Charles (Chuck) Edward Hawkins, Sr.
The Lord chose to take Charles (Chuck) Edward Hawkins, Sr. on June 2, 2007. Chuck was born Nov. 4, 1940 in Vincennes, Indiana.
Chuck died peacefully in his wife Joan's arms, surrounded by his loving family. Chuck courageously fought a long time illness for two years. Chuck was full of wit, humor and well liked by all.
He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and you rarely seen him without his Cowboys hat or shirt on, unless it was the Grizzly fan that took over, when of course his attire was his Griz hat or shirt.
Chuck enjoyed gambling, watching football and fishing with his sons, along with the telling of big fish stories of the one that got away. The story always ended with one of the "boys" winning the dollar for biggest catch. This, of course, took measuring.
Chuck was a twenty year retired veteran for the United States Army who served his country with great pride with four tours of Vietnam and two tours of Korea. Along with his many tours of duty overseas, Chuck was stationed in various Army posts from one end of the United States to the other, Fort Bragg, N.C. to Fort Benning, Ga, Fort Lewis to name just a few. He trained with psychological psy-cops unit in Fort Bragg, under the 82nd Airborne Division and was involved with compiling the training manuals for soldiers in Benning. He was acting editor for the Army Times and cross trained in journalism and went to school for communication and disc jockeyed for the DMZ line for his tour in Korea.
Chuck married Joanne Cumpton in 1961 during which they had three children Jeannie, Susan, and Charles (Chucky) Hawkins, Jr. They later divorced in 1969.
Chuck met his future wife and lifelong companion, Joan Aldrich, in Fort Bragg. They have eight children, Lori (Joe) Sebestin of Polson, Gena Ely of Pablo, Tammie Jo (Francis) Plante of Big Arm, Kevin Lee Aldrich of Bilings, Cindi (Wade) McPherson of Utah, Dawn Scott of Nevada, Keith Hawkins of Elgin, Ill., and Cory Hawkins of Polson, 36 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents Leona and Dexter Hawkins of Vincennes, sister Shirley Hawkins of Vincennes, and granddaughter Shelby Lynn Hawkins of Elgin.
Mass will be celebrated at June 7 at the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission with interment at the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery where military honors were presented.
Everado (Ed) T. Costilla
POLSON — Everado (Ed) T. Costilla, 83, stepped into eternity on June 5, 2007, where he joined his beloved wife, Mary Ann, and his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
His sons and daughters surrounded him as he peacefully slipped from this life into everlasting eternity. Ed was born Jan. 4, 1924, in Uvalde, Texas, to Antonia and Everado Costilla. He grew up in Uvalde, where many lasting childhood memories were made. When he was a little boy, he planted a pecan tree in front of his house and watched it grow and mature throughout the years.
Ed met his wife, Mary Ann, while traveling in Montana. He moved his family to Houston, Texas, where he raised his children and provided for his wife. While in Houston he enjoyed many deep sea-fishing trips in Galveston. Ed worked as a foreman for Brown and Root-Pipe and Steel, Inc., retiring in 1984.
He moved his family back to Uvalde, briefly, then came to Montana, settling in Polson. During his time in Polson he enjoyed the remainder of his retirement fishing, camping, gardening and barbecuing in his iron BBQ pit that he had specially made.
Ed was well known for his Texas BBQ Brisket, authentic Mexican food and homemade salsa.
Ed was respected and accepted by the Blackfeet Tribe and the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribe. He attended many powwows and even spoke the Blackfeet language. He was an awesome father, who encouraged and supported all of his children in pursuing their dreams, education and accomplishments. He instilled integrity, honesty and compassion into the lives of his children and grandchildren.
One brother and four sisters preceded Ed in death.
Ed is survived by his six children, Ricardo (Brenda) Costilla, Juanita (Phillip) Sure Chief, Valerie Costilla, David Costilla, Louisa F. (Darin) Cadman, Jose I. (Neomi) Costilla; his four sisters, Consuelo Mancha, Maria Rodriquez, Juanita Martinez, Diamentina Canales; one brother, Ismael Costilla. He was also blessed with 15 grandchildren, Megan, Aaron, Ellie, Olivia, Rebecca, Verla May, Lisa Marie, Raquel, Darin II, Pearl, Jose II, Joaquin, Mariah, Joseph, and Jose.
The funeral service was held June 8 in the Grogan Funeral Home with Pastor Lockley Bremner officiating. Interment was Home Gun Cemetery at Browning.
Margo A. Sager-Mascaro
NOXON — Margo A. Sager-Mascaro, 60, died June 9, 2007, at her home. She is survived by her husband Tony Mascaro. No services are planned. Foster-Durgeloh Funeral Home at St. Ignatius helped with arrangements.
