Obituaries, May 28
Williams, Zoerner, Swaim, Browne, Dempsey, Couture, Corrigan, English, McCormick, Wolverton
William Patrick Williams III
Pat Williams was born in San Francisco, Calif. on Feb. 13, 1943, to Bill and Cathryn (Aguilar) Williams. Pat passed away from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) on May 20.
Pat grew up in Vallejo, Calif., and attended Catholic schools throughout his school years, graduating from St. Vincent Ferrer High School in 1960. He attended college at the University of Nevada at Reno on a track scholarship for two years. He transferred to Vallejo Junior College and then to Chico State College where he graduated in 1966.
Pat married Vikki Goni in 1967. Shortly after that, Pat took a trip to Montana to visit his childhood friend, Dick Gallagher. He fell instantly in love with Montana; he and Vikki moved to Ronan in 1970 and Pat went back to school at the University of Montana to get his teaching credential. Pat and Vikki had one child, Mary Ann Williams.
In 1981, Pat married Nancy and became a step-parent to Joey Brooks and Cindy Brooks. Pat and Nancy also had a son together, Billy, born in 1983.
Pat taught at Ronan High School for 25 years, retiring in 2001. Upon retiring as a school teacher, Pat returned to work at the elementary school as a food utility worker. He loved working with and feeding the young kids. During his time at the school system, Pat coached track, cross country and golf for 31 years and mentored hundreds of children. He retired in 2008.
Pat was outgoing and gregarious and made friends wherever he went. He loved golfing and was blessed to have many golfing buddies. In recent years, the boys would go on football and golfing trips. He thoroughly enjoyed the annual trips throughout the United States with his friends and especially loved the Penn State and Jacksonville trips. He also prided himself on his perfectly manicured yard.
A highlight of his life was his trip to Ireland in 2008 to tour that lovely country and visit with his daughter, Mary Ann, who was doing her student teaching there. Pat was diagnosed with ALS on May 29, 2008, after which he went on one last trip with daughter Cindy, Lance and Bella Melton and wife Nancy to Kauai, Hawaii.
Pat was a charter member of the Mission Mountain Country Club, supporting it for many years as a board member and an enthusiastic golfer. He was part of a weekly Wednesday meeting at “The Office” of friends and colleagues. A testament to Pat’s life was the support and love given him by many former students, athletes, peers in the teaching profession, fellow golfers and family. They never gave up on him or let him give in to this terrible disease that razed his body. The family also appreciates all the help provided by the Lake County home health and hospice programs and the women who cared for him so graciously.
Pat is survived by his wife Nancy of Ronan; his daughters Mary Ann Williams of Red Bluff, Calif. and Cindy Brooks Melton (Lance) of Helena; his sons Billy of Butte and Joey Brooks of Ronan; and his grandchildren Darian Williams, Isabelle Melton, and Bobbi and Samantha Brooks. He is also survived by his brother Roger of Vallejo, CA and his former wife, Vikki (Gus) Bettman of Red Bluff, Calif. Many cousins, sisters-in-law and brothers in-law, nieces, nephews, as well as high school and college friends survive him.
Memorial services will be held at the Mission Valley United Methodist Church, 70715 Highway 93, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 30 with Pastor Karen McRae officiating. A luncheon will follow; golf attire preferred. Memorials may be given to the Mission Mountain Golf Club Scholarship program, 46664 Golf Course Way, Ronan, MT 59864 or to the local Ken Sagmiller ALS benefit, care of Community Bank of Ronan, PO Box B, Ronan, MT 59864.
