James Edward Westerman, Sr.

RONAN - James Edward Westerman, Sr. died on April 28, 2008, at his home on North Crow Road near Ronan after a lengthy battle with rheumatoid arthritis.

Jim was born Sept. 18, 1933, to Edith and Earl Westerman in Pablo. He was the fifth child and the second son. He attended schools in Pablo, Ronan and Polson. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict and received an honorable discharge as a Third Class Petty Officer with a Good Conduct Medal, China Service Ribbon, Nations Defense Ribbon and the Presidential Unit Citation. He came home and married Rose M. Phillips on March 5, 1958. They marked their 50th wedding anniversary this year. Jim worked for the Northern Pacific/Burlington Northern railroad from 1956-1983. He retired and started working on his yard and garden.

He is survived by his wife Rose; daughter Debra; son Jim Jr.; his sisters, Jeannie and Pearl; his grandchildren, Amber, Andrew, Alan and Adam and his great-grandchildren, Dalton and Debbie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edith and Earl; his daughter, Cheryl Dawn; his sister, Marie and brother Paul; and his great grandson, Aethan.

Jim was cremated and memorial services were held May 1 at the Pablo Christian Church. Memorial donations may be made to the Mission Valley Animal Shelter in Jim's name. Funeral arrangements were handled by Shrider's Mortuary, Ronan.

Albert Alden Stirm

POLSON - Albert Alden Stirm, 79, of Polson, died of natural causes on Monday, April 28, 2008, at St. Joseph Hospital.

Albert was born on April 20, 1929, to John and Emma Stirm in Lodi, Calif. He completed high school in Lodi, then joined the U.S. Army. Albert served in the Korean War from January 1951 through October 1952. He earned the rank of Sergeant and earned three Bronze Service Stars while in Korea.

In 1953, Albert married Melva King in Lodi. He then worked as a general contractor for 30 years in Lodi. Albert served as Post Commander of Polson American Legion Post #112, was a former director of Kiwanis Club and Polson-Flathead Historical Museum, and was a member of the Freedom Days Committee 2007 in Polson. He also proudly served with the Veterans Military Honor Guard.

Albert was a collector of antique scales, which he donated to a museum in Pittsburgh, Pa., in 2008. He was an avid reader of history, collector of classical music, and was a restorer of antique pieces for the museum. His parents, John and Emma Stirm, and siblings Art, Joanne, Karen and Milton Stirm preceded Albert in death.

He is survived by his wife, Melva, of Polson; daughter Gail Vance; son, John Stirm and his wife Lisa Goldman; sister, Martha Kayl; brothers, Dale and Marvin Stirm; and grandchildren, Jenna Pal-Freeman, Emi Stirm, Travis Vance and Daniel Vance.

The family requests memorials may be made in Albert's name to the Polson Post #112 American Legion, Kiwanis Club of Polson, or Good Shepherd Lutheran Church building fund of Polson.

A memorial service was held on May 3 in Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with the Rev. Paul Rowold officiating. Inurnment followed at Lakeview Cemetery with full military honors. Arrangements and cremation were under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory.

Vaughan C. Peterson

POLSON - Vaughan C. Peterson died April 24, 2008, at Village Health Care, Missoula, surrounded by his family and friends.

Vaughan was born Oct. 24, 1913 in Roundup to Noble and Edna Lee Peterson. His family moved often from Montana to Minnesota, California and Washington while he was in grade school. He graduated from Missoula County High School in 1931.

On June 6,1939, he married his redheaded sweetheart, Ruby Christiansen. How they loved to dance at the Rockaway and Casa Loma dance halls in Missoula. Until retirement they lived in Orchard Homes on five acres with plenty of room for horses.

In 1939, he worked as a mechanic for Zip Auto and later joined his dad in the car business at Peterson Motors on West Front Street in Missoula. Early on they were dealers for Cadillac and Packard automobiles. Later, they ventured into the used car business, and as a sideline had a saddle shop. In 1952 Vaughan opened Vaughan's Used Cars on West Broadway, selling used cars and boats.