Susie Virginia Stasso-O'Brien
ARLEE — Susie Virginia Stasso-O'Brien was born on Nov. 27, 1935, in Arlee and departed this life in Friday, June 8, 2007 in Prague, OK at the age of 71.
Susie, the daughter of Antoine and Elizabeth (Cullooyah) Stasso, was a resident of Seminole, Okla., for the last 16 years.
Susie was raised on the Flathead Reservation and lived in Connecticut prior to moving to Seminole. Susie was a member of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribe and the Immaculate Conception Church in Seminole.
Her parents, first husband and one son preceded her death.
Survivors include her husband, Forrest A. O'Brien of the family home; sons, Edward Terrell of Virginia, Tony O'Brien of Prague and David Terrell of Shawnee, Okla.; daughters, Yvonne Terrell of Connecticut and Iona LaMay of Massachusetts; a sister, Sophie Haynes of Arlee, and 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
A visitation was held in Prague. A wake was June 12 in the Arlee Indian Senior Citizens Center where the Rosary was recited that evening.
Mass was celebrated June 13 in the Jocko Catholic Church. Interment was in the Jocko Catholic Cemetery.
Foster-Durgeloh Funeral Home of St. Ignatus was in charge of local arrangements.
Bill Pannell
POLSON — Bill Pannell, 48,
a local general contractor, died from injuries sustained in a fall at his home on Thursday, May 31, 2007. Bill moved to Polson five years ago from Missoula to enjoy the beauty and recreation that the Flathead Valley had to coffer.
He was born Sept. 11, 1958, in San Diego. He attended Fallbrook High School where he was a star athlete.
He was a California all-state in football, wrestling and golf. He then attended San Diego State where he played middle linebacker for the Aztecs.
Bill also played on the golf and rugby teams.
Bill was well known in Polson as a generous, fun loving man with a big smile and kind word to all he met. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to fish and hunt.
Several years ago, he shot a trophy atypical mule deer in Colorado.
Bill will be remembered by is many friends in Polson as a quick-witted gentleman who always had time to share a laugh or help with a problem.
Survivors include Bill's mother, Gerri Bocci of San Diego; his three daughters, Heather, Brittany and Holly, and his son Billy, all in San Diego.
Mary 'Lucy'
Harriete Kintz
POLSON — Mary "Lucy" Harriete Kintz, 93,
died of natural causes on Wednesday, June 6, 2007, at Evergreen Health & Rehab Center.
Lucy was born July 31, 1913, in Red Oak, Iowa, to Ira and Lily Rue (Hazen) Askey.
The family moved to Burlington, Colo., and Lucy attended school there until the middle of her senior year and the family moved to Loveland, Colo.where she graduated from high school.
Lucy married Paul Kintz in 1931 at Black Hills, S.D., and they moved to Roseville, Calif., in 1955.
Lucy was a big help to Paul in his many business ventures.
She was active in her church where she was the organist. She also played the organ at the mortuary in Roseville.
Lucy moved to Polson in 1992 and was active in the Presbyterian Church.
She met with the Thursday Presbyterian Women's Group.
Surviving Lucy are her children, John (Toni) Kintz of Roseville, Mary Rue (Gene) Brown of Santa Maria, Calif., and Richard (Arlene) Kintz of Polson; 14 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com
Franklin Dean Kaestner
HELENA — Franklin Dean Kaestner went to be with his Lord on Saturday, June 9, 2007. He passed from this world at his home in Helena, surrounded by his loved ones.
Dean was born March 27, 1945, in Leon, Iowa, to Almon Monroe Kaestner and Beulah Marie Bowen. After graduating high school and attending college for a time, Dean chose to enlist in the Marine Corps to serve his country during the Vietnam War, where he earned the rank of Sergeant in only 18 short months of service.
Prior to receiving his honorable discharge from the Corps, he married Wanda Lee Ruch. Although they divorced in 1986, they were blessed with two children: Franklin Dean Kaestner II (born in 1967, currently a Supervisory Firearms & Use of Force Instructor with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Los Angeles, father of four) and Karla LeNae Moxley (born in 1970, high school math teacher and varsity girls' basketball coach in Ronan, mother of five).
Dean met and married Debbie Johnson (Tucson, Ariz.) in 1989. They were married until June of 1997, when Debbie fell ill suddenly and died.
