Rev. Canon Loren S. Foot
POLSON — The Rev. Canon Loren S. Foot, 87, died of natural causes at Evergreen Health Center, Polson on June 2, 2007.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Cora Bateman; his stepmother, Gladys; his step-sister, Lea; his wife, Lucile; his brothers-in-law, Tom Mahan and Leo Miller; his sister-in-law, Shirley Mahan, and his grandson, Cameron York.
Born in Choteau in 1919, his family later moved to Helena, where Loren attended Hawthorne Elementary and Helena High. He went on to attend Carroll College, the University of Montana, and U of M Law School, and Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Va., where he received his M.Div. in 1976.
During WW II Loren was an air traffic controller in the Pacific Arena, continuing in that field in his civilian career with the Federal Aviation Administration for 32 years. After retiring he was ordained in the Episcopal Church and was a beloved priest for 31 years, both within the church and the outside community. Father Foot was passionately involved in the Cursillo/Pathways movement for over 30 years and was a spiritual director to many.
Before retiring, Loren served as a Montana priest in Eureka, Ferndale, Polson and the Episcopal Cathedral in Helena. However, he continued shepherding all who he encountered until the day he died. This second career or "calling" spanned 31 years.
His 45-year marriage to Lucile Mahan began in 1941. Their three children, Sharon (Rev. John) Payne, Michael (Mary) Foot, and Corey (John) York, live in the area and treasure the quality time they had with their father these last three plus years, since he returned to Polson.
After Lucy's death in 1986, Loren retired from St. Andrew's in Polson and moved to Helena, where he married Erys Smart Mahan at the Congregational Church (UCC). She was now an official "Congrepalian." They had been married 21 years.
Living in many places during his life, Loren made many wonderful and lasting friendships, his warmth and sense of humor drawing people to him.
To state a few activities, Loren belonged to SAE Fraternity and Bear Paws in college, Toastmasters, Masons, Barbershop, Red Cross, and Flathead Cherry Growers.
He will be missed so much by his friends and family who include his three children and spouses; his two step-daughters/nieces, Coleen (Chuck) and Molly (Rick); his wife, Erys; his sister, Marian Miller; his step-sister, Shirley; his brother-in-law, Jack Mahan; eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, 13 step-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and lots of godchildren.
Loren, Father Foot, father, husband, uncle, brother, step-father/grandfather, grandpa, friend, mentor, Griz fan, loving man of God, you have left your gentle "Foot" print on the earth.
Memorial donations suggestions: St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Heritage of Faith Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Port Polson Players, Camp Marshall Episcopal Church Camp.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, June 30, at 1 p.m. in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Polson, with military honors following services at the church. A reception will be held in the basement of the church following services. On Aug. 4, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. a memorial service will be held at St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral, in Helena, with a reception to follow. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson.
Mary 'Lucy' Harriete Kintz
POLSON — The memorial service for Mary "Lucy" Harriete Kintz, 93, will be held Wednesday, June 27, at 2 p.m. in the First Presbyterian Church, Polson. Mrs. Kintz died of natural causes on June 6, 2007, at Evergreen Health & Rehab Center.
The full obituary appeared in the June 14 Lake County Leader.
Richard John Rosa
POLSON — Richard John Rosa, 79, a pioneer in the field of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), died peacefully at his home in Polson Dec. 22, 2006. He is survived by his wife Marion (Mickey), three children: Katrina Rosa of Pasadena, Calif., Scott Rosa of Sharon, Mass., and Cynthia Rosa of Centennial, CO; two stepdaughters: Dione Greenberg of Yellow Springs, OH, and Maureen Rude of Helena; five grandchildren, and one great-grandson.
Dr. Rosa was the first to successfully generate electricity using MHD technology. After earning his Ph.D in Engineering Physics at Cornell, he was a research scientist at the Avco Everett Research Lab in Massachusetts, then in 1975 became a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at MSU, Bozeman.
He authored over 60 articles, held 14 patents, published a textbook on MHD that was translated into several languages, and published a whimsical article in Science Fiction Analog magazine in September 1972 that described the design of an MHD powered flying saucer.
He edited the Journal of Energy Conversation, served on a number of advisory panels for the Federal Government and the National Academy of Science, was a visiting professor at Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan, and at the University of Sidney, Australia. He was awarded the Wiley Award and Faraday Medal for research, and was the first to receive the Rosa-Kantrowitz award.