He continued this business until he retired in 1975. He was the quintessential salesman. His bartering ability was second to none and was known from Montana to Mexico. Right to the end, he was making friends, telling stories and putting some kind of a deal together. Ruby kiddingly said he'd trade her and the kids off it he could make a profit.

He never lost his love for a fine automobile, and his red 1989 Oldsmobile is still in the family. Upon his retirement, he and Ruby began their adventure of spending winters in Yuma, Ariz. and summers in Hamilton. When the traveling became a chore they brought a home in Hamilton with a view of the mountains.

Vaughan was an avid fisherman, big game hunter and bird hunter. He hunted big game in the Bob Marshall Wilderness with his dad and brother before it was popular. He kept a piece of string from which he hung an array of elk ivories taken over the years from the animals he harvested. Even though he was an avid hunter, his compassion and caring for all animals was huge.

He was a life long member of the NRA and had a fine collection of beautiful guns. He was proud to be a redneck. His loves of hunting, fishing, fine horses and black labs were passed on to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When Vaughan was in his 80s, he rode horseback into the Bitterroot Selway to hunt with his son, Don. He continued fishing the streams and creeks in the Bitterroot until he was 90 and just like his kids and grandkids, great-grandsons Trey and Zach Robison had the privilege of learning from Vaughan how to bait a hook and drop a line.

When the family was growing up, he and Ruby had a cabin on Flathead Lake. He kept two boats, a ski boat for playing and a cabin cruiser to take the family safely around the lake to check on the sheep on Wildhorse Island and view the Indian paintings on the rocks along the lakeshore. His children learned patience spending endless hours trolling for silver salmon. His enthusiasm and love of the outdoors made every experience memorable and educational.

He played the harmonica and the saxophone. His yodeling was special and probably known only by his family. Thanks for everything, Dad. We will miss you.

His mother and dad and his brother, Robert J. Peterson, preceded Vaughan in death.

He is survived by his loving wife Ruby of Missoula; his sister, Ruth Riemer, of Seattle; children, Carol (George) Blowars of Hall, Jerry (Carol) of Eagle, Idaho, Don (Wendy) of Polson; grandchildren, Brent (Vickie) Robison of Stevensville, Brian Robison of Camano Island, Wash., Elke (Gabe) Peterson/Compodinico of Oakland, Calif., Eric (Chloe) Peterson of West Andover, Mass., Carrie (Doug) Kearing of Menlo Park, Calif.; seven great-grandchildren, Zach Robison; Trey and Tanner Robison, Simon and Oliver Peterson, Maggie and Katie Kehring; numerous nieces and nephews.

At Vaughan's request there will be no formal services. When the snow melts and his favorite flower, the Bitterroot, blooms, his ashes will be scattered near a special fishing hole on a creek in the Bitterroot Mountains he loved so dearly. A special thanks from Vaughan's family to the loving, caring and tireless care givers at Village Health Care. Cheryl Armstrong, you were his angel on earth. May God bless you all.

Cremation has taken place under the care of Grogan Fu neral Home and Crematory in Polson.

Jeweldeen Claire Joyce

Jeweldeen Claire Joyce, age 52, was born at Plamer, Alaska on June 21,1955. She had lived most of her life in western Montana. She passed away in her sleep on April 23, 2008.

She was survived by her husband Denis Joyce of Hot Springs, son Khristoper Studeny and his two boys, Triston and Austin of Butte, her mother Marlys Hoeldt of Charlo, her brothers Russel Hoeldt of Columbia Falls, Layne Hoeldt of Ronan. her sisters Diane Nelson of Kalispell, Laurel Hoedlt of Ronan, Kelly of Columbia Falls, Lisa Vasser of Kalispell and numerous nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by her sister Elizabeth Hoeldt, her father Frank Cornelius, and Step-Father Ken Hoedlt.

Jeweldeen, affectionately called Jude by her family and friends, loved everyone. Everyone was a friend to her. Jude was the kindest person you could meet. Jude was always making gifts for everyone and never forgot anyone's birthday. She was the most giving and generous person. Jude loved to cook and made sure everyone in the neighborhood had something to eat. She started he own meals-on-wheels program. She would fix the plates and her dearest friend Dan Vance would deliver them. Jude loved animals. She did not care if they were hers, others, or strays - they had food and water. Jude loved the outdoors and planned camping trips. She loved working on her garden.

