Gordon Gregg Klempel, age 75, passed away at his rural Bloomfield home on February 16, 2018 after a brief battle with cancer. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church in Richey, Montana with Pastor Paul Sponheim officiating.  A private family interment with military honors will be held in Dawson Memorial Cemetery in Glendive, Montana.  Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Gordon was born May 10, 1942 in Sidney, Montana. He was the second oldest of five siblings of Frank and Kathryn (Gregg) Klempel. He attended South Valley School northeast of Bloomfield and graduated from Dawson County High School in Glendive in 1960. Upon graduation, he worked seasonally in Colorado before joining the Army. Upon his completion of military service at Ft. Belvoir, VA, he briefly attended Montana State University in Bozeman before joining his parents in a farming/ranching operation where he later became a principal. In 1967, he married Ilene Sanders of Circle, MT. They were blessed with a daughter (Pamela) and son (Scott). Last June, Gordon and Ilene celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family while in Hawaii.

He was passionate about farming and ranching, especially during the spring and harvest seasons. He took many vacations with his family, having the opportunity to travel throughout North America, Asia, and Europe. Throughout his life and in his retirement years, he enjoyed caring for livestock, hunting, flying his airplane, taking care of a large yard, woodworking, and spending time with his grandchildren. He enjoyed visiting with friends and family; he was a faithful volunteer at Eastern Montana Bible Camp and generously helped neighbors.  

Gordon is survived by his wife Ilene; his daughter Pam (Bill) Cates of Castle Pines, CO; his son Scott of Nixa, MO; his four grandchildren, Payton Klempel, Paige Klempel, Jack Cates, and Ellyn Cates; his sister, Janice (Duane) Mullet of Sun Lakes, AZ; three brothers, Don (Debbie) of Glendive, MT, Tom (Marjorie) and Alan (Sherri), both of Bloomfield. He was also loved by his many nieces, nephews, and cousins. His parents preceded him in death.

The family thanks the hospice staff for their services and for the enduring love and care by lifetime friend and neighbor, Bill Holzworth.

Memorial donations are suggested to be given to Eastern Montana Bible Camp, c/o Connie Unruh, 431 Road 523, Bloomfield, MT 59315.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.

Leslie Micheletto, age 67, of Glendive, passed away on Friday, February 16, 2018 at the Glendive Medical Center in Glendive.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service is planned for later in the spring. A full obituary will follow. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Orville Gaub, age 62, of Glendive, passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at his home in Glendive.

Services are pending and will be announced when completed. A full obituary will follow. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Our tall “little brother” Orville Gaub with his great smile, generous heart, and always helpful spirit slipped the surly bonds of this earth and its pains early Saturday, February 17, 2018, way too soon and very unexpectedly at the age of 62.

A casual time of gathering, sharing and reminiscing for all of Orville’s friends, co-workers and family will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. MST on Tuesday, February 27, 2018 in the Silha Tribute Center right next door to the funeral home at 221 N. Meade in Glendive. Refreshments will be served. Orville’s body has been cremated and burial will occur at a later date. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Orville began life on his own terms by arriving a month late on January 29, 1956!  He grew up in Glendive with his parents John and Cora and siblings Alice & Marvin. He liked to tease his sister & ‘bug’ his brother.

Orville attended Jefferson grade school, Washington Middle School and graduated from Dawson County High School in 1974. But school was not his favorite thing! He caroused a bit which he said certainly contributed to our mom’s gray hair, did some hunting, & was especially proud of the large paddlefish he snagged.

Early on he also liked cars, naming one of his cars “Silver Streak” and winning a Demolition Derby. He always loved racing & keenly followed most televised races. He also loved bowling and found time to play on a championship bowling team.

After High School Orville worked at the VW dealership in Glendive for several years & then became employed by BNSF Railroad from which he recently retired. He excelled at furniture building, woodwork finishing, interior wall taping and texturing and roofing. Orville enjoyed construction work and was somewhat of a “task master” helping his good friend Les Metzger build his house! He enjoyed yardwork and inherited a bit of our mom’s green thumb by proudly maintaining a lush deep green and manicured front lawn at his home in Forest Park.

