Obituaries

Carolyn Kurzenbaum

MISSOULA — Carolyn Catherine Oster Kurzenbaum, 71, courageously with dignity and amazing strength, went to be with the Lord on Aug. 21, 2009.
Carolyn was born Oct. 6, 1937 in Bozeman to Julius and Eleanor Oster. Carolyn’s parents later separated and her mother married Eugene Kramer. They resided in Helena where she finished grade school and graduated from Cathedral High in 1954.

Carolyn met the love of her life, Gerald (Jerry) John Kurzenbaum. They married on May 2, 1959 at the Cathedral in Helena. They lived in Butte and welcomed their first child, Heidi, Sept. 5, 1963. Jerry and Carolyn later moved to Deer Lodge. They moved to Missoula where Carolyn was blessed to be able to stay home and raise their children. They welcomed their son Gregory (Chip) April 1, 1966 and daughter Beth Aug. 22, 1968.
Carolyn was very involved in her children’s lives and in her community. She served Meals on Wheels, was president of the Women’s Club, was a Brownies and Girl Scout Leader, visited the elderly and was involved in her church, St. Anthony’s Parish.
Carolyn loved to spend time with her family and friends camping, fishing, boating, traveling, attending Grizzly games and just having fun. Carolyn raised her family in Missoula and on Flathead Lake.
After her children were in school she worked in the banking industry for 18 years.
Carolyn and Jerry moved to Polson in 1984 and started Gull Printing. Carolyn was the bookkeeper — and the keeper of Jerry and Chip. She met amazing lifelong friends through the Immaculate Conception church, Polson Soroptimists and other community activities.
Carolyn became “Nana” in March of 1988 and was an amazing “Grammy” to six grandchildren. Her love for her children and grandchildren could not be measured. Carolyn was an inspiration to all who came into her life.
Jerry and Carolyn moved to Missoula in 2006 to be closer to medical care. Her families at the St. Pat’s Dialysis and Oncology centers looked forward to seeing her smiling face every time she arrived for care. Her friends continually commented on her strength and dignity. Carolyn continues to provide her family and friends strength and support.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her father, Julius Oster; mother, Eleanor Kramer; and stepfather Eugene Kramer. She is survived by the love of her life, Jerry Kurzenbaum of Missoula; daughter Heidi Doherty, husband Tracy, and children Courtney, Nolan, Makenzie and Colin of Calgary; son Chip of Polson; and daughter Beth Glover, husband Mike and children Kyle and Drew of Missoula.
Thanks to all who drove her to Missoula for treatment, all who provided amazing care through the years and especially this last time she was in St. Patrick’s Hospital. To Dr. Beatty and Dr. Lakatua and their staff, and all at the Dialysis and Oncology Centers, her fellow parishioners and her dear friends who spent time with her in her last days — you are all amazing!
A true celebration of life will be Thursday, Aug. 27 at 10 a.m. at St Anthony’s Church in Missoula.
Please honor our request and wear celebration colors (minimal or no black). In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Cheerful Heart PO Box 688, Polson, MT 59860.
We love you wife, mom, daughter, grammy and friend.

Christopher Hoyt

POLSON — Christopher Lee Hoyt, 41, of Polson passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009 in Polson.
Chris was born on October 30, 1967 in Polson, son of Ross and Darline Hoyt of Big Arm. He graduated from Polson High School and lived and worked construction in the Big Arm-Polson areas. He also spent five years as a welder in Casper, Wyo.
Chris went to work as a Montana Highway Patrolman after completing his training in 2002. He went to work on Jan. 2, 2003, where he was stationed in St. Ignatius for a year. Chris transferred to Polson where he had currently been stationed. He thoroughly enjoyed his job and tried very hard to educate and help the people he came in contact with.