Dick was an avid outdoorsman, especially enjoyed skiing and sailing.
To celebrate his 65th birthday he climbed the Grand Teton in Wyoming, and shortly before his death he and Mickey made their 16th ascent to Angel's Landing in Zion National Park, Utah.
A man of many interests, he enjoyed ballroom and square dancing, photography, singing with the local men's chorus, jazz festivals and symphony concerts, in addition to continuing a life-long love of learning that spanned a extensive array of subjects from physics, astronomy and mathematics to history, philosophy and sociology.
He was a man with little ego, accepting and non-judgmental, who loved life and was grateful he'd had a good one. His quiet, intelligent sense of humor and big heart is missed by family and friends.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, June 30, at the Polson Senior Citizens Center from 11 am to 1 p.m.
Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson.
Ellsworth William 'Bill' Jenter
LOLO CREEK — Ellsworth William "Bill" Jenter, a former Arlee area rancher, was reunited with his parents, a brother and two sisters in heaven on Wednesday, May 30, 2007. Bill was a loving and devoted husband and father to his wife Esther and daughter Nancy. He was a good father-in-law to his son-in-law, Gerald Mininger. Bill was a good friend and neighbor to countless people during his 88 years.
Bill was born on Dec. 16, 1918, in Centerville, S.D. He graduated from Centerville High School in 1937. While in school he enjoyed baseball, track and was on a softball league team. He was active in 4-H his entire youth. Later in life, continuing this activity, Bill became a 4-H leader in South Dakota. In South Dakota and Montana he judged 4-H showmanship of cattle, sheep and hogs. He also served many years on the Turner County Fair Board in Parker, S.D.
Bill delighted generations of his family with stories of growing up on the family farm.
He did journaling and story writing. A quote from a story about his Uncle Harry's farm read like this, "Let's not forget the beauty of the old elm tree in [the] pasture by a water pond. … leaves and branches growing sky high to the heaven above. I called it 'God's Tree.'"
Bill met the love of his life in 1940 when he asked her to ride the ferris wheel at a local carnival. Five years later, Bill and Esther R. Larsen were married on Sept. 15, 1945, in St. Paul, Minn.
Bill had enlisted in the United States Army on Jan. 24, 1942, and was a member of the 341st Engineer Regiment Company "D." Bill first served in Alaska, working on the beginnings of the Alaskan Military Highway from Dawson Creek to Alkan. He was transferred to the 266th Combat Engineer Battalion, 66th infantry Division, and was shipped out to serve in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater during the latter part of World War II. Bill was extremely proud of having served his country during World War II. Bill loved his country. He received a Good Conduct Medal, a Service Medal, an American-Canada Service Medal, Overseas Service Bars and a Sharpshooter's Medal. Honorably discharged on Sept. 13, 1945, at Camp McCoy in Wisconsin, he married Esther two days later.
He was a lifetime member of the VFW.
The great joy of Bill and Esther's life was their daughter Nancy, born in South Dakota. Bill farmed near Parker, S.D., for 16 years before moving his family to Montana in 1962. Bill and Esther had ranches near Arlee and Superior. Upon retirement in 1980, they bought a small acreage west of Lolo on Highway 12 near the confluence of Lolo Creek and Bear Creek, where they finally built their own retirement home and moved into it in June 1986.
Bill also enjoyed hunting, fishing, skiing and traveling with his beloved wife Esther. He also took great pride in his large beautiful yard, many flowers, fruit trees and garden. He worked hard all of his life and simply enjoyed being in the great outdoors, the mountains, trees, rivers and streams.
In addition to his wife Esther, Bill is survived by his beloved daughter, Nancy Jenter-Mininger and son-in-law, Gerald Mininger, all of the family home in Lolo Creek; a brother, Orville R. "Bud" or "Gus" Jenter of Centerville, S.D.; a sister, Deloris Strobel (Gordon) of Clinton, Minn.; many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Herman Jenter and Lillian M. (Austin) Jenter; a brother, Eldon Jenter and sisters, Myrtle Poppenga and Ardis Simuneck.
Baptized and confirmed at the Scandia Lutheran Church in Centerville, S.D., Bill later joined the 7th Day Adventist Church in Hurley, S.D. Bill lived his life by following the Ten Commandments and the Golden Rule.