Orville trekked back and forth to California several times, especially enjoying Sea World & the San Diego area.  He said he “overdosed” on fresh strawberries while on one trip. Schwan’s Silver Mint bars, molasses ginger snaps and all things caramel also “called out” to Orville....or so he claimed!

In the early 1990’s Orville was briefly married to Darlene Gail Dumire. They had no children.

Together with Linda Baker & Carleen Gaub, Orville cared for our mom Cora and kept up her property in her final years. We deeply appreciate this still.

Orville was preceded in death by his parents, John & Cora Gaub. 

He is survived by his siblings, Marvin & Alice; sister-in-law, Peg Gaub; his much loved nephew and niece, Steve Gaub and Becca Lengenfelder; as well as his great-nieces & nephews, Kaitlyn, Alexandria, Austin, William, Luke, Vincent and Ambrose Lengenfelder.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.

Leslie Diane Micheletto, age 67, passed away on Friday, February 16, 2018 at the Glendive Medical Center in Glendive.  

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Will Johnson officiating.  Interment will follow in Dawson County Cemetery. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Leslie was born on August 20, 1950 in Glendive, a daughter of Richard and Margaret (Biggerstaff) Johnson. She was raised and educated in Glendive and graduated high school from Dawson County High School with the class of 1969. Following her graduation she met up with her high school sweetheart, Gene Micheletto, in Hawaii where he was on leave from the Vietnam War. While in Hawaii the two were married and to this union one son was born, Rick.

Leslie and her family made their home in Glendive where she was a telephone operator for Mountain Bell for a few years. Leslie also worked for numerous Glendive businesses as a bookkeeper until 1985 when Gene suffered a work-related accident. Following the accident she lovingly worked as Gene’s caretaker up until the time of her passing.

Leslie loved to give to others and will always be remembered as a “champion shopper” by all of her friends and family.  Aside from shopping, she also enjoyed fishing and spending time at the lake. She loved traveling, especially trips to Las Vegas with her best friends and to Arizona to watch the baseball spring training. 

She was very active and passionate with different organizations throughout her community including: President of the Glendive Babe Ruth Baseball, Secretary and Treasurer for the EMVH Foundation Board, President of the Wyoming Townhouse HOA, and Secretary and Treasurer for the Class of 1969 Reunion Committee.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Margaret.

Leslie is survived by her husband, Gene of Glendive; her son, Rick (Holly) Micheletto of Glendive; three siblings, Skip (Sonja) Johnson of Billings, Gary (Carol) Johnson of Missoula, and Jeanie McPherson of Cottage Grove, Minn.; numerous nieces, nephews, and their children who were like grandchildren to Leslie; and her dearest friend, Petronella (Allan) Brilz and their daughters and grandchildren whom Leslie loved dearly.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Leslie’s name may be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Glendive or to the EMVH Foundation Board in Glendive.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.

Lyle Sackman, age 71, of Fallon passed away February 27, 2018 at the Glendive Medical Center.

Lyle was born September 25, 1946 in Terry to Andrew and Ruth (Meidinger) Sackman. He attended school in Fallon, Mildred, the Sackman Country School and Terry High School. His first language was German, and he did not learn the English language until he started school.

When Lyle was 16 years old his father died. He quit high school and took over the responsibilities of the family farm and ranch near Mildred. In addition to taking on the duties of the farm and ranch, he also quickly assumed the patriarch role in the family at a very young age. He was the oldest of four children, with his youngest sister, Leita, only being two years old at the time of their father’s death. 

On June 29, 1968, Lyle married Vera Strobel in Terry.  They moved to Lyle’s home place where they farmed and ranched for a short time.  They then moved to the Little Fallon Flat where they made their home, continued to farm and ranch, and raised their two children, Amy and Marty. Lyle resided there until the time of his death.

