Norine Evelyn Goddard, 87, of Deer Lodge, passed away at Continental Care in Butte on May 22, 2023.
Norine was born in Chadron, Nebr., on June 1, 1935. She was the third of four children born to Walter and Mary Munkres.
The family moved to a farm in the Deer Lodge valley when she was in first grade. She attended school at St. Mary’s Academy and Powell County High School, plus one year of high school in California.
Norine married Don Goddard when she was 17 years old. They had three children - Tom, Jan and Dawn. Family life involved a lot of team work to allow Norine to attend four years of college at Montana State University to become a registered nurse.
After gaining work experience, she took advantage of an opportunity for more schooling to specialize in psychiatric nursing. This was her fondest area to work.
Norine was a member of the Immaculate Conception parish in Deer Lodge. Her husband Don preceded her in death in 2003, plus a daughter, Mary, age 2, in 1957, as well as her parents; brothers Melvin and Harold Munkres; in-laws, Floyd and Barbara Goddard, Chet and John Goddard, Jody Fink, Helen Irey; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Survivors include children, Tom (Dana) Goddard, Dawn Goddard, Jan (Bill) Alexander; 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sister Eileen (Al) Kinney; brother-in-law Mick Goddard; sister-in-law Mary Lou Shields; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass will take place at a later date.
Memorials in honor of Norine are suggested to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Deer Lodge or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Please visit axelsonfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence or share a memory of Norine. ​

Thomas Wayne McElderry, 72, was born to Daniel and Jean McElderry in Providence, R.I., on Nov. 25, 1950. He was the third child of seven brothers. After a couple years, the family moved home to Montana. This is where Tom would spend the rest of his life. He lived in many homes between the towns of St. Ignatius, Missoula and Deer Lodge. His final childhood home was with the Smith family in Deer Lodge during his senior year of high school while his father spent a short period working in another state.
Tom always liked to stay busy. He would fondly recount the different sports that kept him occupied in his youth, his favorite being wrestling; as well as his jobs in both the hay fields and spud cellars, especially his work at Frank Lovell’s potato farm.
His first career was chosen for him when he graduated high school as he was drafted into the military. He proudly served his country in the army and spent part of his service in Korea during the Vietnam Era. After his time in the army was complete, he enlisted in the Montana National Guard and was honorably discharged 20 years later.
During that time, he also spent 17 years working at the Phosphate mine near Deer Lodge. Tom enjoyed the physical labor and comradery with his fellow miners. The mine eventually closed, and the company paid for him to go back to school. Tom chose to attend the nursing program at Montana Tech in Butte and graduated in 1995 as a licensed practical nurse. He spent the majority of his nursing career at Montana State Prison, first in the infirmary and then in the mental health department, which he had a passion for.
Tom met the love of his life, Kathy, in 1992. He saw her walking to work one day and knew he had to meet her. He got her number, asked her out, and the rest was history. Together they had one daughter, Janay.
Tom would often tell people his wife and daughter was the best thing that ever happened to him, though they began to wonder about that when his granddaughter Charlotte was born. He was a very proud grandfather.
Serving others brought Tom great joy. He always hoped that through him others would be pointed back to Christ. At the time of his death he worked for the Powell County Council on Aging, driving the community bus to get people to various appointments, served at the local Elks lodge and occasionally cooked for the men’s breakfast at the First Baptist Church.
Tom went home to be with Jesus on April 11. He was preceded in death by his father and mother Daniel and Jean McElderry and his brothers Daniel, Glen (wife Terry) and Kenneth McElderry.
Tom is survived by his wife Kathy of Deer Lodge; daughter Janay (Garrett) Karnath and granddaughter Charlotte of Butte; brothers Bob McElderry of Omak, Wash., Doug (Roxi) McElderry of Butte and Jeff McElderry of Butte; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on June 3 at First Baptist Church in Deer Lodge. ​

