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Dale O. Kimmel

| September 6, 2007 12:00 AM

On Aug. 7, 2007, Ronan native Dale O. Kimmel lost a courageous battle with cancer. The world mourns a hero, but the Lord gained a champion.

Dale arrived in this world on Feb. 25, 1937, in Ronan. He was joined five minutes later by is twin brother, Gale.

On Sept. 10, 1955, Dale married the prettiest girl he had ever seen, Violet Krahn. Violet fell in love with Dale after seeing him in short pants, or so the story goes. Nine months and 15 minutes after the wedding, their first child was born. For the next 52 years Dale and Violet walked together hand in hand. Dale, Violet and family lived throughout western Montana before settling in Eureka in 1967.

Dale’s personal mission was helping others. He was a man of strong faith. Always ready to lend a helping hand, he was Dale-of-all-trades. There was nothing he couldn’t fix, build or create.

He brought laughter and fun to everyone he met. Dale had a trick up his sleeve for every season. When he wasn’t “letting you beat yourself” in cribbage, he was building stilts and tire swings.

There was nothing Dale loved more than seeing children have fun, as he was a child at heart.

Dale proudly served his country as a National Guardsman during the 1950s. His chosen profession was truck driving. He hauled everything from logs to groceries, accumulating over three million miles in his career. Dale volunteered as a fireman and as an EMT. He also helped maintain America’s border.

Dale was proud of his children: Mary Sue McEvoy, Cindy (George) Guth, Dale (Kim) Kimmel, Jim Kimmel, and adopted son Tony Surratt. He never tired of reminding them to call home once in a while. His grandchildren, Niki (Kade) Karstens, Tyson McEvoy, Buff McEvoy, Amanda (Eddy) Steele-Hanson, Heath, Jacob, Kaycee, Didi, Noble and Abel Kimmel, and Roseann (Chris) Kipp will always remember his never ending supply of love and pocket change.

If we had a nickel for everytime he made us smile, we’d “stick it in our mouths and pray for lockjaw.” Great-grandchildren Jayden, Tristan, Hailey, Bailey, Mikayla and Christopher (Bubba) will miss him dearly.

Dale is survived by his loving wife, Violet; children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister Verna Hughes; brothers Ron (Maxine) Kimmel, Don (Jean) Kimmel, sisters-in-law Nyla Kimmel, Marianna (Gary) Larson; brothers-in-law, Marvin Krahn and Larry (Pat) Krahn; his nephew Eddie (Fran) Kimmel, who was always there for him; many other adored nieces and nephews; dear friends Donny Stacy, Mike Herzog, Rod Schmidt, James Schmidt, and others too numerous to mention as Dale was a friend to all he met.

He was preceded in death by his parents, O.E. and Louella Kimmel; his mother-and-father-in-law, Susie and Herb Krahn; his eldest brother and hero, Heath, and his twin brother and partner in crime, Gale, and beloved niece, Donna.

Please join the family for a celebration of Dale’s life to be held Sept. 8 at 2 p.m. at 3411 Whitefish Stage Road, Kalispell. He would be so glad you came.

The family requests memorials (monetary or time) be made to Relay for Life, American Cancer Society, Hospice, or the Kalispell Regional Hospital Cancer Center of America.

Leonard W. Geiszler

POLSON — Born on the homestead of immigrant farmers John and Helen Geiszler, on Nov. 27, 1923, Leonard William Geiszler was the youngest of 22 children. He died peacefully on Aug. 31, 2007, at the age of 83.

Leonard spoke German on the North Dakota farm, and learned English when he began elementary school. Given the option by his father to become a farmer or minister, Leonard went to college and became a professional engineer. He served in WW II with an engineering group, setting temporary bridges on the march to Berlin.

After the war, Leonard owned a construction company in Miles City, and later Billings, which built commercial and residential projects. In 1955, Leonard closed the company and began a 30-year career with Carter Oil (later Exxon) supervising a vast array of construction throughout the country.

Leonard’s greatest pride was his family, and the house he designed and which the family built on Flathead Lake. The lake house has served as a gathering place for friends and family for decades, and will continue to do so for years to come.

Leonard is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marcella; sons Steven in Kalispell and Timothy (Shelley) in Missoula; daughter Kathryn Baddour (Phillip) of Pulaski, Tenn.; grandsons Andrew Colbrook Baddour and Evan Phillip Baddour of Tennessee, and Samuel Olsson Geiszler and Alexander Olsson Geiszler of Missoula, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Leonard was preceded in death by his son John E. Geiszler.

Leonard will be remembered for his devotion to family, determination for any cause or task he would select, and the importance of self-reliance. These traits live on through Leonard’s descendants.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, Sept. 6 (today) at 10 a.m., at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Polson with the Rev. Paul Rowold officiating.