Lyle loved the ranching and farming life. He enjoyed taking his Harley for a ride and snowmobiling in the mountains. He also very much enjoyed going to coffee every morning with the Fallon coffee crew where they solved many problems, shared many stories, but most importantly shared a lot of laughs. Lyle and Vera liked to travel to California, Arizona, and Libby, Mont. to visit friends and family, but most of all Lyle loved watching his grandkids participate in events and spending time with his family. Lyle served on the Fallon School Board for many years, and he also served several terms on the Prairie County Grazing Board.

Lyle was known for his big smile, witty sense of humor, and great stories. He was honest and forthright. There was never a question of where you stood with this great man.

He was preceded in death by his father, Andrew Sackman.

Lyle is survived by his wife, Vera; daughter, Amy (Jere) Rolandson of Miles City; son, Marty (Barb) Sackman of Fallon; grandchildren, Braden, Gavin, Madison, Casper, Meredith and Milo; mother, Ruth Sackman of Terry; brother, Loren (Phyllis) Sackman of Dickinson, N.D.; sister, Lotty Rambur of Terry; and sister, Leita (Lyle) Zimmerman of Red Lodge; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Terry. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at 2 p.m. at the Evangelical Church of Fallon in Fallon, Mont. with burial following in the Fallon Cemetery.

Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.

The family suggests memorials be made to the Prairie County Hospital, the Fallon Fire Department or the charity of one’s choice.

Robert Lee Zinda, age 75, of Wibaux passed away on Thursday, March 1, 2018 at Glendive Medical Center in Glendive. 

A memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at St. Phillip’s Catholic Church in Wibaux with Father Xavier Arimboor officiating. Rite of Committal will take place at a later date. Silha Funeral Home of Wibaux has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Henry “Hank” Harsha, age 66, of Glendive, passed away on Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at his home in Glendive.

Memorial services for Hank and his wife Chris will be held at a later date in Green River, Wyo. Interment will be in the Riverview Cemetery in Green River.  Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the local arrangements.

Hank was born on July 7, 1951 in Rock Springs, Wyo. to Alfred and Betty (Duncan) Harsha. He was raised and educated in Rock Springs, graduating with the class of 1970. Following high school, Hank continued his education, studying Law at Western Wyoming College in Rock Springs. During this time, Hank married his high school sweetheart, Mary “Chris” Gaensslen. They were united in marriage on February 17, 1973 in Green River and to this union three children were born. Hank worked at a Trona Mine in Green River as a dozer and crusher operator.  He continued working for the mine until his retirement in 2011. Hank and Chris lived in Green River for most of their lives, until in 2016 they moved to Glendive to be closer to their son.

Hank enjoyed locksmithing, archery and playing guitar. He loved to spend time with his family, especially on camping and fishing trips.  Most of all, Hank just wanted to sit back and enjoy life with Chris.

Hank was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Chris in 2017; his daughter, Heidi Lynn Harsha-Beck; his sister, Shirley Hutchins; his brother, Alfred Harsha; and his half-brother, Jimmy Corazza.

Hank is survived by two sons, Joey (Misty) Harsha of Glendive and Patrick Harsha of Pinedale, Wyo.; his adopted daughter, Stephanie (William) Watson of Billings; three grandchildren, Aspen Michelle Beck, Karter Douglas Jordan and Kyle Gene Jordan; his son-in-law, Brian Beck of Nebraska; two sisters, Barb Radman of Rock Springs and Sheila (Luke) Corazza of Cheyenne, Wyo.; numerous nieces and nephews.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at:  www.silhafuneralhomes.com.

Darlene Pawlowski, age 83, passed away at the Eastern Montana Veteran’s Home in Glendive on Saturday, March 3, 2018.  

