Paul W. Speck

POLSON — Paul W. Speck, 91, died Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007, at his home in Polson with his wife Gladys at his side.

Paul was born Jan. 8, 1916, in Rockford, Ill., along with his twin sister, Pauline. After six weeks, they returned to Miles City to reunite with their father.

At age 15, Paul struck out on his own to California. He worked construction for a time and eventually enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served 30 years starting with WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Paul went on 52 bombing missions over Europe in a B-17 plane as a 50-caliber machine gunner. Later he served as Chief Master Sergeant, building runways for aircraft in South Korea and Vietnam.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, twin sister Pauline, brother Vernon and stepsister Ada Gould.

He is survived by his wife Gladys; sisters Bernice (Ferucio) Freschet and Kathleen Young, all of Polson.

Paul loved his Lord first, his country, his job, and the rest was left to love for his wife.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Dec. 16, at 7:30 p.m. at the Grogan Funeral Home with Ron Ryan officiating.

Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com

Madeline Marie (Harris) Nelson

BROOMFIELD, Colo. — Madeline Nelson, 90, died of natural causes on Nov. 28, 2007, in Broomfield, Colo. She was born Madeline Marie Harris on May 31, 1917, in Alberta, Canada. She grew up near St. Ignatius where she married Meyers Nelson and had two children, Glenna and Dale. Soon after, the family moved to Polson.

Madeline loved Meyers, gardening, bowling, berry-picking, playing cards, fishing, neighbors, and raising children and chickens. In high school she loved and was known for her basketball game and at age 89 marveled the neighbors by shooting hoops with her great-grandchildren.

She served as camp cook for Nelson Brothers Logging, Polson water department clerk, (she knew everyone's phone number), and payroll clerk for Claridge Logging. She volunteered at local elections, the food pantry, and The Country Store. She was active in Polson garden club for 50 years and the senior center where she enjoyed pinochle (writing up scores and highlights for the local paper). She was chosen "Senior Citizen of the Year" for the Polson chapter in 1995. Madeline served as president of Polson Senior Center from 1995-97.

She was a member of the First Methodist Church in Polson until joining her daughter in Broomfield, in 2003.

Madeline is survived by her daughter, Glenna Sherick, of Broomfield; son, Dale (Karen) of Missoula; sister, Joyce Bras, Great Falls; grandchildren, Paul (Katie) and Scot Sherick, and Terry (Colin) Ellerbruch, Colorado, Michael Nelson, Polson; step-grandchildren, Kari Wise, Polson, and Dane Anderson, Missoula; eight great-grandchildren: Vann, Trace, and Shey Ellerbruch; Graham, Davis, and Macie Sherick; Marilyn and Paul Sherick; also many beloved nieces and nephews.

Madeline was preceded in death by her husband, Meyers; brothers Max and Vern Harris; sisters Gladys (Nelson) Kephart and Betty Pissot; son-in-law Paul Sherick; niece Kay Linn; and step-grandson John Wise.

Madeline was loved and valued by family and friends who appreciated her upbeat spirit, her intelligence, and her thoughtfulness. She was fun to be near and leaves warmth in many hearts.

Cremation has taken place. Funeral services will be held Friday, Dec. 21, at 11 a.m. at the First Methodist Church in Polson. Interment will be at Pleasant View Cemetery, St. Ignatius.

C. Gordon Guenzler

BIGFORK — C. Gordon Guenzler, known to most as "Gordy," died Dec. 9, 2007. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He had been battling cancer and after a brave fight has gone to be with the Lord.

Gordon was born Aug. 18, 1933, in Ronan. He grew up there and worked with his family on the family farm. He graduated from Ronan High School and soon after joined the army and served four years.

In 1956 he married Nan Haines (a student at the University of Montana). They built a home in Ronan and had three children. In 1963 they purchased a farm and a large piece of property in Bigfork and had their fourth child.

Nan and Gordon tried their hand at sheep farming but soon found that it was not their calling. Later, Gordon built a Grade A Dairy which they ran until selling it to develop their timberland into the development know as Swan Hill.

Gordon served on both the Swan River Elementary and high school boards and was active in the Lions Club. He helped coach AAU track for several years.

In late 1980 he decided to build a bowling alley in Bigfork. Northshore Lanes was built, owned and operated by the Guenzler family until 1996. Gordon loved to bowl and greatly enjoyed his bowling buddies and customers.

He loved spending many happy hours in his woodworking shop making toys, furniture and picture frames for his family and friends. Gordy also loved hunting, fishing, and playing pinochle, but his greatest love was spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife Nan; his children Jeanie, Tim and Tammy and husband Steve; his pride and joy, 10 grandchildren; a sister, Betty and husband Jim; and a brother, Walt.

Gordon was preceded in death by his son, Larry; and brothers, Gene and Ronnie.

Services will be 1 p.m., today, Thursday, Dec. 13, at The Little Brown Church in Bigfork.

Donna Mae Dupuis

POLSON — Donna Mae Dupuis, 72, of Polson died of natural causes on Monday, Dec. 10, 2007, at Heritage Place in Kalispell.

Donna was born Sept. 3, 1935, in Big Timber, to Carl and Angie Violett. They made their home in Dayton. She attended Dayton Elementary School and graduated from Polson High School in 1954.

On April 26, 1958, Donna married Floyd Kenneth "Kenny" Dupuis. They had two sons, Kevin and Todd. Donna worked at Queens Court, Sears, Service Incorporated, worked as a nurse's aide, Captain's Wardrobe Drycleaners, and bartended at the Eagles Lodge #3913 in Polson.

Her parents Carl and Angie Violett, sister Fern, brother Bob, nephew Jack, and her husband Floyd Kenneth "Kenny" Dupuis preceded her in death.

Her sons Kevin Dupuis and Tina Darnell, Todd and Sally Dupuis, and her grandchildren Michael Lochner, Jazmyn Mae Dupuis, Christina and Matthew Darnell survive Donna. Several nieces and nephews, and everyone who called her "Mom" also survive her. We love you. Her love and her best friend, Cliff Bucher of Polson, who shared 14 wonderful years together, also survive her. She will be missed greatly but her spirit will move on.

Donna Mae loved to play piano and loved to be with people she loved. A special thanks to the staffs of St. Luke Hospital in Ronan, also to Kalispell Regional Hospital and the Heritage Place.

A remembrance of Donna's life will be celebrated on Saturday, Dec. 15, at 3 p.m. in the upstairs hall at the VFW in Polson.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com

Perry F. Roys

POLSON — Perry F. Roys, 85, of Polson died of natural causes on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007, at Village Health Care Facility in Missoula. Arrangements are pending and will be announced by Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory.

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