Obituaries

PABLO — Esther Rose Bocksnick was born Feb, 6, 1922, in Malta, Montana, to Gustav and Christine Rose. The family moved around the state until settling in Valley View. She attended school at the Reservoir School House that required walking up and over a hill for a distance of at least 3 miles. She graduated from Polson High School in 1941. Esther married Henry Bocksnick on Aug. 1, 1942, at Fort Lewis, Washington, before Hank was shipped overseas for 39 months serving with the army in the Philippines. They lived near the Pablo Reservoir while Hank worked on construction of Kerr Dam. Their first child was born in 1947 followed by four more in quick succession. They bought a house in P...

RONAN — On Monday, August 7, 2017, Keith Reginald McAlear passed away peacefully at St. Luke’s Hospital in Ronan, at the age of 82. Keith was born in Polson March 18, 1935, to Rex J. and Myrtle (Herreid) McAlear. While he was the second oldest of four, he was the only boy, sharing a household wit...

LOMA — Frank Jerrel, age 66, son of Dallas and MaryAn Jerrel, passed away on June 5 at his home in Loma. Frank graduated from Arlee High School in May of 1969. He joined the army, volunteered for combat in Vietnam, was wounded and received a purple heart. He is being remembered by friends and family at...

POLSON — William Frank Gustafson, age 86, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017, at his residence in Polson. Memorial services for William are pending. Arrangements are under the direction of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.

POLSON — Virgil Hess, age 63, passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2017, at the Brendan House in Kalispell. Arrangements for Virgil are pending and under the direction of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.

RONAN — Sharon G. Barnes, 70, of Ronan, passed away on Aug. 2, 2017, at her residence. Cremation will take place and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at: www.shriderthompson. com. Arrangements are under the care of Shrider–Th...

RONAN — A celebration of life for Martin “Marty” H. Rinke (died July 15, 2017), will take place on Aug. 12 from 2-6 p.m. at the Rinke Ranch, 48158 Moiese Valley Road. Bring your pictures and memories.

DENVER, COLORADO — Maida Marie Emerson Houston departed this life on April 20, 2017, in Denver, Colorado. Born in Polson on Feb. 19, 1931, to Dempsey Frank Emerson and Mary Frances Lauderdale Emerson, she was the the ninth of 11 children. She met Alfred George Houston in Helena. She always said from...

POLSON — Ronald E. Tollefson passed away at his home on July 24, 2017. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Nov. 3, 1927, to the Reverend Elvin and Ethel Tollefson, the first of four children. His early years were spent in many places, being the son of a Lutheran minister who traveled wherever he ...

KALISPELL — Sharon Ann Martin, 69, of Polson, passed away on July 23, 2017, in Kalispell. Sharon Ann Chronister was born Sunday, Sept. 28, 1947, in Portland, Oregon, the daughter of Glenn Harry Chronister and Helen Elsie Chronister. She was always on the move, spreading love and cheer everywhere ...