He is survived by his life partner, Tammy McGill of Polson; his three sons, Traven, Kellen, and Morgen, and their mother, Eileen Glanville, all of Polson; his parents, Ross and Darline Hoyt; his brother, Tom Hoyt of Pablo; paternal grandmother, Blanche Hoyt of Kalispell and maternal grandmother, Josephine Joyce of Tooele, Utah; his aunts, Patricia (Paul) Dittion of Tooele, Utah and Debbie Medalen of Portland, Ore.; an uncle, David Joyce of Missouri; a great-aunt, Bonnie Kirsch of Ronan, and numerous cousins, friends, and acquaintances.
Chris’ family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude for everyone’s assistance during this most unfortunate time.
Memorial services will be held on Thursday, Aug. 27 at the Linderman Gymnasium in Polson at 11 a.m., with Rev. John Payne officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery, Polson.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to either the Mission Valley Animal Shelter, 36251 N. Reservoir Rd., Polson, MT 59860 or to the Educational Fund that has been established at 1st Citizens Bank, 213 1st St. W., Polson, MT 59860 for his three sons.
Messages of condolence may be expressed to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The Grogan Funeral Home, Polson is assisting the family.

Carmel Devon Tanner

ARLEE — Carmel Devon Tanner, 77, born June 21, 1932 in Columbus, N.D., died at his home in Arlee on Aug. 17, 2009. He served in the U.S. Army.
He married his wife of 53 years, Shirley A. Gebeau on Dec. 31, 1955. Carmel spent his life in the Jocko Valley working on the ranch he built with his family. He was a loving and loyal husband, father, grandfather and friend.
Carmel is survived by his wife, Shirley; son, Harley; daughter, Carla; brother, Harold; and sisters Geneva and Ruby. Carmel has joined siblings Geraldine, Asher, Harry and Basil.
Carmel was laid to rest on Aug. 20, 2009 at the family ranch at 11 a.m. in Arlee with military honors. A reception followed at the Arlee Community Center. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to the Cancer Center at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula.

Harvey J. Hackman

POLSON — Harvey J. Hackman, 83, of Polson, died peacefully from kidney failure at his home in Polson on Friday, Aug. 21, 2009.
Harvey was proud to have been born on April Fool’s Day in 1926 in Missoula and the family always enjoyed the fact that his surviving wife of 59 years, MaryLou (Tootsie) was born on Friday the 13th.
He is survived by his wife, MaryLou; daughter Carol and husband Paul O’Bagy of Stevensville; twin daughters Charlene and husband Dan Crevar, and Cheryl and Bryan Sedita all of Polson; sons Hardee of Missoula, and Brett and his wife Kim of Clinton; granddaughter Carrie; great-grandsons Kohl Tracy and Josh Duff of Potomac; and grandson Brandon Hackman, who attends Montana Tech in Butte, and Brandon’s mother, Liz Hackman, who lives in West Glacier.
One brother, Conrad, of Frenchtown and several nieces and nephews, also survives Harvey. Mention must also be made of the special relationship between Harvey and his best friend since the first grade, Donald Rummel and his wife Marie of Astoria, Ore. The family dog Zeke, another best friend will surely miss sleeping with Harvey.
He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Harvey and Hazel Hackman; stepmother Edith Kroust; sister Helen Ogg and brothers Harold, Chuck and Warren.
In his early years, Harvey enjoyed logging with his brothers and later worked as a carpenter with his brother Warren, all in the Missoula area. In 1980, Harvey and his wife relocated to property overlooking Flathead Lake where he took great pride in his golf course lawn and vegetable garden. The view of the lake from his Polson home perfectly matched a picture postcard Harvey had saved for many years prior to their moving.
Everyone who knew Harvey enjoyed his sense of humor, his witty sayings and jingles, and his whistling. Most of all, he always enjoyed his own jokes and was quick-witted to the end. He will be missed more than he would have ever guessed.
The family is deeply grateful for the friendship and help provided from Harvey and MaryLou’s neighbors, Dave and Bee Cottington. We would also like to thank Linda Edwards and Carol Sturm of Hospice for their support.
Cremation has taken place and in accordance with Harvey’s wishes, formal services will not be held.
Arrangements are by Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory of Polson.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

John P. Chittenden

ST. IGNATIUS — John P. Chittenden, 46, passed away Saturday, Aug. 15 at his home.
Born in Martinez, Calif. on April 24, 1963. He was raised in California and Colorado and lived in the Colorado Springs area where he trained to be an electrician. Five years ago a disability caused him to move to Montana to be closer to family.
He is survived by his mother Phyllis Forget of St. Ignatius; brother Patrick Forget of St. Ignatius; three sisters, Sharon Wright of Colorado Springs, Aletha Benoit of San Jose, Calif. and Roxanne Schlafli also of Colorado Springs; seven nieces and nephews, Sean, Corky, Tanner, Michelle, Jessica, Samantha and Christina; and an extended family that loved him dearly.
Cremation has taken place and services were tentatively scheduled for last Tuesday at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Ronan and for a later date in October.

