John Verner Rautio, Sr.

POLSON — John Verner Rautio, Sr., 56, of Polson, died on May 2, 2005 at St. Patrick Hospital, Missoula.

John was born on March 29, 1949, in Butte.

He moved to Billings and married his high school sweetheart, Alice Herron, in 2001. He worked as an activity assistant and they moved to Polson where he worked as a dietary cook at Evergreen Health & Rehab Center.

He was a volunteer at the local nursing home doing activities of various kinds with the residents.

John loved crafts. He used to spend hours weaving and crafting beautiful dream catchers, which he learned to make from his sister-in-law, Linda.

He is survived by his wife Alice of Polson; three stepsons, Andy and Nelson of Polson and Brad of Billings; grandchildren Brandon and Tasia Richards; sister-in-law Patty Sheehan and her husband Bob, sister-in-law Nancy Warren (who was at his bedside to the end) and her husband Gary, sister-in law Linda Smith and husband Scott; brother-in-law John Reid and wife Paula, and brother-in-law Frank Reid and wife Robin.

A private memorial service was held in Polson on May 7.

"Sweetheart, we will miss you but never forget you. You were very special to all of us and it is hard to say goodbye. We will see you again when God calls us."

Arrangements and cremation were by Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory of Polson.