virginia Novotny.
She is survived by her husband, Miles, and her five children, Sandy Oertli of Eureka, Jerry Oertli of Billings, Jane Fairfield of Gillette, Wyo., Brad Garrison of Portland, Ore., and Val Garrison, also of Portland; two sisters, Margie Brown of Billings and Lois Leggett of Mills, Wyo.; eight grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Services were Monday, April 8, 2013, at the First Baptist Church in Eureka. Memorials may be made in Betty’s name to the First Baptist Church Diaconate Fund for Special Needs, PO Box 391, Eureka, Montana 59917.
Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Eureka.