Mae B. Dixon Dreier

ST. IGNATIUS — Mae B. Dixon Dreier, 92, passed away July 21, 2009 in Seattle, Wash.
She was born Sept. 24, 1916 in St. Ignatius, Mont.
She was preceded in death by her husband, three sisters and parents. She is survived by her daughter, Billie Mikesell and son-in-law Larry Mikesell of Shoreline, Wash.; four grandchildren, Larry Mikesell, Shauna Gumbel, Jeff Mikesell and Chuck Mikesell; and three nephews, George Biggs, Glenn Biggs and Leland Kibler.
In accordance with her wishes, a family celebration of life was held in Seattle, Wash. A graveside service will be held on Sept. 5 at 2 p.m. at Pleasant View Cemetery in St. Ignatius. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Sandpoint Senior Center, 820 Main St, Sandpoint, ID 83864.

Richard Hertz

CHARLO — Richard Hertz, 79, of Charlo went home on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009 from Parkinson’s disease at Missoula's Community Medical Center.
Born June 6, 1930 in Glen Ullin, N.D. to August and Anna Hertz, he graduated from Charlo High School, served in the U.S. Army and married Betty Baltz on Aug. 29, 1959. Richard ran a Grade A Dairy, and was a member of the American Legion Post 126 of Charlo.
Survivors include wife Betty; sons Bernard and Chris, daughter Lorraine; and siblings Eugene, Loretta, Erwin, Duane, Clem, Linda and Douglas.
Rosary will be held 7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 27 at Foster Funeral Home, with mass at 11 a.m. on Friday at St. Ignatius Catholic Church. Internment will follow at St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to American Legion Post 126 of Charlo, D’Aste Historical Church or Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s disease research.

Rita Knerr

PERMA — Rita Knerr, 96, found peace on Aug. 16, 2009. Born Feb. 28, 1913 in Colorado Springs, Colo., to Harry and Euretta White Cummings, her early years were spent on the ranch. She spent the next several years living in different places but graduated high school in Ronan, then moved to Perma where she spent the rest of her life.
Rita is survived by daughters Joyce and Edna, and sons Archie and Bruce. Rita was a very forgiving, honest person and would always look for the good in people where none could be found.
She was preceded in death by husband Archie in 1991, three sisters and four infant babies.
Graveside services were held Friday, Aug. 21 at Lakeview Cemetery in Polson.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Montana Talking Book Library in Helena or a charity of one’s choice.

Sandra “Bev” Murray

ARLEE – Sandra “Bev” Murray, 68, of Arlee passed away Aug. 18 at Evergreen Health Care Center in Missoula.
A member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, she was born to Arthur and Dorothy (McLeod) Ray on Sept. 8, 1940 in St. Ignatius.
Bev was a graduate of Haskell and lived for many years away from the reservation before her return to the Arlee area.
She is survived by her son, Michael Murray of West Sacramento, Calif., and a large extended family of friends and relatives.
Cremation has taken place and services are planned for later in the year.

Dungan Harland McCauley

POLSON — Dungan Harland McCauley, 89 of Polson passed away from natural causes on Monday, Aug. 17, 2009 at Polson Health & Rehab Center. He was born Dec. 27, 1919 in Billings to Daniel H. and Josephine Dungan McCauley.
He grew up and attended school in Laurel, graduated from Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Ga., and attended the University of Arizona and the University of Montana.
During World War II he served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater. After his discharge, he worked for Morrison-Knutson Construction Company for seven years before joining the Aluminum Company of America.
His wife, Juanita, preceded him in death in December, 2001. He is survived by his children, Daniel McCauley and Susan Chathem; sister Joan Hargrave; nephew James Daniel Hargrave; and by close friends Keith McCurdy and Lucy McCrumb.
No services are planned. His cremains will be interred next to his wife at Kalispell's Glacier Memorial Gardens.