Family, friends and acquaintances are invited to come and share their stories about Bill and celebrate his life with his family on Saturday, July 14, at noon at the Lolo Community Center, 121345 Highway 93 S. Bill's nephew, the Rev.Richard Stenholtz, from Hugo, Minn., will conduct the memorial service. Cremation has taken place under the direction and care of Cremation and Burial Society of the Rockies in Missoula.
His family suggests memorial contributions to the Humane Society of Western Montana, 5930 Highway 93 S., Missoula, MT 59804.
Rochelle M. Normandeau
RONAN — Rochelle M. Normandeau, 17, of Ronan died of natural causes on Monday, June 18, 2007, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula.
Rosary will be recited today (June 21) at 7 p.m. in the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission. Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 22, at 11 a.m. at the church with Father Andrew Maddock, S.J., celebrant.
Cremation will follow at Mission Valley Crematory in Ronan. Shrider-Thompson Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting with arrangements.
Melba LaJune Lervold
CUT BANK — Former Polson resident and Polson High School graduate Melba LaJune Lervold, 82, of Seville, a retired bookkeeper, died of natural causes June 1, 2007, at a Browning care facility.
Funeral services were held June 5, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cut Bank. Burial was in Crown Hill cemetery, Cut Bank.
Melba was born June 26, 1924, in Babb, to Uriel and Mary (Houseman) Hudson. Her family moved to Browning when she was eight years and later to Polson where she graduated from high school.
On Feb. 4, 1948, Melba married Hjalmar "Jam" Lervold in Everett, Wash. For many years she was a bookkeeper at an auto dealership in Buena Park, Calif., and later was director for Orange County Indian Center, retiring in March 1990.
She enjoyed bowling, playing cards, swing, hanging out with her family, and seeing, visiting beautiful places. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Hjalmar, grandson David Crane, great-granddaughter Kirsten Arensmeyer, brothers Charles McKelvey, Brandon Hudson and Newell Hudson, and sister Gloria "Babe" Caskey.
Survivors include daughters Janice Renee Crane of Huntington, Beach, Calif, and Teri Page Lervold of Atascadero, Calif.; sons Hjalmar "Jay" Lervold of Ontario, Calif., and Robbie (Toni) Lervold of Cut Bank; 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Condolences may be sent online to greatfallstribune.com/obituaries
Estella C. Watson
ST. IGNATIUS — On June 17, 2007, Estella C. Watson, 74, died at her home near St. Ignatius. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and will be missed by all who knew her.
She was born near Hay Spring, Neb., on April 22, 1933, the youngest daughter of Ezra C. and Mary E. Elwood.
On Dec. 26, 1957, she married Robert J. Watson of Alliance, Neb., and on Nov. 12, 1958, their first son, Robert R., was born.
In 1967, she enrolled at Chadron State College where she received a Master of Arts degree in Education. Upon graduating from college, she returned to Hay Springs High School as a teacher and guidance counselor where she remained for seven years.
She then began working as a guidance counselor at the Pine Ridge Job Corps where she retired 20 years later as the supervisory counselor.
After retirement she and Robert moved to St. Ignatius to be closer to family and the mountains that she loved. Her retirement was filled with the pursuit of her many hobbies including sewing and quilting. She delighted in making clothes for her grandchildren James and Kimmy, who were the lights of her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents and infant son, Danny.
Survivors include her husband, Robert of St. Ignatius; son Robert and his wife Kathy and grandchildren, James and Kimmy, all of Butte; her sister, Della Pelley of St. Ignatius; sisters Gladys and Angela, both of Hay Springs, and friends too numerous to mention.
Cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time.
The family requests any memorial donations be made to the children or animal charity of the donor's choice.
Einar Sigmund Thorsrud
POLSON — Einar Sigmund Thorsrud, 69, died in Beaverton, Ore., at the Maryville Nursing Home on June 15. He succumbed to complications of Parkinson's.
Einar was born in Gjovik, Norway, on April 4, 1938, to Ole and Marta Thorsrud. He spent his early years receiving his education there and enjoying the family farm.
In 1956, when he was 17 years old, his uncle Nels, who had earlier immigrated to Montana, asked Einar to come to Irvine Flats to farm his land. Einar did, and later that same year joined the US Army. He received several commendations even though he had not yet learned to speak English.
Einar married Darlene Hill in 1968, adopting her two children: George and Dorothy. They also became parents to three sons: Eric, David and Mark. Darlene died in 1982.