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 7, at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Billings.

Arrangements are by Grogan Funeral Home of Polson. Condolences may also be forwarded to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com

Roy A. ‘Red Plume’ LaFromboise

SANTA ROSA, Calif. — Roy A “Red Plume” LaFromboise, 56, a proud member of the Blackfeet Nation, former Browning resident and Navy veteran, died of complications after surgery on Aug. 5, 2007, in Santa Rosa.

Roy is survived and deeply loved and missed by his wife Lorene; sons Royce and Josef; goddaughter April; grandchildren Kaiden and Ashlynn; brothers Conrad, Jeff (of Arlee) and Don and their families; sisters Lois, Lorna, Victoria and Loriann and their families; an adopted brother and best friend Ernie Olsen; extended brothers and sisters of his wife Lorene and numerous nieces and nephews.

Most of Roy’s career was working for Native American tribes in the areas of planning, economic development, housing and in an administrative capacity.

Roy worked for both Fort Peck and Blackfeet tribes in Montana, Klamath tribes in Oregon, Smith River Rancheria and Dry Creek Rancheria in Northern California, where he was the Tribal Administrative Officer.

He also worked with many other tribes indirectly throughout Indian Country. Roy graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business from Eastern Montana College, and was a naval veteran having served on the USS Albany.

Photography, coin collecting, reading, researching family ancestry and all Native American history were some of the things Roy enjoyed doing.

An avid outdoorsman, he liked hunting, fishing, barbecuing and was a very compassionate “people person.” Roy always took the time to listen to what people needed and wanted to say, and was always ready to help someone out in a time of need.

It was the truest form of happiness for Roy when he was with his family and his proudest moments were when his grandchildren were born.

He was preceded in death by a daughter Tracy Melissa, his parents Robert and Rosalie LaFromboise; a sister Mary Ellen; brothers Robert Charles, T.J., and Steve.

Memorial Mass was celebrated Aug. 14, at Little Flower Catholic Church with burial in Willow Creek Cemetery, Browning.

On Monday morning Aug. 13, Roy’s extended family at work held a memorial service for the Dry Creek Rancheria tribal offices in Healdsburg, Calif.

Condolences may be mailed to P.O. Box 175, Windsor, CA 95492.

Daniels Chapel of the Roses Funeral and Cremation Services, Santa Rosa, was in charge of arrangements.

Maureen

Ann Sweeney

POLSON — Maureen Ann Sweeney, 72, of Polson died on Aug. 28, 2007.

She was born in Deer Lodge to John and Esther Thomas. Her mother was a schoolteacher and her father worked for the BN Railroad. They moved often throughout Montana, Washington and California. Maureen graduated from a Catholic high school in California and went to college in Seattle.

She moved to Montana in the late ‘60s.

Maureen and James Sweeney had a daughter in 1974 in Polson. Maureen worked in the Lake County courthouse for 31 years.

She was budget director and airport secretary for a number of years. Maureen enjoyed working in her gardens, going to yard sales and spoiling her grandchildren and cats.

She was a very strong and caring person, and will be deeply missed.

Her parents and two brothers preceded her in death.

She is survived by her daughter, Shannon (Kevin) Turner, and their children Allen and Ashley.

Memorial services will be Friday, Sept. 7, at 1 p.m. in St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Polson.

A reception will follow the services with inurnment to follow at Lakeview Cemetery.

Cremation and arrangements are by Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory.

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

Alexandria Marie Fyant

ARLEE — Alexandria Marie Fyant, 15, died peacefully Wednesday morning, Aug. 29, 2007, in her mother’s loving arms at home in Arlee while surrounded by her family. Alex had fought leukemia for the last two years.

Born in Missoula on July 1, 1992, to Betty Steele and Benjamin Fyant, she was raised and educated in Dixon and later in Arlee schools.

She had a generous and caring heart that she shared with her family and friends. She loved spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed shopping first and foremost and crafts, skiing, playing soccer, her animals KC and Shorty, Sylvester, Patches, Buttons, Sparkles and Baby.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Mathew and Josephine Steele and Louie and Adaline Fyant; uncles Melvin and Robert Steele; aunt Carole Pierre; cousin Tasheena Cote, and her special grandpa Fred Decker and Francis Rollins.

She is survived by her parents, Betty Steele and Benjamin Fyant; her special grandma, Eileen Decker; her brothers, Francis (Kaetie) Brown and Roland (Gayle) Brown; nieces, Luliana, Mal-Lee Nathaylia, Errin, Cynthia and Madison; nephews, Hunter and Hiram; sister/cousins Breanna Bertsch and Amber Steele; brother /cousins Thomas, Michael John Emery Steele, as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins

Services were be held Saturday in the Arlee Community Center. Interment was in the Jocko Cemetery.