Raymond Wallace Steele

POLSON — Ray Steele died on Thursday, Aug. 13 at his home with his family gathered around him after losing his battle with cancer. He was 70 years old.
He is survived by his daughter, Shannyn Steele of Denver; his son and daughter-in-law, Shahn and Pam Steele of Bozeman; his grandchildren, Carrson, Lauren, and Christian; his wife, Patricia, and her children, Heather Mullins of Great Falls and John McGillis of Houston, Texas; and his three brothers, Robert, Rodger and Richard Steele.

Ray was born Oct. 25, 1938 in Charles City, Iowa to Raymond Charles and Myrtle Symen Steele. In 1944 he moved with his family to Cambridge, Minnesota where he attended primary school in a one-room schoolhouse and later graduated from Cambridge High School in 1956.
Ray served two years in the Sixth Honor Guard of the Army and did a tour in Korea. Upon returning to the U.S. he married Carol Perry on New Year's Eve, 1960 and returned to school at St. Cloud State where he graduated with a degree in Arts and Drama.
The couple moved to Great Falls, Mont. in 1964 where Ray taught at West Junior High and C.M. Russell High School. During his teaching career Ray started his own business, Contemporary Ideas, and was commissioned to build doors, light fixtures, cabinets and other custom pieces for families and businesses. Ray also showed his art at many art exhibitions around Montana and was invited to display his work at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C.
Ray left teaching in 1969 to become the director of the C.M. Russell Museum. Over the next 20 years he led the museum through many changes and growth until his retirement in 1989.
Ray married Patricia McGillis in May 1988 and they soon moved to Polson to reside on Flathead Lake where they lived at the time of his death. During his years of retirement Ray became an avid gardener. He worked hard through the summer and fall to harvest and preserve the fruits of his labors. Ray kept active in the art world by appraising western art and opening a small gallery in Bigfork.
Throughout his life Ray belonged to many organizations, including the Archie Bray Foundation, Charlie Russell Riders, and was the Chairman of the Institute of Arts in Great Falls. Ray also sat on the council of College of Fine Arts and Museum of Culture and Arts at the University of Montana.
Ray was a very talented and creative artist who spent his life bringing art and beauty to the people and communities in which he lived.
A memorial service will be held Friday, Aug. 21 at Christ United Methodist Church, 2900 9th Ave. South, Great Falls, at 10:30 a.m., with a reception to follow at the Meadow Lark Country Club.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to the C.M. Russell Museum of Great Falls, or Montana Museum of Culture and Arts at the University of Montana. Condolences may be sent to his daughter, Shannyn Steele, at 2100 4th Ave. North, Great Falls, MT 59401, or to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com

Lucille Fobare

POLSON — Lucille Fobare, 87, of Polson passed away on Friday, Aug. 14, 2009 at Polson Health and Rehabilitation.
Born on March 11, 1922 in Smith Fork Canyon, Hotchkiss, Colo., she was the daughter of Bert and Blanch Shawl Anderson.
She was married to the late Wayne Fobare and they had one daughter, Nettie Wengeler who also preceded her in death.
Survivors include two grandchildren, Paula Merritt and Mike Morgan.
Cremation has taken place and her ashes will be buried in Hotchkiss at a later date. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com

Carl B. Owens

POLSON — Carl B. Owens, 90, of Polson passed away on Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009 at the Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation Center in Whitefish.
Carl was born on Oct. 12, 1918 in Choteau, a son of the late Louis Owens and Marie Skimmeli. He was a U.S. Army veteran during WWII and a heavy equipment operator.
Cremation has taken place and his ashes will be buried at the Veteran’s National Cemetery in Phoenix, Ariz., at a later date.
Grogan Funeral Home, Polson is assisting the family (www.groganfuneralhome.com).