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Friday, March 9, 2018 at the First Lutheran Church in Circle, Mont. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at the First Lutheran Church with Pastor Wade Brinkopf officiating. Interment will follow in Riverview Cemetery in Circle. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Darlene was born in Glendive on June 20, 1934, to Heinrich and Ruth (Lokken) Heide. She joined her brother, Dale, and later her sister, Helen. They lived on two different farms south of Circle.  The first farm they lived on had a large hip roof barn with a staircase that led to the hay loft. Many neighborhood gatherings were held in the barn with the adults dancing all night and the children falling asleep in the hay loft.  

Darlene rode horseback or rode in a one horse two wheeled buggy to get to the two country schools that she attended, Lower Summit School and Washington School. She went on to Circle High School where she met a dashing young cowboy from north of town by the name of Leo Jensen. Darlene and Leo were married on June 5, 1952, and had four children: Lora, Lonny, Lila and Les.  

Leo was in the Marines and when first married, they lived in California until Leo’s discharge. Then Leo and Darlene lived on the Jensen family farm where they raised small grains, cattle and sheep. Darlene loved to cook and sew, making many of the family’s clothes. Later she switched to making quilts and made sure everyone in the family had a quilt. Darlene and Leo loved to square dance and spent many weekends dancing with friends. Darlene made her own square dance dresses and shirts for Leo. Leo passed away in 1985.

Darlene began dating local farmer and rancher, Wayne Pawlowski. Darlene and Wayne were married on February 1, 1986, and the dancing continued. Wayne played the steel guitar and almost every weekend was spent making music and dancing.  They lived on a farm west of Circle, and every winter they spent a couple of months in the eastern and southern states sightseeing, visiting family, golfing and, of course, dancing. Darlene was a member of the First Lutheran Church, VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Friendship Homemakers Club and was a 4-H Leader. Wayne passed away in December 2014, and Darlene moved to the Eastern Montana Veteran’s Home in February 2015.  

Darlene is survived by her brother, Dale (Jeannette) Heide; her children, Lonny (Sharon) Jensen, Lila Hoffman and Les (Delores) Jensen; stepchildren, Lonnie (Joan) Pawlowski, Rick Pawlowski, Cheryl (Joe) Breitbach and Lynn Glick; and grandchildren, Rhiannon (Bob) Beery, Ryley, Brytta and Kyn, Karly (Cavin) Steiger and Abry, Elise and Evan, Tiana Jensen, Shane Hoffman, Marc Hoffman and Sam Hoffman. Darlene was blessed with numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

Darlene is preceded in death by her first husband, Leo Jensen; second husband, Wayne Pawlowski; daughter, Lora Jensen; parents, Heinrich and Ruth Heide; sister, Helen Savidge; and brother-in-law, Bob Savidge.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Eastern Montana Veteran’s Home for the loving care they gave Mom.  

Memorials in Darlene’s honor may be made to First Lutheran Church of Circle or the charitable organization of your choice.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.

Robert Lee Zinda, age 75, of Wibaux, passed away on Thursday, March 1, 2018 at Glendive Medical Center in Glendive. 

A Memorial Mass was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at St. Phillip’s Catholic Church south of Wibaux with Father Xavier Arimboor officiating. Rite of Committal will take place at a later date. Silha Funeral Home of Wibaux has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Robert was born on December 24, 1942 in Beach, N.D. He was the eldest son of Edward and Jean (Bachmeier) Zinda. Robert attended and graduated from Wibaux Public Schools. After graduation he enlisted in the National Guard and was a member for six years.

Robert married Judy Dowson and to this union three children were born; Russell Zinda, Debra Charles and Angela Kuehn. In 1985, Robert met Mardella Stigen and the two were inseparable for thirty-three years. He had a special bond with his step-children, Mardi and Jewel, and his step-grandchildren, as if they were his own. They were married on March 1, 2013 with friends CD and Gloria Nelson as witnesses. Robert passed away on their fifth anniversary.

Robert worked for Haliburton for twenty-one years and in 1987, they moved back to the family farm south of Wibaux. He then drove school bus from 1987-1999. It was then that he returned to trucking for CHS, retiring in 2011. After retiring, Robert took it upon himself to remodel the farmhouse with assistance from his brother-in-law, Gerald Weidner.