James Wesley Brubaker, Sr.

MISSOULA — James Wesley Brubaker, Sr., 77, died Monday, Aug. 27, 2007, at Community Medical Center from injuries he received in an auto accident earlier this year.

Born April 28, 1930, in St. Ignatius to Harry and C. Marie (Day) Brubaker, he was raised and educated in St. Ignatius. He married Beulah Irene Cote in 1960 and they made their home in Arlee where they farmed and ranched while raising eight kids.

In 1968, he separated from Beulah and moved to Billings and the Custer area where he owned a bar and had a band. He remarried to Millie Christiansen in 1974.

An accomplished musician and artist he was known for his watercolors and for playing steel. He worked as a truck driver delivering furniture for many years. He also took great joy in being with his grandkids and was very active with them, taking them swimming and such. He was very good making sure that all were happy. He also loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting and camping.

He was preceded in death by his son Art Shepard and his brothers and sisters, Harry Brubaker, Wilda Hausauer, LaVaughn Fagan France, Eldin Brubaker and Carol Larson.

He is survived by his children James W. (Debby) Brubaker, Jr., Eldin Brubaker and Bryan Brubaker, all of Missoula, Daren Brubaker of Valdez, Alaska, and Jackie (Dan) Tromp of Pablo, as well as numerous nieces, nephews cousins and grandkids,

Graveside funeral services were Sept. 3 in the Pleasant View Cemetery in St. Ignatius.

Foster & Durgeloh Funeral Chapel of St. Ignatius assisted the family with arrangements.

Betty Bower Jaques

HOT SPRINGS — Betty Bower Jaques, 81, died Aug. 27, 2007, in Hot Springs.

She was born Oct. 4, 1925, in Polson, to Paul C. and Ilma Adams Bower. She grew up and attended grade school in the Big Draw and Betty graduated from Polson High School in 1941. After high school she moved to Seattle area where she worked for Boeing.

On April 4, 1946 she married Tom Jaques in Hamilton. For the next few years they lived in Polson, Dayton, Niarada, Lonepine, and in 1956 they moved to Hot Springs where they made their home until 1987. In 1987 Tom and Betty moved to Missoula. Tom died in 1989 and Betty continued living in Missoula until March 2006.

While in Hot Springs, in addition to raising four children on a small ranch, Betty worked at numerous jobs. She was a waitress, worked at the Sanders County Hospital, worked at the school kitchen and was an active long-time member of the VFW Auxiliary in Hot Springs and later was a member in Missoula.

In 1990 Betty became a “Grandmother” at a Head Start in Missoula where she worked until 2000. Working at the Head Start program was a special thing for Betty. She always had a smile when telling stories about the children she worked with or telling about how they would come up to her when they saw her at the mall and called her Grandma. One of her favorite stories was on her birthday one year when one of the children asked her how old she was. She told him 70. He wanted to know if she started at ‘1’.

Betty enjoyed visiting, playing cards, and sharing stories about her grandchildren. She had a great sense of humor and quick wit, especially when discussing politics.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband Tom, sister Erma Jaques and brother Jim Bower.

She is survived by two daughters, Beverly Bangen (Irwin) and JoEllen King (John) of Hot Springs; two sons, Jim Jaques (Rita) of Missoula and Jerry Jaques (Merle) of Moscow, Idaho; 12 grandchildren, Julie White, John Scott, Jason Bangen, Michelle Horning, Brad Jaques, Kasey Jaques, Jamie Lee, Ben Jaques, Aaron Jaques, Telson Cook-McNair, Matt Nicolai, and Shannelle King; 19 great- grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter; brothers Art Bower of Dayton and Paul Bower of Pablo; sisters Jane Weeks of Springfield, Ore., and Shirley Puyear of Bismarck, N.D., and special friend, Jenny McNair of Florence, and Bernice Goode of Ronan.

Graveside services were held Aug. 31, at the Murray Memorial Cemetery at Lonepine. Memorial contributions may be made to a favorite charity.

Arrangements were entrusted to Bunch-Toews Funeral Homes in Plains & Thompson Falls.

John Art Bower

PROCTOR — John Art Bower, 88, of Proctor died of natural causes on the family ranch Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2007. Art was born in Eudora in November, 1918, to Paul C. and Ilma Adams Bower.

He was a Sea-Bee in World War II. He was a dozer operator building airstrips at Adak, Alaska. He helped build the airstrips that included the one used by the plane which carried the first atomic bomb to Hiroshima.

He was married to Barbara Lawrence on Sept. 19, 1942. They lived and ranched in the Big Draw in Elmo for several years. Later they moved to Proctor where he stilled resided.