Patick T. Zoerner
Patrick T. Zoerner, 61, born on Nov. 2, 1947, in Chicago, Ill., died on May 16 in Columbus, Ohio, at the James Cancer Hospital, in the arms of his beloved wife Mary Ellen (Twomey) and his two daughters Melissa (Becerra) and Monica. Pat lived life to the fullest enjoying everything from music to hiking, drums, hockey and sailing. He cherished his friends and family and filled all of our hearts and minds with memories that will last a lifetime. His boisterous laugh and infectious smile truly brightened everyone’s world. Pat was a graduate of Eastern CT State University and University of Utah with a MSW and was a Nursing Home Administrator for many years. Pat has been dealing with a horrible cancer for the past 14 years that changed his life completely. Through his battle, he has taught us all the importance of walking with God and being there for others. Even through his turmoil he would help others and offer the healing words of prayer. He is one of God’s most beloved soldiers and will be truly missed. He was preceded in death by parents, Charles and Lucille (Vecchi) Zoerner. Survived by his loving wife of 38 years. Mary Ellen (Twomey) Zoerner; daughters Melissa (Bryan) Becerra of Cleveland Heights, Ohio and Monica Zoerner of New Albany, Ohio; siblings Charlene (Robert) Pryzblyski of Pembroke Pines, Flor., Judith Zoerner of Highlands Ranch, Colo., Timothy (Sue) Zoerner of Moorhead, Minn. and many cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends. There was a celebration of his life on Tuesday, May 19 at Schoedinger Worthingon Chapel. Services were on Wednesday, May 20 in Ohio, followed by burial at Resurrection Cemetery in Lewis Center, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society in Pat’s name. Visit www.schoedinger.com to send online condolences to the family.
George Edward Swaim
George Edward Swaim, 67, of Polson, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, May 16. George was born on June 19, 1941, in Los Angeles, Calif., son of the late Leonard and Edda Lou Swaim. He was a graduate of Chaffey High School in southern California and later joined the US Army where he was stationed in Korea. He married his loving wife, Linda Mendes, in 1988 and in 1997 they moved to Polson. Besides his wife, survivors include his three daughters: Reese, Kristina and Kimberly; three sons, James, Raymond and Kenneth; two brothers, Dan Swaim of Bellevue, Wash., and Walt Swaim of Tuscon, Ariz.; 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.Graveside services were held on Thursday, May 21 at Lakeview Cemetery, Polson. Grogan Funeral Home of Polson, is assisting the family.
John William Browne
On Sunday, May 17, John W. Browne passed away after a long illness.
Born in Montana to Thomas Browne and Josephine Marion Browne on Jan. 8, 1921, John, whose ancestry was Irish, French and Native American, had fond memories of the time he spent on his great-grandparents’ ranch in Polson. His great-grandmother spoke English, as well as three or more tribal languages. He cherished the times when she would build a bonfire and tell stories, which always began with, “A long, long time ago.” His great-grandfather took John on a cattle drive, which was a great adventure for him. John was proud of his Native American heritage and when, as a child, he was asked what part of him was Indian, he would reply, “The best part.”
After graduating from school in Polson, John had various jobs, until he was hired by the Border Patrol. He then volunteered for the Air Force, where he remained until May 1946, when he was discharged at the end of the war.
A few years ago, the Confederated Tribes of Salish and Kootenai honored John as one of the few surviving tribal veterans of World War II by presenting him with a beautiful buffalo print blanket specially designed for the Native American veterans.
It was during his service in the military that he met and later married his wife, Almarene. They were married on Feb. 24, 1946. They began their marriage in Oceanside, Calif., where John returned to his position in the Border Patrol. He was soon made an investigator for the Immigration and Naturalization Service. He was transferred to Los Angeles and then to San Francisco. John and Almarene spent the last 53 years living in Belmont, Calif.
John is survived by his wife of 63 years; his son, John Timothy Browne of Redondo Beach, Calif.; his daughter, Ann Fox, who lives in London, England with her husband, Christopher Fox; two grandchildren, Paul and Abigail Fox and a niece and nephew, Linda Memmett and Richard Browne. He was preceded by a son, Thomas Newton Browne, who died in infancy.
John was interred at Skylawn Cemetery in a private family service on Friday, May 22.
Frances C. Dempsey
Frances Caroline Dempsey, 96, loving wife and mother, died of complications resulting from kidney failure on Tuesday, May 19, at Community Medical Center, Missoula.
Frances was born on April 16, 1913, in Chicago, Ill. to the late John and Kristina Hlapcik Malek. It was there in Chicago where she married Edward Dempsey on Sept. 3, 1933. In 1946, they moved to San Bernadino, Calif.
She was a hands-on helper and supporter in all her husband’s business endeavors; from a butcher and meat market owner in Chicago, to an imported car and mobile home dealer in San Bernadino.
They lived at Lake Mary Ronan for many years while operating an antique store in Polson through the 1970s, which was later taken over by their son, Bernie.
Both were members of the Good Sam Club and Fran enjoyed socializing and playing cards with her friends until the very end.