Robert was a member of St. Phillip’s Catholic Church his entire life. He liked building derby cars with his brothers and son, later with his son-in-law and grandsons. Robert loved his farm animals, especially his cows and dogs. He even built a duck pond for his grandchildren. Robert had a special bond with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They will miss him dearly.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Jean; his brother, Sylvester; his stepson, Perry Liebig; and a grandson.  

Robert is survived by his wife, Mardella Zinda of Wibaux; his son, Russell Zinda of Glendive; his daughters, Debra Charles of Mesa, Ariz. and Angela (Todd) Kuehn of Billings; his stepdaughters, Mardi (Bruce) Brown of Baker and Jewel (Ernie) Kriedeman of Baker; his brothers, David (Lonnie)Zinda of Rapid City, S.D. and Leroy (Deb) Zinda of Mandarin, Wyo.; fifteen grandchildren; twenty-five great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.

Julia Ann (Vorhies) Nielsen, age 82, of Glendive, passed away on September 16, 2017 in Billings, 13 days before her 83rd birthday, with family by her side. 

Per Julia’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 16, 2018 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glendive with Father Francis Schreiber officiating. Rite of Committal will follow in Dawson Memorial Cemetery in Glendive. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Martha (Mutzenberger) Hilger passed away at Glendive Medical Center on March 8, 2018 following a long struggle which included cancers and heart disease.  

A memorial service for all her many family and friends will be held Friday, March 16, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Glendive with Pastor Will Johnson officiating and with a luncheon to follow. 

In Martha’s own pen as written within her orders: “before the service, on piano, I’d like easy listening music. No funeral dirge music! Life has been good!” ~~ Martha. 

A private family committal service will be held at the Dawson County Cemetery in Glendive on Friday, March 16, 2018.  Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Norma Jean Harrison, age 83, of Glendive, passed away on Friday, March 9, 2018 at St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings.  

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 16, 2018 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Glendive with Pastor Greg Lucido officiating. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Norma was blessed with a kind, graceful spirit and a strong beautiful heart. She loved baking, gardening, fishing and camping. She especially enjoyed attending all of her grandsons’ sporting events. After the games, she thought she was very sneaky as she would shake her grandson’s hand and there always seemed to be a five dollar bill exchanged. Some of her biggest life enjoyments were to share her kindness and give joy to others. Whether it be making them a meal or baking something special, she always thought of others before herself. Everyone will remember her famous canned pickles and there was never a shortage of food on the table when Norma was cooking. She has now received the ultimate miracle; she is in heaven with God and all the others that have gone before her.

Norma was born in Glendive on May 14, 1934. She was the youngest daughter of Gustav and Lydia (Baisch) Miller. Norma was raised on the family farm and attended Amo and Crackerbox rural schools and Glendive High School. She married Leonard Harrison on October 18, 1954. 

She is survived by her son, Dennis; daughter, Denise; grandchildren, Bryce (Lezlee), Ty, Lance, and Michael (Barbara) O’Dea; six great-grandchildren, Jane, Jakoby, Taycey, Blake, Kaysen, and Serenity; sisters-in-law, Marie Miller and Anna Baisch; and brothers-in-law, Clarence (Leora) and Royce Harrison.  

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard; brothers, Edwin, Walter, Clarence and Donnie Miller, and Kenneth Baisch; and sisters, Emma Ring, Hulda Huber, and Tillie Carrico.

We want to extend a thank you to all of our family and friends for their overwhelming support while we grieve this difficult time for a wonderful woman.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.

Martha (Mutzenberger) Hilger passed away at Glendive Medical Center on March 8, 2018 following a long struggle which included cancers and heart disease.  

A memorial service for all her many family and friends will be held Friday, March 16, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Glendive with Pastor Will Johnson officiating and with a luncheon to follow. In Martha’s own pen as written within her orders: “before the service, on piano, I’d like easy listening music. No funeral dirge music! Life has been good!” ~~ Martha.  

