Joseph “Sonny” Arlee

Joseph “Sonny” Arlee, Jr., 72, of St. Ignatius, Mont. passed away on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2011 at St. Luke Extended Care Facility in Ronan.

Sonny was born on Dec. 28, 1938 in St. Ignatius, Mont. to Frances Marie (Matt) and Joseph Arlee Sr. He grew up and attended schools in St. Ignatius, Mont. and attended college at Northern in Havre.

He moved to California and joined the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War. After his military discharge he moved back to California and operated a drill press for a missile plant. He eventually moved back to Seeley Lake, Mont. and worked at the saw mill. He eventually moved back to the Mission Valley and worked as a custodian at the Community Center in St. Ignatius. He also worked for Tribal Forestry and most recently at Kwataqnuk Resort.

Sonny was an avid sports fan and was an outstanding athlete in both high school and college. He still holds many records in St. Ignatius.

He was a member of the Polson Eagles, St. Ignatius American Legion and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Sonny enjoyed playing pool.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his step-father- Columbus F. Bourdon and an uncle Louie McDonald.

He is survived by eight siblings: Rachel Bowers of Pablo, Lorene Zachuse and Darlene Bourdon of St. Ignatius, Maureen McElderry, Marlene Bourdon and Marvin Bourdon all of Pablo, Johnny Arlee of Ronan and Dorene Bourdon of Polson, and adopted sister, Raynelle Arlee, and several other relatives.

Traditional wake services began on Nov. 19 at the St. Ignatius Community Center. Rosary was on Monday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. Mass was Tuesday at the St. Ignatius Catholic Church with Rev. Drew Maddock officiating. Interment followed at the Snyelmn Sntmtmne in St. Ignatius.

Messages of condolences may be left on line at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Grogan Funeral Home of Polson considers it a privilege to assist the Arlee family at this time.