After concentrating on his newly created business for several years, Dean renewed contact with his friend of over 30 years, Lynda Faulkner. On June 30, 2003, Dean married his "sweetie" of over a year, making Lynda his bride. Dean and Lynda demonstrated one of the most incredibly loving marriages to behold; truly an inspiration to those around them. Dean and Lynda were blessed with only a few short years together as husband and wife before he received his cancer diagnosis in March of 2006.
While the doctors only estimated that Dean would have three months to live, he demonstrated true will to live and battled the disease for over 15 months so that he could be with his beloved wife and family, declaring "I'm here until this Marine receives a direct order from God to die."
Dean was employed by Hot Springs Spas in Helena. He enjoyed serving people in the store and especially enjoyed working for the management of the company. Later in his illness, Lynda was able to work by his side at the store, allowing them even more time together. Dean was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church and of the Marine Corps League.
Dean is survived by his wife Lynda Faulkner; sons and daughters Franklin Dean II and Leticia Kaestner, Karla (Kaestner) and Martin Kyle Moxley, Dawn (Faulkner) and Paul Valle, and Michael Faulkner; 12 grandchildren; sister Charlotte (Keith) Elliott of Lamoni, Iowa, and brother Larry (Judy) Kaestner of Oklahoma City.
Funeral services will be held Friday, June 15, at 11 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Helena, Pastor Doug Vold presiding. Military graveside services will follow at Fort Harrison.
Lunch will be served at St. John's Lutheran Church following the graveside service (compliments of the women of St. John's).
Kaydence Faith McCrea
POLSON — God sent us a special delivery gift on May 24, 2007. Her name: Kaydence Faith McCrea. She weighed 2 pounds, 2 ounces. We were blessed with this beautiful baby girl for 17 days. We loved her with all our hearts and prayed for her with all of our might. Jesus had another plan for her. On June 10, 2007, He gathered her in His loving arms and with an angel escort, carried her away to live with Him in heaven. She was welcomed into heaven with much joy and singing angels greeted her.
We miss you so, our tiny angel, Kaydence. We look forward to the day when we will celebrate our joyful reunion with you in a beautiful place where there will be no sadness and no tears. We love you Kaydence.
Kaydence is survived by her loving parents, Devon and Dennis McCrea; her big sisters, Micaela McCrea, Morgan Roberts, and Jerrica Waddell, and a big brother, Jayson McCrea, all of Polson; grandparents are Joydell and Lindy Peek of Polson, Marc and Lucille Johnson of Ronan and Bob McCrea (Beaner Dupuis) of Pablo; great-grandparents are Carol Sveet of Hot Springs, Marjean Korf and Virginia Peek of Polson; aunts and uncles, Dewell Peek of Missoula, Billie and Stuart Rubel of Charlo, Stacey McCrea of Ronan, David and Marcy D'Beaupre, Kernville, Calif., Robert and Rhiannon McCrea, Bradley McCrea, Chris McCrea, Craig McCrea, all of Ronan, Maya Johnson, Matthew Johnson of Ronan and Summer and Bryan Porch of Missoula, and 16 first cousins.
Kaydence was preceded in death by great-grandfather Norman Korf; Dewell Peek, Sr., and Orie Tromp; uncle Gregory Peek and great-aunt Mary Ellen Rieben.
Private services were held with burial at Lakeview Cemetery in Polson. Arrangements were under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home, Polson.
Elwin Everett Bennington
EUGENE, Ore. — Elwin Everett Bennington, 91, died of natural causes Friday, June 8, 2007.
Elwin was born June 10, 1915, in Forsyth to Lewis and Irma Seigrest Bennington.
He graduated from Polson High School and went on to received his undergraduate degree in biology from Montana State University in Bozeman where he participated in ROTC.
He later received his Ph.D. at Iowa State University.
Elwin served in the U.S. Army from 1941 until 1945. He served in the European Theater and was involved in the liberation of Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Elwin was a hospital administrator and was awarded the Bronze Star.
He married Marjorie Warfield in 1942 in Washington, D.C., and they were divorced in 1973. He later married Miriam Runyon in 1974 in Denver. They divorced in 1986.
Elwin worked as a biologist and taught at the University of Georgia. He was part of the U.S. Public Health Service and a senior scientist equivalent to a naval captain.
He is survived by his sons, John Bennington of Eugene and William Bennington of Polson; daughter Ann Ramsey of Boulder, Colo.; sister Edith Powers of Clarkston, Wash.; brother, Wilbur Bennington of Red Lodge; five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Betty Hamman Geer
POLSON — Graveside inurnment services for Betty Hamman Geer, 84, former Polson resident who died on Aug. 24, 2006, will be held on Monday, June 18, at 10 am in the Lakeview Cemetery with the Rev. Dave Anson officiating.
Arrangements are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home.