A private family committal service will be held at the Dawson County Cemetery in Glendive on Friday, March 16, 2018. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Martha was born October 4, 1928 to Andrew and Elizabeth (Baisch) Mutzenberger in Glendive. The youngest of seven siblings and a very premature newborn at 3 pounds 2 ounces, she spent her first several months in the hospital before being raised on a humble farmstead 12 miles East of Lindsay. 

Martha married Henry “Bob” Hilger on June 20, 1948 in Glendive. They were blessed with four children and many grand, great and great-great grandchildren, all of which she held very dearly. It was a joy for her to make quilts for as many as possible! 

Some of her and Bob’s greatest memories were taking the family fishing in Canada with the Kolstad family and other times sharing their favorite summertime activity of camping and water skiing.

She and Bob usually took their personal vacations in January since the employees at Hilger Chevrolet generally preferred summers.  Thanks to winning several Chevrolet-Oldsmobile dealership promotions, they took many exciting adventures abroad. After retirement they spent some winters in Lake Havasu, Ariz. as well. 

Martha was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church in Glendive and active both state and locally with the Republican Party. Another hobby was her pastime playing bridge and pinochle, appreciating the many friendships she encountered over the years.  

She was a lady of style, grace and manners with a sweet, generous spirit. A pillar of strength under the shadow of painful illnesses, injuries, or other disappointments. And of course sporting proper hair and attire when at all possible.   

She was preceded in death by the love of her life Bob, in 2002; her brothers, Art (1960) and Edwin (1976) Mutzenberger; sisters, Selma Mutzenberger (1945), Hertha “Toni” DeBeaumont (2008), and Elsie Mutzenberger (2015).        

Martha is survived by her sister, Lorraine Guthrie of Riverton, Wyo., her children:  Gayle (John) Schuch of Mesa, AZ with grandchildren Jeff (Lori) Steen, Troy (Kari) Steen, Erin (Adam Radunz) Steen, Kari (Bert) Stewart, and Terra (Tau) Watts;  Karen (Jim) Hoffmann of Great Falls with grandchildren Nathan (Anne) Hoffmann, and Matthew (Kaitlen) Hoffmann;  David (Rita) Hilger of Miles City with grandchildren Robin (Brandon) Holthus, and Nelson (Mandie) Hilger; and Robert “Mike” (Connie) Hilger of Glendive with grandson Ward (Heather) Hilger. Also dearly loved is 19 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.  

Suggested memorials may be given to Zion Lutheran Church Endowment or a recipient of your choosing.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.

Jane V Bykonen McDermott passed away peacefully at Marias Medical Center with her family at her side on March 13, 2018.

Born 7-8-25 to Alexander and Laura Benner of Sunburst. She leaves behind 9 children. Becky and {Larry) Coon of Glendive, David and( Clella) of Shelby, Dan (Diana) of Cottonwood CA, Jim of Shelby, Paul (Janie) of Burlington WY, Joe of Shelby, Mary Lynne and (George) DeVera of Shelby Tim and partner (Dawn) of Shelby, Laurie Ann (Alan) Holler of Hamilton 24 Grandchildren, 41 Great Grandchildren,18 Great Great Grand Children, Numerous Nieces and Nephews, 2 Sisters-in-law Marlene and Don Bastian Bozeman, and Donna Spencer of Shelby and Step son Steven McDermott of Atlanta Ga.

She is proceeded in death by her first love Doren Bykonen and her second love Henry McDermott, Son-in-law Alan Holler and Grand Son Chad Bykonen. Of Whom she loved so much,

Services will be in Shelby on March 17, 2018 at Living faith Baptist Church at 10 am. Interment will be at a later date in Glendive.

Her Lord and her family were her life. She will greatly and truly be missed by all. 

A very special thank you to Pastor Paul Lackey, Living Faith Baptist Church, and the Marias Medal Center for all the comfort and compassion.

Memorials can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Condolences to Jane’s memorial page at www.asperfh.com.