She was very proud of her 65 years of marriage to the love of her life, Edward, who passed away in 1998, and loved to tell of how they met.
Fran was an inspiration to all who knew her through her unselfish thoughtfulness and gentle demeanor.
She is survived by her son, Bernie Dempsey of Polson; daughter, Cheryl Reynolds of Plymouth, Calif.; granddaughter, Laura; grandsons, Michael and Brian; a sister Lillian, nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
A visitation for Frances was held on Friday, May 22 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Polson, from noon until 7p.m. at which time a vigil service followed. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at the church on Saturday with Father Jim Connor officiating. Burial took place in Lakeview Cemetery in Polson.
Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Grogan Funeral Home, Polson, is assisting the family.
Corinne A. Couture
PABLO — Corinne A. (Clairmont) Couture, 45, passed away on Friday at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula.
Corinne was descendant of the Salish and Kootenai Tribes, and was a member of the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Cree of North Dakota. She was born on Sept. 21, 1963, in Los Angeles, Calif. to Robert and Mary (Azure) Clairmont; she was raised in California and in the Polson area. She worked as a flagger for Jore Corporation, and as an over-the-road truck driver seeing the country from coast to coast.
Corinne and Rodney Couture were married in 2003 and made their home in Pablo where she enjoyed the outdoors, whether it was fishing, hunting and camping or as all who knew her as Rod’s special “Hoochie Mama.” She also enjoyed the ocean and was fascinated by whales.
She was preceded in death by her father and cousins “Gus” and “Porge”.
She is survived by her husband Rod, and his two sons Randy and Jacob of Pablo; her mother Mary Clairmont Jessen and her husband Dick Jessen of Ronan; sister Carla and brothers Bob, Steve and Jim Clairmont; mother-in-law Judy Phillips; sister in laws Arnell Phillips and Rita Wolf and a niece Daffney, who held a special place in her heart, as well several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A wake began on Saturday at Foster Funeral Home in St. Ignatius with the Rosary being recited at 8 p.m. Sunday in the Chapel. Wake closing was on Monday in the Chapel with funeral services in the Assembly of God Church in Ronan with Pastor Dean Buffalo officiating. After the services a potluck dinner was held at the church.
Garry Lance Corrigan
Garry Lance Corrigan, 65, of Polson, was welcomed into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Friday, May 22 at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. Garry was the oldest child born to Don and Bertie Corrigan on July 19, 1943, in Polson. He spent his youth in Polson and attended schools there. When Garry was in high school, he began working one of his favorite seasonal jobs at Thomas’ Tree Yard.
In 1964, the lure of the world called and Garry entered the Army and was placed in Co. D 46th Engineer Battalion as a heavy equipment operator. Part of his three-year term was spent in Viet Nam operating five-ton trucks, low boys and caterpillars.
Garry was an avid outdoorsman. He was most happy when he was hunting, fishing, camping or just exploring the great outdoors. He was almost famous for his amazing green thumb and stunning flowerbeds that drew a parade of admirers throughout spring and summer. More recently he could be found enjoying a good old western or happily working a puzzle with his granddaughters, and adding to his extensive collection of piggys.
Garry was a man that was very strong in his faith and will be greatly missed as an anchor in his church family at Pablo Christian Church.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Don & Bertie Corrigan, infant son Cory Corrigan, and grandson Howard Clark.
Surviving Garry is his loving and devoted wife of 37.5 years, Ida Corrigan of Polson; brothers Mike (Cathy) Corrigan of Polson and Larry (Jackie) Corrigan of Portland, Ore.; sister Lori (Doug) Cooper of Trout Creek; daughter Suzanne (John) Clark of Kalispell; son Nick Nash of Missoula; daughter Kimberly (Sean) Shriner of Polson, and daughter Melina (Nic) Baylor of Missoula; grandchildren J.J., Beth and Donald Clark and Kirra and Kiana Snyder. He is also survived by several special nephews that were always there to help him out.
Garry will be greatly missed by everyone that knew and loved his fabulous sense of humor or enjoyed his beautiful flowerbeds, his “special helpers” Kirra and Kiana, his best friend his cat Tigger, and his church family.
A celebration of Garry’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 28 at Pablo Christian Church with interment and Military Honors to follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Polson. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Grogan Funeral Home, Polson, is assisting the family.