Her Hot Springs family as she called them were friends for over 22 years and included Dan Vance, Abe Shelton, Ronda Burch, and Linda West. Jude will be loved and remembered by all who knew her.

Margaret L. Kohler

POLSON - Margaret L. Kohler, 85, of Polson, passed away on May 4, 2008, of natural causes.

She was born on November, 16, 1922 to Andrew J. and Martha E. Saulter in Spring Valley, Minn. and moved to Missoula in Oct. of 1937. She graduated from Missoula County High School.

Margaret married Carl F. Nordberg Oct. 29, 1941 until his death on Feb 14, 1966. She later married Bev F. Kohler on Dec. 12, 1967.

Margaret worked at Missoula Mercantile from 1955-1973. Margaret and Bev moved to Margaret's lake place on Finley Point, Polson in 1974. She started the Driftwood Restaurant and gift shop in 1976 and ran it through 1981, when she retired.

Margaret was a creative, artistic and inspirational person that could do so many things'so talented'never short with ideas. She'll be missed.

Margaret had two sons. Jack D. Nordberg preceded her death on Sept. 29, 1974. Margaret was also preceded in death by her second husband, Bev Kohler, on Oct. 17, 2002, sister Mary Bleich and three brothers: Lyle, Vernon and Don Saulter.

Survivors include her son Ken Nordberg and his wife Helga of Polson; daughter-in-law Sue (Hugh) Henderson of Polson and seven grandchildren; Shelly (Jeff) Roberts of Spokane, Brad (Missi) Nordberg of Missoula, Carl (Stephanie) Nordberg of Polson, Jack (Chris) Nordberg of Polson, Jason (Jen) Nordberg of Potomac, Suzy (Jeff) Ouellette of Missoula, Randy (Desiree) Cogdill of Whitefish; 14 great-grandchildren; one niece and one nephew.

Graveside services will be held at Old St. Mary's Cemetery in Missoula Thursday May 8 at 11 a.m. Arrangements are under the care of Garden City Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.missoulafuneralhomes.com

LeRoy D. Lafrinire

POLSON - LeRoy D. Lafrinire was suddenly taken from us on May 3, 2008. He was 68 years old. LeRoy was born in St. Ignatius on May 21, 1939 to parents Leroy and Phyllis Lafrinire. A brother and sister later joined him; they grew up in the Mission Valley. LeRoy grew up helping his grandfather in logging camps and learning his mechanic skills from various uncles, his father and by experimenting with his brother.

By the age of 17, LeRoy joined the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. There he joined the paratroopers and enjoyed jumping from airplanes. In 1961 LeRoy returned to Missoula where he met his future wife, Janet Serviers. Together they raised two daughters. In 1967 they moved to Polson where LeRoy ran the Union 76 station, he later opened his own auto repair shop where he continued to work until his death. He helped establish the stock car racing track, which he participated in for several years, also taking his turn as president of the club. He enjoyed helping with the regatta boat races on the lake. His cabin on the lake, his grandchildren and frequenting his coffee destinations with his many friends were the joys of his life. LeRoy is preceded in death by his grandparents and father. He is survived by his wife Janet, of 47 years; his daughters Leslie and Rayne; grandchildren Reece Williams, Tisa Starkel Dickson, Ryan Williams, Jona Lafrinire, Mateel Lafrinire, and great grandchildren Brendan and Isabella Dickson.

He also leaves behind his mother Phyllis Anderson, brother Louise Lafrinire, of Missoula; four sisters Nancy (Bill) Watson of Reno, Nev., Patty Knight of Linwood, Wash., Kathy (Dave) Pleasant of Missoula, Sue (Rich) Rhome of Manteca, Calif. and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday May 8 at 2:30 p.m. in the New Life Christian Center with Rev. Jim Perry officiating. Military honors will follow at the church. Cremation has taken place. Condolences to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com