“I got the good out of it,” Betty Wetzel reflected shortly before her death at age one hundred two at her home in Bigfork last week.

Named Elizabeth Preat, she was born November 7, 1915, in Roundup, Mont. to Alfred W. and Rachel “Preat” Johnston Eiselein. Her father had arrived on the first Chicago, Milwaukee Railroad train into the new town of Roundup in 1908 to establish a weekly newspaper, The Roundup Record. Her mother was the daughter of ranchers in the nearby Little Snowy Mountains, who had come to the new state of Montana in 1891. It was Betty’s experiences while growing up in the lively town of immigrant coal miners, cattle and sheep-ranchers and dry-land wheat farmers and summers spent at the family ranch that sparked her lifelong love of Montana and interest in the state’s history.

After graduating from Roundup high school in 1933, she earned a degree in journalism from the University of Montana. Curiosity about the east coast led her to get a job in New York City the next year. Returning to Roundup to work on the family newspaper, she met Winston. W. Wetzel, principal at the high school when she recruited him to play the hero in a home-talent melodrama entitled, “Gold in the Hills, or The Dead Sister’s Secret.” “He looked better than anything I had seen in New York,” she recalled. They were married in 1940.

The Wetzels lived throughout Montana for 26 years while Winston was superintendent of schools in Roundup, Glendive, Whitefish and Missoula and their four children, Susan, Kurt, Gretchen and Rebecca were born.  Her children and their families were to become Betty’s greatest lifelong delight.

In 1966, the Wetzels moved from Missoula to Dacca, East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), where Winston headed up an education project for the University of Chicago and the Ford Foundation. Betty got a job with the SEATO Cholera Research Laboratory in Dacca.

After extensive travel in southeast Asia, they returned to the U.S. in two years, settling in Stony Point, N.Y. and Natick, Mass. where Winston continued in school administration until retiring to build a home on Flathead Lake in Montana in 1978. In Massachusetts, Betty was administrative assistant to the vice president of Wellesley College, and later the first director of public relations for the newly established Oxfam-America, an international development organization.

In retirement Betty became a free-lance writer, and a regular contributor to Montana Magazine. Her book, “Missoula, the Town and the People,” was published and she wrote a history of her mother’s family.

In 1983-84 the Wetzels took a trip around the world following Mark Twain’s lecture tour to the British Colonies in 1895-96. Betty’s book “After You Mark Twain–modern journey around the equator,” was published by Fulcrum press in 1990.

That year the Wetzels celebrated their golden wedding with members of the family hiking to Sperry Chalet in Glacier National Park for an overnight stay and engaging in a round-robin tennis tournament.

An ardent reader and student of politics and government, Betty was devoted to social justice. She was a democrat. She was interested in the arts and decorated her home with objects collected from their travels around the world. One of her joys was playing classical music on the piano for her own enjoyment.  She carried on a worldwide correspondence with friends and members of her family throughout her life.

Winston died in 1997. Survivors include three daughters, Susan Hinman of Dana Point, Calif., Gretchen Grafin von Rittberg of Wuppertal, Germany, and Rebecca of Upton Mass.; and a son, Dr. Kurt W. Wetzel of Hornby Island, British Columbia. There are six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. All, along with their mates return frequently to Flathead Lake.

At Betty’s request there will be no public service. At a later date friends will gather at Betty’s home to greet her family and celebrate her long life. Memorials can be made to the Bigfork Public Library. Friends are encouraged to visit our website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory caring for the family.

Thomas H. Hagan died on February 24, 2018, in Olympia, Wash.  He was born on May 4, 1927, in Glendive to Aimee and Paul Hagan.  He enlisted in the Army in his senior year at Dawson County High School.  Following his discharge from the Army, he attended Carroll College in Helena and received his BA from the University of Denver.  He managed the Jordan Hotel and was involved in various businesses in Glendive.