Sharon Anne English
Sharon Anne English passed away on May 21 of natural causes at the age of 70. Sharon was born on Oct. 4, 1938, in Portland Ore. to Charlotte and George Grant. At the age of 13, she moved with her mother and the father that raised her, Donald Carney, to Great Falls. She graduated from Great Falls High in 1956 and then she obtained her associates degree in radiology technology from the College of Great Falls.
She married Bert English in 1957 and together they had five children. Sharon and her family moved to the Flathead area in 1975 where they split their time between Polson and Finley Point. Sharon and Bert later divorced. Sharon also lived and worked in Kalispell. Sharon moved to Missoula in 1996 to Kelly at their Missoula home.
Sharon is survived by her father, Donald (Carolyn) Carney of Eugene, Ore.; sister Donna (John) Camp of Great Falls; brothers Tom (Cindy) of Eugene, Ore., David (Alexandra) of Tualatin, Ore,, and Dennis (Dyan) of Springfield, Ore. She is also survived by her five children: Daniel (Tammy) their children Samantha and Zachary; Diana and her children Corgan and Libby; Toby and his children Xander, Lizzy, Emily, Madeline, Abigail and Levi; Andrew (Kristin) and their children Kaitlin and Jordan; and Matthew English. Sharon had one great-grandchild, Ryder and was anticipating the arrival of her second, Addelyn, in June.
Most importantly, Grammie Sharon was a devoted mother and the most wonderful grandmother a child could ever have. We will miss you Grammie and will think of you every moment.
William Arthur McCormick
William Arthur McCormick Jr., 49, died in a car accident over Memorial Day weekend. Bill was born in Missoula on Dec. 30, 1959, and spent most of his childhood in Prosser. He graduated with a mechanical engineering degree from Central Washinghton University and worked about ten years at Hanford. He spent the last ten years of his life around the beautiful Flatehead Lake near Polson. He is survived by his mother, Barbara McCormick, Polson), sisters Jeannie Hayden (Bellingham, WA), Belinda McCormick (Los Angeles, CA), and brothers Charles McCormick (Warm Springs) and John McCormick (Polson/overseas). A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, May 29 at Grogan’s Funeral Home in Polson.
Margaret Wolverton
ARLEE - Margaret Helen Duffield Wolverton passed away on April 22 at her daughter’s home in Missoula surrounded by family and her good friend and caregiver, Helen Dschaak.
Margaret was born on Dec. 13, 1919, on the family homestead near Marmarth, N.D., the daughter of Charles and Laura Lym Duffield. She had a sister, Mildred (later Griffith), and two younger brothers, Arthur and Robert, all of whom preceded her in death.
Her family left their Baker homestead in 1936 because of drought and the Great Depression. They had no destination; they were just going west. In Arlee, they found a small farm to rent and settled there.
Around the same time, Don Wolverton’s family abandoned their lands near Baker as well, and moved to Post Creek (St. Ignatius).
Don and Margaret had known each other as kids in Baker. They were married on April 4, 1937, in Missoula. In 1957, they returned to Arlee and stayed for good.
Besides raising her family of six chldren, Margaret worked numerous jobs, later retiring from the post offices in Arlee and Missoula. After retirement, she worked at the Arlee Senior Center as an assistant cook. She was well known locally for her tasty homemade bread. Any visitor to her home enjoyed something to eat, a never-ending cup of coffee and encouraging words.
Margaret is survived by her children: June Coloff, Puyallup, Wash.; Laura and husband Tim Carlyon of Lolo; Michael and wife Lennie of Wasilla, Alaska; Kathy and husband Michael Paterni of Missoula; David of Arlee; and Laramie and wife Debra of Arlee. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Naomi Duffield of Bothell, Wash., eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
The family extends a special thank-you to Helen Dschaak, Jessica James, and Paula Chait for their years of loving help caring for Mom.
Preceding her in death was her husband of 66 years, Donald; her grandson, Robert Wolverton; and Robert’s baby son, Michael.
A time for sharing and remembrance of Margaret will be held from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, May 31, at the Arlee Senior Citizens Center.
The family thanks Partners in Home Care Hospice of Missoula, and suggests memorials be made to them at 2678 Palmer, Missoula MT 59808, or to the Arlee Senior Citizens Center, P.O. Box 392, Arlee MT 59821.