Obits
Michael Allen “Kobie” Kobilansky
Michael Allen “Kobie” Kobilansky, of Polson, peacefully passed away April 19th at the age of 70.
Michael was born in Detroit MI on March 9th, 1944 to Irene Hayden and Michael “Spotty” Martin. Irene soon married, Peter Kobilansky who adopted Michael. He was an only child. Michael attended Catholic boarding schools in Canada until High School. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Detroit and soon after starting college at the University of Michigan. He changed course by joining the Navy. Michael became an accomplished swimmer and lifeguard. He married his first sweetheart, Margie Cashon and they had one son, Michael Kobilansky, Jr. during their short marriage.
In 1967 Michael met, fell in love with and married Barbara Matkovich. Michael became a committed Step Father to her five children. Michael and Barbara added two more children to the family, Jay Clayton and Peter Allen. In 1972 Michael and Barbara moved their family to Montana.
Together they made their home in the North Crow area of Ronan on a 20-acre ranch. Soon Michael’s Mother, Irene Kobilansky, and first son, Jr. joined the family in Ronan. Michael would recall many fond memories, talking about swimming at Flathead Lake or camping at Cold Creek in the Swan. Whether gathering firewood, fishing, rodeo announcing, or supporting 4-H, Boy Scouts, or local sporting events, Kobie made sure his large family was always busy. He and Barbara even managed the Pony Palace for a time to keep the kids busy while riding horses.
Kobie had a true love for all sports following his children to their sporting events, he could always be found not to far from the sidelines cheering. He participated as a coach and umpire for Little League and Girls’ Softball, refereed wrestling matches and often times traveled on a team bus as a chaperone. Kobie enjoyed riding horses and team roping. He was a talented header and would spend many hours teaching all the kids how to rope and ride, spur a bull or run the barrels.
Michael worked as a police officer in Detroit and Ronan before starting his own drywall business, Kobie Drywall. He loved photography and turned that passion into another business, Kobie Photos. Mike was always trying something new or talking about another great idea to help support the large family.
In 1994 Kobie returned to Michigan after his 23 year marriage to Barbara ended. He took up trap shooting, reconnected with old friends and schoolmates while making many more friends. In 2010 he was diagnosed with cancer and in 2012 decided to return to Montana with his best friend, Bailey. Kobie enjoyed two good years with his family and friend’s love and support. He peacefully passed shortly after spending time with all eight of his children.
Michael’s Mother, Father and Adoptive Father, his second wife and one grandchild precede him in death.
His surviving family includes his children, Michael Kobilansky, Jr of Miami, FL; Jay Kobilansky of Morenci AZ; Peter Kobilansky of Charlo; Michelle Matkovich of Boise, ID; Michael Matkovich of Ronan; Steven Matkovich of Kalispell; Lisa Milliron of Polson, MT; David Matkovich of Weatherford, TX; twenty grandchildren; eight great grandchildren, many friends and his beloved dog, Bailey.
Jean M. Hamm
Jean M. Hamm born in Helena on June 3, 1943. Departed on May 1 and resided in St. Maries, Idaho. She was born to John Morris and Ruth Jones Griffith. Jean grew up in Helena where she married her high school sweetheart Thomas C. Hamm on June 3, 1961, in Helena. They lived until 1971 in Helena, caring for more than 100 foster children and raising their own children. In 1974 she moved to Polson. She was active with Alpha Beta organization and raising her children. In 1988 she moved to Hayden, Idaho and worked at A Stitch in Time quilt store. She began quilting and was a member of the WSQ (Washington State Quilters) and NIQ (North Idaho Quilters). In 1995 she suffered a brain injury in a car accident and was able to remain at home under the loving care of her husband until the last few years. Jean enjoyed time with her grandchildren, quilting, painting, knitting, and sewing. She loved a good garage sale or antique store, old movies, puzzles, and a good book. She is survived by her three children; daughter, Melissa (Byron) Alcorn of Fort Collins, Colo.; son Chris (Grace) Hamm of Hayden; daughter Dianna (Sam) Badgett of St. Maries; her grandchildren, Nathan, Brandan Alcorn, Sami Jo and Jared Badgett. She is also survived by her brother Albert (Eleanor) Griffith and her sister Joan (Tom) Tuttle as well as many nieces and nephews who loved her. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years Thomas Hamm, her parents John and Ruth Griffith; and one niece, Michelle Hillebrecht. A combined burial service for both Jean and her husband Thomas Hamm is planned for 10:00 AM July 12, 2014 at Woodlawn Cemetery in St. Maries, Idaho. Condolences can be received at (208) 245-5814 or sent to Hamm Family; c/o Dianna Badgett at P.O. Box 604 St. Maries, ID 83861
James Francis Gunn
James Francis Guinn of Polson passed away December 2. A memorial service will be held Sunday, May 25 at 3:00 pm at the Presbyterian Church in Polson.