He ranched in Irvine Flats (Radio) until his health forced him to sell to his neighbors in 2000. He continued to live on the farm with his wife, Susie, whom he married in 1991.
Einar enjoyed his farming, cleverly making and repairing much of his equipment. He also enjoyed raising a herd of cattle. He was an avid skier and a nearly unbeatable pinochle player. He took his family to Norway several times so they all could enjoy that part of his life.
He was a member of Sons of Norway, Farm Bureau, and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
Einar is survived by his wife, Susie, and his five children: George of Libby; Dorothy (Mike) of Polson; Eric (Lisa) of Hillsboro, Ore.; David of Philadelphia; and Mark (Christie) of Tualatin, Ore.; eight grandchildren: Jerry, Tommy, Deena, David, Tomas, Arianna, Tara and Eryn; two great-grandchildren, Chyenne and Paige; his brother Andreas of Gjovik, and his sister Anne Marie of Lillehammer, Norway. Preceding him in death were his parents Ole and Marta.
Funeral services were Wednesday, June 20, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with the Rev. Don Jacobson officiating. Memorials may be made to OHSU Parkinson's Center of Oregon, 1121 SW Salmon St., Suite 200, Portland, OR 97205 or to a charity of one's choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com
Arrangements were by Grogan Funeral Home, Polson.
Charles Howard Jaten
ST. IGNATIUS — Charles Howard Jaten, 89, died peacefully May 16, 2007, in Salt Lake City.
He was born July 26, 1917, to Michael and Josephine Stoulil Jaten in St. Ignatius. He grew up in Charlo and later attended both Montana State University and Gonzaga University. He married his first sweetheart, Loa Jensen, Feb. 2, 1943, while on leave during WWII.
After the war they settled in Eastern Montana and then moved to Spokane, where they raised their five children. Loa died of cancer in May, 1970. Howard then fell in love with and married his second sweetheart, Elaine Papenfuss in November 1970.
Howard and Elaine lived in Spokane until 1989. They moved to Rexburg, Idaho, and lived there until May 2003 and then moved to Salt Lake City where they finished out their lives. Elaine died shortly after they moved to Salt Lake City.
Howard served his country for a period of three years during WWII as a pilot for the U.S. Army, with a rank of First Lieutenant, stationed in Africa.
Howard's career was with the U.S. Postal Service, retiring as the Regional Safety Manager for the Inland Northwest.
Howard was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and was privileged to serve in many responsibilities, including three full-time missions with his second wife Elaine. They served in South Dakota, Washington, D.C., Zimbabwe, Africa, Northern California and as Family History missionaries in Salt Lake City.
He also enjoyed serving as a temple worker in the Seattle and Idaho Falls LDS temples.
Howard had a love for music, which was demonstrated as he played the tuba in a dance band in his youth and sang in the church choir for many years.
He will be long remembered for his integrity and his dedication to serving others.
Howard is survived by his five children, Allen (Mary Jo) Jaten of Tucson, Ariz., Kenneth (Marcia) Jaten of Mesa, Ariz., Ann (Bruce Sibbett of San Bernardino, Calif., Karen (Milton) Taylor of Sandy, Utah, and Sandy (Court) Huish of San Juan Capistrano, Calif.; 21 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held May 24 at Larkin Sunset Gardens, Sandy, Utah.
Interment was in Pleasant View Cemetery in St. Ignatius on May 26.
Daniel Drum
EUGENE, Ore. — Daniel Drum, 53, former Polson resident, died on Friday, May 25, 2007, in Eugene, where he had lived for the last 15 years.
The son of David G. and Dorothy Drum, Dan was born and raised in Billings, where he passed through the Billings school system and graduated from Billings Senior High in 1972. Dan attended the University of Montana in Missoula.
Dan worked in agriculture — first on a cattle ranch near Malta and then in Polson, where he developed apple orchards and managed a cattle operation.
When he moved to Eugene, Dan worked in construction and home repair.
Dan was admired by friends and family for marvelous skills with his hands, his mechanical abilities, his sensitivity towards those around him, and his delightful sense of humor.
An avid outdoorsman, he loved the ocean and the mountains.
After a private service, his ashes will be scattered in his beloved mountain backcountry.
Dan is survived by his mother, Dorothy Drum of Billings; his sister, Jeri Drum Babinsky of Westboro, Mass.; his brother, Dave Drum of Berkeley, Calif., and his niece and nephews.