Carrie Marshall Jensen

ELMO — Carrie Roach Marshall Jensen, of Elmo, Montana, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009, at Sunrise Assisted Living in Fort Wayne, Ind. She was born Jan. 7, 1930, in Red Bluff, Calif., to Elmer and Anna (Roach) Marshall.
Carrie was always very active and interested in learning, and attended the University of California, Berkley, where she received the Florence Nightingale Award for Clinical Nursing in 1944. She graduated with a B.S. in 1954 and moved to Montana where she became a public health nurse. She met Donald Jensen at a dance in Polson, and in 1957 they were married.
Carrie loved sports and being in the outdoors. She spoke often of her honeymoon ski trip to Banff and spent many memorable ski weekends with family and friends at Big Mountain and surrounding ski areas.
Her love of the outdoors was evident in the pictures she painted, the photographs she took and the knowledge she shared of birds, plants and animals. Hiking, gardening, picking huckleberries, beekeeping and canning were some of the activities she enjoyed. She maintained a cherry and apple orchard and loved sharing the fruits of her labors.
Each summer Carrie looked forward to participating in MSU’s Woman’s Week. There she gathered with other women to take classes in bird watching, woodcarving, bookkeeping, and researching genealogy — something which she took great interest in. She also loved quilting and dancing, and she and Donald spent many weekends over the years at square dances with friends.
Ranching activities were a big part of Carrie’s life and she enjoyed horseback riding and hosting cattle drives and brandings each year for family and friends. Early in her marriage her ranching responsibilities included churning butter from fresh cow’s milk and, in later years, learning computer programs that would make accounting for the ranch easier.
In addition to activities at home, she loved to travel. As part of the Friendship Force, she and Donald took many trips abroad and made many lasting friendships. Guests from Japan, Germany, Brazil, and throughout the United States enjoyed their hospitality on the ranch in Elmo.
Civic duties were important to Carrie. She was a Republican Committeewoman and Chief Judge for the local election committee. As a member of the Chief Cliff Homemakers she served as past president, and also was a long-time member of the Lake County Planning Board.
Carrie was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; her brothers, Everett, Robert and George; and sister, Marguerite. She is survived by her son, Sigurd M. Jensen, of Elmo, and his daughter, Kelly; and her son Leif D. Jensen, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and his daughters Catherine and Kerrianne and son Erik.
Memorials can be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials should be directed to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Polson. Funeral services are pending and will be announced by Grogan Funeral Home, Polson (www.groganfuneralhome.com).

Ross F. Hedrick

BOTHELL, Wash. — Ross F. Hedrick of Bothell, Wash., passed away Aug. 3, 2009, at the age of 81 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.
He was born Nov. 6, 1927 in Polson, Mont. In 1949, he started at The Boeing Company where he worked until his retirement in 1987.
He always loved airplanes and was quite proud of the work he did.
He was a hard worker and passed on his strong work ethic to his children. A devoutly Christian man in his everyday life, he was well liked by everyone that knew him.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Deloris. He is survived by his children, David, Jeannette, Meredith, Paul, and Elisabeth, along with sisters, Inez and Thelma and their respective families.
A graveside service will be held Friday, Aug. 14, at 11 a.m. at Lakeview Cemetery in Polson. 
Grogan Funeral Home is assisting locally with arrangements (www.groganfuneralhome.com).

Darian Lee Medina

BIG ARM – Darian Lee Medina, 2, was made an angel on Wednesday, July 29, 2009.
Darian was born on May 15, 2007 in Ronan to Farrah Lynn Hameline and Pedro Medina.
He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Felicite and Robert MadPlume, Louise Burke and Louis Caye Sr.
Survivors include his mother and father, Farrah and Pedro of Big Arm; his brothers and sisters, Joseph Parizeau, Amber Parizeau, Omar Medina, Sophia Medina and Hannah Medina; his grandparents, Marcia and Dwayne Fisher of Big Arm and the Medina family of California and Mexico.
A wake began at Elmo Cultural Home on Monday, Aug. 3 at 1 p.m. with services held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4 at the Elmo Cultural Hall and burial followed in the Dayton Cemetery.

Hope M. (Richard) Crofoot

ST. IGNATIUS — Hope Mae (Richard) Crofoot joined her Lord on July 29, 2009, in Missoula.
Hope was born in Loma, Mont. on Oct. 14, 1918.
Hope is predeceased by parents, George and Louise Richard; husband, Gordyn; daughter, Wanda; son, Steve; and two brothers and one sister.
Hope’s legacy includes daughter, Sheila; daughter-in-law, Dee Ann; six grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
Visitation was held Aug. 1 at Foster Funeral Home in St. Ignatius. Services were held Aug. 2 at St. Ignatius Catholic Mission. Burial was Aug. 4 in Fort Benton and a reception followed in Big Sandy.