He was a true cowboy at heart. Over the years he raised sheep, cows, horses and a lot of hell. He could make any set of woods look like a park with his bulldozer skills.

Even in his 80s he wanted to work an 8-hour day, but watching the Western channel was still a highlight of his day.

Dear old Grandpa Buddy, I will miss you, and I will take good care of your mule.

Art was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, brother Jim Bower, sister Erma Jaques and sister Betty Jaques who died one day before Art.

He is survived by a daughter Frosty and husband Larry Johnson of Post Falls, Idaho; granddaughter Rhonda and husband Les Walter and very special great-grandchildren, Jessica and Justin McCracken all of Columbia Falls; brother Paul Bower of Pablo; sisters Jane Weeks of Springfield, Ore., and Shirley Puyear of Bismarck, N.D., and a very special friend, Bob Stolz of Proctor.

A potluck celebration was held at the Idle Spur in Dayton Sept. 1.

Arrangements and cremation were by Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory.

Ronald D. Clay

RONAN — Ronald D. Clay, 60, of Ronan died of cancer on Aug. 26, 2007, at St. Luke Extended Care Facility.

Ronald was born March 29, 1947, in Anaconda to Arthur C. Clay and Delphia McDonald. He attended school in Ronan, Charlo and Kalispell. He worked for Rose Timms for several years building Quonset buildings around the Flathead Valley.

He moved to Wyoming in the early 1970s. There he worked in the oil fields and as a ranch hand and truck driver. He moved back to the Mission Valley in the late 1980s and worked as a carpenter and bartender.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing pool and darts. He loved working with wood. Ron married Colleen VonWald on Oct. 21, 1968. He married Wanda Simonton on June 16, 1984 in Douglas, Wyo. He married Esther Wicky on March 17, 1989, in Ronan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, seven brothers, three sisters, two nephews, a niece and a grandson.

Ron is survived by his wife, Esther Clay of Pablo; his children, Sally Obanand and Shawn VonWald of Douglas, Rhonda Clay of California; stepchildren, Arleen Spang of Pablo, Alvin and Philip Wicky of Spokane; two sisters, Velma (Henry) Kuntz of Ronan and Bonnie Clay of Gillette, Wyo.; six brothers, Lloyd (Rose) Young of Great Falls, Arnold (Donna) Cumpton of Newcastle, Wyo., Ray (Linda) Cumpton and David Cumpton of Gillette, Rickie (Sue) Clay of Kalispell; other sisters, Charollet Allen of Gillette, Audrey Ann Marquardt of Yakima, Wash.; other brothers, Alvin Clay of Seeley Lake, John Clay of Yakima, Wash.; 16 grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and special niece and nephew, Debora and Tim Cuchine of Billings.

No services are planned and cremation has taken place at Mission Valley Crematory in Ronan.

Shrider-Thompson Funeral Cremation Services of Ronan assisted with arrangements

Enid Ann (Healy) Andrew

RONAN — Enid Ann (Healy) Andrew, 60, went to join the ancestors at her home in Woodcock on Sunday, Sept. 2, 2007.

She was born Jan. 19, 1947, in Browning to Ramona Bremner and Johnny Bostwick. From the age of six months she was raised by her grandparents, George and Ida Bremner.

Enid graduated from Browning High School and went to college were she received her degree to become a beautician. Enid had made her home on the Flathead Reservation for the last 40 years. She was a loving mother, grandmother, friend, wife and partner throughout all those years.

Enid was well known for her baking. She made wedding cakes, birthday cakes and goodies all the time. She was also very good with crafts and sewing. Enid was a character and was a fun person to be around; she could put a smile on almost anyone but she also had a temper and she could take you down a notch or two if you needed it.

She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, brother Mike Doane and sister Charlotte Bird.

She married Danny Andrew and he survives of the family home. She is also survived by her children, Marion George Salway of Pablo, Eloise Shepard of St. Ignatius, Billie Jo Healy of Ronan, Joe Andrew of Pablo and Luana Beavers of Hot Springs and numerous adopted kids; sisters Mona Kippling of Browning and Toni Lynne DeVereaux; brothers Charlie Conway of Helena, Rick Gordon of Wyoming and Ronnie of Denver; her little friend Franny; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren including Woody and Charlynn BigCrane, Garrett (Jamie) Finley, Amiel Jon Gardipe, Jr., Catherine Salway, Elizabeth Salway and Darion Salway, John Currie, Kristen Currie and Hayden Currie, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who she regarded as family.

Services were held Sept. 5 in the Longhouse with cremation following as she had requested.

Foster & Durgeloh Funeral Home of St. Ignatius was in charge of arrangements.