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Cole D. Boehler

| May 19, 2016 8:17 AM

On April 30, 2016, Cole D. Boehler joined his parents, Virgil and Mary (Skinner) Boehler and his special Grandmother Ida Fischer. He passed away as the result of a drowning accident.

Cole was born Sept. 5, 1955 in Devils Lake, ND, graduating from Fairview MT High School in 1973, where he exceled in debate. He attended the U of M for 2+ years and then set out to earn a living. Cole began newspapering in Wyoming and worked as an award-winning sales manager and journalist in North Dakota. In 1982 he joined the Courier-Pioneer-Advertiser Group in Polson, working as sales manager for Todd and Carmine Mowbray, bringing the group numerous awards from the Montana Newspaper Association.

In 1985, he married Marilyn Irey in Polson, MT, where their son Scott was born. He later partnered with the Mowbrays, his wife and father in starting the Nickel Saver in Butte. He worked for Lee Enterprises in Missoula and Butte, then started The Butte Weekly with his father. After Virgil’s death, Cole started Continental Communications and published the Montana Tavern Times for 10 years. He was fortunate enough to turn his passion for motorcycling into his work, publishing three books and two periodicals about motorcycling. He was looking forward to retirement in 2017. 

He is survived by his wife of 31 years and favorite passenger, Marilyn Irey; his son Scott L., Phoenix, AZ, of whom he was very proud; six brothers and sisters, including Kim (Kim D.) Koenig, Ronan, and Lisa (Todd) Skalsky, Polson. Cole is also survived by Marilyn’s parents and brothers; 27 nieces and nephews and 35 great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and a great-nephew.

Cole often quoted Mark Twain: “Let us endeavor so to live that when we come to die, even the undertaker will be sorry.”

A casual memorial service will be held Friday, May 27 at 10 a.m. at The Butte Depot, 818 So. Arizona Street. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ruby Valley Search and Rescue, PO Box 684, Sheridan, MT 59749. Axelson Alternative Cremation in Butte is assisting the family with arrangements.