Obituaries, Jan. 7

Dinwoodie, Hatlin, Liberti, Williams, Bonamie, Kudlock, McDougall, Decker, Jungers, Cheff

Daniel Dinwoodie

Daniel Hepburn Dinwoodie, 78, died on Nov. 23, 2009, at his daughter’s home in Anchorage, Alaska, after a heroic battle with colon cancer.

A celebration of Daniel’s life will be celebrated in Fairbanks early next year.

Daniel was born on July 23, 1931, in Lakewood, N.J., to Nina Hepburn of Freehold, N.J., and Montana and William Anderson Dinwoodie of Cartwright, Labrador, and of Dumfriesshire, Scotland.

He spent his childhood in Freehold, N.J., living in the home of his grandparents, Dr. William Hepburn and Sarah Greene Hepburn. In 1945, his family moved to Montana where he graduated from Polson High School in Polson.

After high school, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1951-55 during the Korean War aboard the USS Rowan. Before moving to Alaska in 1962, where he made Fairbanks his home, he traveled and worked his way around the country as a logger, cook and gold miner from Montana to California to Nevada.

In 1989, he retired from the U.S. Army’s Department of Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory where he worked as the driller, welder and heavy equipment mechanic and overseeing the equipment shop. He traveled throughout Alaska, from Kotzebue to Barrow, the Yukon River and to Greenland on drilling projects.

“His daily presence will be missed forever but we know he is with us in spirit always,” his family said. “His gentle and kind nature, generosity, many selfless acts of love, sacrifice and his work ethic will be remembered forever. Being a father and caring for his family was his passion in life and he used his skills, intellect and strong work ethic to build a home for them and create everlasting memories of family trips to Montana, camping and hunting trips and supporting them in their daily lives. He was most at peace in the woods on camping trips. He was a renaissance man because of his love of learning and reading, a woodsman that respected the living world, an elder that cared deeply for his children and grandchildren and all living things and hoped the best for our earth for his future generations to come.”

He was married to Margaret Dinwoodie and had four children: Gail Dinwoodie, Daniel (Janet) Dinwoodie Jr., Dawn (Rod Worl) Dinwoodie, and Demetrious Dinwoodie; grandchildren, Jordan Thies, Sterling Dinwoodie, Lance Cahoon, Dawn Childress, Drew Dinwoodie and Sage Worl; great-grandchildren, Gabe Bird, Aislynn Thies and Kadin Dinwoodie; his dear sister-in-law, Marie Dinwoodie of Charlo, and his nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his brother, David Dinwoodie, and mother, Nina Dinwoodie.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Doyon Foundation general scholarship fund.

His remains will be placed next to his family in Lake View Cemetery in Polson. Condolences can be sent to the family at P.O. Box 221676, Anchorage, AK 99522. Arrangements were by Legacy Funeral Homes and Cremation Services Witzleben Chapel.

Richard T. Hatlin

Richard “Pastor Dick” T. Hatlin, USMC (Ret.), 92, of Polson, beloved husband and father, went to be with his Lord on Monday, Dec. 28, 2009, at his home in Polson.

Born on Aug. 24, 1917, in Minneapolis, Minn., he was the son of the late Thorvald and Hertha Walvig. On this day began a most extraordinary life that a mere obituary cannot tell. Affectionately known as “Red” when he was younger, Dick left problems at home behind at age 10 by hopping trains to and fro. He was dubbed as a “Railroad Child” and has been interviewed by journalists several times about his boyhood adventures. In 1934, he enlisted in the U.S. Civil Conservation Corps and later in 1936, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Pastor Dick was a highly decorated, 31-year veteran defending our nation in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Friends and family often referred to him as “Captain Dick” in respect to his dutiful military service.

Beside his many military achievements, Pastor Dick graduated in 1962 from the Lewis Hotel Training School in Washington, D.C., and managed many of the Marine Corps Officers Clubs, was assistant producer of the TV show, “Builder’s Showcase,” which aired in the Los Angeles, Calif., area in the early 1960s. Later, while in California, he worked for the State of California Income Tax Division and the California Board of Equalization for 17 years.

A 1974 graduate of Life Bible College in Los Angeles, he was an ordained minister by the Foursquare and Assemblies of God Churches, the associate pastor, teacher, and church pioneer of the Lord’s Church Ministries, when he and his wife, Julene, moved to Polson to teach and mentor others in the area. In 1982, he was involved with the Billy Graham Crusades, training counselors during the Crusades and was active with the Gideons. He recently received three college degrees; a Bachelor’s in Theology, a Masters of Theology and Biblical Covenants, and a Doctorate of Science and Psychology, proving that you’re never too old for educational endeavors.

He was a great supporter of the Young Eagles, a Marine Corps-sponsored program providing once in a lifetime flight opportunities for disabled children. Capt. Dick was also a lifetime member of the VFW, the Marine Corps League and a member of the Life for the Nations Church in Ronan.

In addition to his parents, his first wife of 48 years, Audrey Lindeke Hatlin preceded him in death. She passed away in 1988. He is also preceded in death by a sister, Gladys, a brother, Walter, and two grandsons, Darren and Michael.

Those left with cherished memories of Capt. Dick are his loving wife of 20 years, Julene Morrison Hatlin of Polson; two daughters, Rita (Gordon) Tobey and Marsha (John) Mosley; 3 step-children, Marlette, Brian and Michele; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Visitation for friends and family was held on Friday, Jan. 1, at Grogan Funeral Home, 101 Sixth Ave. E., Polson. Funeral services with military honors were conducted on Saturday, Jan. 2, at Grogan Funeral Home and friends may call an hour prior to the service as well. Graveside services followed on Monday, Jan. 4, at Lakeview Cemetery, Polson with military honors. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff at Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory considers it a privilege to care for Pastor Dick’s family.

