Obituaries, Dec. 31

Larsen, Lytle, Piedalue, Walker, Hatlin

Richard Larsen

Richard Larsen, 89, of Charlo, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 19, at his home.

Born on March 18, 1920 in Council Bluffs, Iowa, he was a son of the late Robert and Amelia Phillips Larsen. After graduating high school in 1938, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served until 1944. He married Margaret A. McConnell, who passed away in November 1999, and was a proud member of the VFW.

Besides his parents and wife, two brothers, one of whom was his twin, and two sisters, also preceded Mr. Larsen in death.

His son, Richard Mark Larsen, and wife Leigh, of Charlo, survive him.

Cremation has taken place and no formal services are planned at this time. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff at Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory in Polson considers it a privilege to care for Mr. Larsen’s family.

Leonard Gerald Lytle

Leonard, age 86, passed from this life on Dec. 25 peacefully in his home with family at his side. He was born in York, Neb. on Oct. 23, 1923 to Stanley William and Anna Catherine Reiners Lytle. He lived in York until 1940 when his family moved to Buhl, Idaho, where he graduated from high school in 1942.

As a young man, Leonard was a star running back on his high school football team and a center fielder on his baseball team, receiving a scholarship to Pocatello, Idaho to play football.  He was also a Lightweight Golden Glove Boxer.

Leonard began working for Missoula Livestock in 1945, and then became a Brand Inspector for the State of Montana in 1956 where he spent several years in Missoula, Lewistown and Billings.   In 1974 he purchased Missoula Livestock and enjoyed this venture until the unexpected death of his partner required the sale of the business in 1976.  He remained foreman for many years until retirement.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and one sister, and his wife Joan.  He is survived by his son Marty Lytle and his daughter Lorri and husband Tim O’Neill all of Arlee; granddaughters Katelyn Lytle, Missoula, Mont.; Alyssa (Daniel) Cahoon, Charlo, Mont.; and grandsons Wyatt and Webb O’Neill, Arlee, Mont.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday evening December 29, at Foster Funeral Home in St. Ignatius from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.   A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 30 at 1:00 p.m. in the Arlee High School Gymnasium followed by a potluck gathering at the Arlee Brown Building. Burial will be held at a later date with a private family service.

Eugene Roy Piedalue

Eugene Roy Piedalue (known to many as Chief or Gene) passed away at his home on Tuesday, Dec. 22, in Ronan.

Gene was born on April 28, 1929, to Marcella (Hepp) and Edward Piedalue in Ronan and was raised on the family dairy farm with brother Kenny, Bud and Floyd, and sister Peggy.

He delivered milk for Piedalues Dairy until 1953 when he began working the Montana Department of Highways. He worked there from 1953-92, in the engineering department. He retired from the highway department on a Friday, and the following Monday he started work for Schellinger Construction, where he worked until 1999, retiring due to poor health. During these years, he also farmed with his sons.

He married Norma Bennett on June 1, 1949. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Marcella, and sons Edward and Ernest.

He is survived by his wife, Norma, daughter Pat (Bob) Bristol; son Leonard (Gail); grandchildren: Charity (Monty) Cheff, Ernie (Shannon) Bristol, Jacinda (Michael) Tenas, Ray (Kristie) Dalke and Thomas Dalke; 14 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by brothers: Kenny (Marge), Bud (Phyllis) and sister Peggy (Dave) Johnson.

Rosary services were held on Tuesday, Dec. 29, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ronan. Mass of the Christian burial was celebrated on Wednesday, Dec. 30, also in the church, with Father James Connor celebrating. Shrider-Thompson Funeral and Cremation Services of Ronan is assisting with arrangements.

Alfred G. Walker

ARLEE — Alfred G. (Al) Walker, 87, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at his home due to cardiac arrest.

Al was born to Dewey and Lula Walker on Nov. 15, 1922 in Hardin.

Al married Mary Sanders on May 7, 1944 in Missoula. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this year.

Al was drafted into the Army in September 1944, and served in the Phillipines during WWII, until he was injured during combat.

Al and Mary purchased 80 acres in Arlee in 1946, where Al built their home. They raised three children on their farm and he resided there until his death.

Along with farming, he was a substitute rural mail carrier for five years before being appointed as the Arlee postmaster. He retired in January 1983, after working as postmaster for 19 years.

He accomplished his lifelong dream of flying when he obtained his pilot’s license and purchased his first plane in 1968. In 1977, he purchased his second airplane, a Maule, which he flew home from Florida and then enjoyed many trips throughout the states.

He also purchased an Ultralite kit, which he assembled and then flew around the Arlee valley (some people said, “There goes that crazy Al Walker”).

After Al’s retirement from the post office, he started doing woodwork. He constructed many pieces of furniture and hundreds of custom picture mats and frames.

Al was preceded in death by his parents; sister Roberta; and son-in-law Chuck Partaker.

Al is survived by his wife, Mary; daughters Evelyn Partaker and Helen (Bruce) LeClair; son Dan Walker (Deb); sisters Gertie Freshour and Gerry McVey; grandchildren Julie, Wendy, Clint, Denise and Tiffany; several great-grandchildren and numerous other relatives.

Al’s family welcomed friends at a celebration of his life on Dec. 7. Memorials may be made to the Arlee Senior Citizen’s Center, P.O. Box 392, Arlee, MT 59821.

We loved him dearly and are sure going to miss him!

Cremation services are entrusted to the care of Brothers Mortuary and Crematory in Hamilton. Condolences and memories can be sent to brothersR@msn.com.

Richard T. Hatlin

Richard T. Hatlin, 92, of Polson, passed away on Monday, Dec. 28, at St. Joseph Hospital in Polson from natural causes. Visitation for Richard will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 1, in the Grogan Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 2, in the funeral home with visitation for one hour before service time.  Military honors will be held at the funeral home following services.