He married  Alberta Klaus in Salina, Kan. in 1975.  He served as administrator of drug and alcoholism treatment centers in Baton Rouge, La., Plymouth, Ind., and Lacey, Wash.  Following his retirement from the health care industry, he was co-owner of Butterfields etc. kitchenware stores in Puyallup and Olympia, Wash. until his second retirement in 2005.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Jane (Sr. Gavin Hagan, OSF) of Rochester, Minn. and his brother, Fr. Barry Hagan, CSC, of Portland, Ore..  He is survived by his wife, Alberta, of Lacey, Wash., his stepson, Jonathan Norton of Chicago, his stepson, Scott Norton and daughter-in-law, Heather Pugh,, of Seattle, and his step-granddaughter, Lula Christman, of Vancouver, B.C.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Glendive, with interment in Dawson County Cemetery. 

Donald Duane Lear, 74, passed away suddenly on March 24, 2018 at his home in Scenic, Ariz.  

He was born May 22, 1943 in Great Falls, Mont. to Donald R. Lear and Phyllis Maybelle Wing. Don married Sharon A. Unruh on April 15, 1961 in Sidney.  They met when they were in high school and dated until their marriage and would have been married 57 years on April 15, 2018.

Don was raised and educated in Richey. He joined the Army and spent two tours in Vietnam. Don was one of the last remaining Vietnam Combat Veterans. After leaving the army, they moved to Bloomfield and he farmed until retirement. For the last 18 years they spent winters in California and Arizona and the summers in Montana.

Don is survived by his wife, Sharon of Scenic, Ariz.; son, Tony Lear (Dova) of Colstrip, Mont.; son, Trent Lear of Sacramento, Calif.; granddaughter, Dova Ann (Kade Compton); great-grandson, Karver Compton; grandson, Mason Lear, both of Billings; sisters, Maybelle Johnson (Jim-deceased) and Robin Martin (Gary) both of Great Falls; Shelly Swort (Terry) who are retired and traveling. He was fortunate to also have many nieces and nephews. 

Don is preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at a later date, this summer in Montana, with date and time to be announced in the local newspaper.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory in their guestbook at Virginvalleymortuary.com. 

Martha Virginia Ulrich, age 77, of Glendive, passed away on Thursday, March 29, 2018 at the Glendive Medical Center Extended Care.  

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. on Monday, April 2, 2018 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Glendive. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday April 2, 2018 at Our Savior Lutheran Church with Pastor Greg Lucido officiating. Interment will follow in Dawson Memorial Cemetery in Glendive.  Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Martha was born on August 9, 1940 in Kadoka, S.D., a daughter of Rudolph Ferdinand and Rosa Margaret (Gillaspie) Reimann. She received her early education from Pershing Country School and graduated high school from Midland High School in Midland, S.D. with the class of 1958. Following her high school education she attended Black Hills State College in Spearfish, S.D. where she received her degree in elementary education in 1962.

Martha was united in marriage to Marvin Ulrich on September 15, 1963 in Midland, and to this union four children were born: Martin, Marcella, Michael and Melanie. After being a homemaker for some time, Martha went back to teaching as a substitute teacher and a title VII aide until her retirement.

She was active in LWML at her church and also various other programs with the church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rudolph and Margaret; one brother, Chris; and one daughter, Marcella.

Martha is survived by her husband, Marvin of Glendive; two sons, Martin (Kathy) Ulrich of Glendive and Michael Ulrich of Billings; one daughter, Melanie Ulrich (Nic Henke) of Westminster, Colo.; four grandchildren; one brother, Kendrick (Rayma) Reimann of Midland; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials in Martha’s name may be made to Our Savior Lutheran, OSL Childcare Ministries or to the charity of one’s choice.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.

On Tuesday, March 27, 2018 Richard “Dick” Raden, age 72, left us to be with the love of his life, Hazel.  

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at the Silha Funeral Home in Glendive. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at the Silha Funeral Home in Glendive with Reverend Avis Anderson officiating. Interment with military honors will be in the Dawson County Cemetery in Glendive. A celebration of Dick’s life will also be held in Martinsdale, Mont. at a later date. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.