Peter J. Liberti

Peter J. Liberti, 69, longtime resident of Evaro, passed away on Dec. 28, 2009. Peter was born to Antoinette Cutronio and Salvatore Liberti on Aug. 2, 1940, in Buffalo, N.Y. Peter attended schools in Buffalo and at age 17, joined the US Army where he obtained his GED. After two active duty tours to Vietnam, Peter returned to Missoula, Montana where he served as an Army recruiter and retired with 20 years service in 1977 at age 37. 

Peter met and married Roxana Colman on Jan. 14, 1970, while working in Missoula as an Army Recruitment Officer. His career led him and his family to travel throughout the country including a tour to Erlangen, West Germany, where his daughter Misty was born. Upon returning from Germany and retiring from the service, Peter built his dream log home in the Evaro area. Peter loved to “putsy,” which means he was a multi-tasker who enjoyed being involved in numerous endeavors, adventures and activities. He especially enjoyed visiting with friends and had a special affinity to prove that one person’s garbage can be another’s “goldmine.” He was very entrepreneurial and knew how to stretch a dollar, in other words. . . Well, you who knew Pete would have to chuckle at this point. He loved dumpster diving. I am not sure if this condition is a result of his service related experience or just a fun thing to do that turned into a business venture. You gotta love him. Peter is no doubt smiling down upon us and would be so proud to know that so many people truly enjoyed his company and were awed by his eccentricities. They say what goes around, comes around and Pete is proof — he made the world more interesting and his energy was endless to say the least. He was very young when he chose to serve his country.

Upon completing his 20 years of military service, he suffered from many emotional war traumas, but it didn’t slow him down. Peter often chided about his military regimentation and summed things up rather humorously, “If the military wanted me to have a normal life, they would have issued it.” And so it wasn’t.

All in all, however, Peter was a good father, a good person, a good husband and a good friend who could be trusted. He could muster up humor to lighten life’s darkest and heaviest moments. We will all miss him.

Peter worked in a variety of jobs for the past 15 years to keep busy and met many of his friends through his community work and activities. Peter made significant community contributions and when he saw a friend or acquaintance in need, he was there to help.  Peter was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his daughter Misty Liberti; grandson Isaac Fleming and five siblings: Joanne (Jerry) Highway, Marie (Sonny) Calabrese, Joe (Olga) Liberti, Shirley (John) Sardina from the Buffalo, N.Y., area and Pat Liberti who resides in Florida, numerous nieces and nephews and his godchild, Rosalie Sheridan.

A wake will began on Friday, Jan. 1 in the Arlee Salish Senior Citizens Center with the rosary being recited that night. Mass was celebrated on Saturday at the Sacred Heart Catholic Mission in Arlee with burial following in the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery where military honors will be presented. A potluck meal will follow the burial at the Arlee Salish Senior Center.

Rebecca Williams

Becky Williams passed away on Dec. 27, 2009, at a dementia care facility in Missoula. She was born in Washington in 1947. She soon moved to Montana, spending most of her school years in Polson. She graduated from Polson High School in 1966. After graduation, she joined the Navy.

Becky was very proud of her accomplishments while in the Navy and of being a veteran. She was stationed mostly around the Eastern Seaboard, returning to Montana in 1994. She lived and worked in Missoula, Seeley Lake and finally, Polson in 1999. She was elated to be back in her hometown.

Becky is survived by her husband, Terry; mother Alice; son Bryan; sisters: Jane Gale and Sam; brothers Mike, Jon and Mark. Also precious to her are her mother-in-law Momo; step-daughter Amy; step-grandson Hunter; her “boyfriends” and many other friends and relatives.

Becky truly loved other people. She thoroughly enjoyed visiting with others. She also loved music, reading, sewing, gardening and helping to build houses (her favorite).

Becky coped with her disease for many years, fully understanding the outcome, but handling the decline with grace, dignity and strength. She was a “real trooper” and will be missed and respected by those who knew her.

There will be a “goodbye” gathering for Becky from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 9, at the Elks Lodge in Polson.

Beverly Bonamie

Beverly Bonamie, 73, of Polson, passed away peacefully on Monday, Jan. 4, at home surrounded by friends and family. A full obituary will follow and Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory will announce arrangements.

Donna J. Kudlock

RAVALLI — Donna J. Kudlock, 68, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009, after losing her battle against cancer.

She was born on Oct. 11, 1941.

Cremation has taken place and there will be a private family graveside service in the spring. Donna “K” was a wonderful wife, mother, grandma and friend. She will be deeply missed. We love you Mom!

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution, in her name to the Community Cancer Center or the Mission Valley Animal Shelter.

Loretta Rose McDougall

HOT SPRINGS — Loretta Rose McDougall, 45, passed away on Jan. 3, at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula.

A wake and service is planned in Hot Springs this week.

Eileen Swaney Decker

ST. IGNATIUS — Eileen Swaney Decker, 86, passed away peacefully at her home near St. Ignatius on Jan. 4. Arrangements are pending with Foster Funeral Home of St. Ignatius.

Richard Wallace Jungers

Richard Wallace Jungers passed away on Sunday, Jan. 3. A rosary will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 8, in the St. Ignatius Mission, a funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 9, also at the Mission, with a reception following at 1 p.m. at the St. Ignatius community center.

Sandy Starkel Cheff

Sandy Starkel Cheff died on Monday, Jan. 4, of breast cancer at her home in Trout Creek at the age of 58. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 9 at First Baptist Church in Ronan.