​Karen Beck Vergeront was born July 9, 1948, to Sam and Betty Beck in Deer Lodge. She was raised as a country kid of the 50s with neighbors, cousins and friends. There were blue skies, horses to ride and gates to open. This was also the time that her Grandma Mary made sure she got to Sunday School and her mom had her take piano lessons from Sister Marianna. She attended grade school in Deer Lodge and went to Powell County High School where she would make lifelong friends.
After high school, she attended Flathead Valley College in Kalispell, worked vocational rehab in Bozeman, spent some time in Lewiston, Idaho, and back to Deer Lodge before moving to Polson where she would marry Chip Vergeront.
They would live on Tower Road and raise their family in a house that she made into a home. Polson was a good fit for her personality - that she never met a stranger. She would use her piano skills in many ways. She accompanied the Port Polson Players for numerous plays, taught hundreds of students to play the piano; in the Polson Schools she would accompany all grades of choir, and she accompanied many students at district and state music festivals. She played at countless church services and would accompany for memorial services where she would often be complimented by the performer for having the ability to make the songs flow so smooth. In the 80s she attended Cursillo at the Lutheran Camp and for the next 23 years she would serve as a member of the music team at Camp Marshall.
When Montana Rock Products employed H2B workers from Mexico, Karen found a new passion, the Spanish language and the Mexican culture. She spent six weeks in Puebla, Mexico, in a Spanish emersion school. Then for a number of years she would travel many a backroad of Old Mexico and spending time in the homes of friends in Hueyotlian, Tlaxcala.
As a mother she would say raising kids is like herding cats. She enjoyed each one of them from infants to young adults and now with families of their own. Somewhat like a Mama Bear encouraging and guiding them but when they crossed the line - they knew it.
When she reached retirement age, she started substitute teaching at Polson Schools. With her zest for life, she was a remarkable teacher with many teachers requesting her for their classroom. In 2019 she was offered the opportunity to teach music at Valley View and Dayton schools. She really enjoyed putting together her teaching program and was gratified watching students learn. Her students did care for her, and it wasn’t unusual while in a store shopping that a young student would come up yelling, “Mrs. V,” and give her a hug.
In February 2021, after a few events, she was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma brain tumor. With the skill of an incredible medical team and prayer from loved ones, she was able to remain with us for an extra two years, inspiring us to believe we do not live to ourselves and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord and if we die, we die to the Lord so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents; Dr. Earl and Betty Coriell, Sam Beck, and her sisters Marilyn (Tom) Weingart, Janet (Wayne) Womack.
She is survived by her husband, Chip Vergeront; their children, Jerry (Kim) Vergeront, grandchildren Megan and Lee; Marc (Becky) Vergeront, granddaughter Lauren; Tawni (Kirk) Murphy, granddaughter Kylie; Alison (Michael) Pease Vergeront, grandchildren Rosabella and Ledger; and added son Rudy (Lupita) Beristain, grandsons Omar and Victor; and sister Rita Chase; brothers Steve (Sharon) Beck and Randy (Olivia) Coriell.
Karen, 74, died on May 13 in her home, surrounded by family and friends. We would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Logan Health in Kalispell, St. Luke’s - Southshore, St. Luke’s - Ronan, St. Joseph’s - Polson, Partners Home Health and Partners Hospice, and friends and members of the Karen’s Crew that kept her in their prayers.
A Celebration of Life was on May 20 at the Polson Community Church. A burial followed at Lakeview Cemetery. The family requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions towards a future scholarship in Karen’s name. Please feel free to send monetary gifts to Alison Vergeront at 48 34th Ave. NE, Great Falls, MT 59404.
Messages of condolences may be shared online with the family at www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.
Arrangements are under the care of Lake Funeral Home.

Roberta Dolores (Dodie) Ryan, 85, died in her home on May 13.
Dodie was born in Deer Lodge on June 5, 1937, to Bob and Dorothy Johnson. She grew up in Deer Lodge with her four siblings and many cousins. She grew up with a village of people including her grandmothers, aunts, uncles and Dad. Her mother died when she was 7, but her village was always there.
As a teenager she moved to the Spokane area, where she lived her young adult life and raised her four children. She worked as a Nurses Aide in nursing homes, and the last 15 years she worked she took care of people so they could stay in their homes. She always said this was her way to give back to Grandma Giles. Her love and compassion for older people never went away.
In 1979 she married Bill Ryan and they lived a long life together. They lived in various areas in Washington. They moved to Indiana where they lived for 18 years. At retirement they moved back to her beloved Montana. She felt lucky to be able to live in a family home in Elliston for the last nine years.
She loved to sew, making many creative and wonderful things. She loved plants and had a green thumb. She was a member of the Garrison church and loved her family there. She loved her furbabies and is missed by them.
She is survived by her husband, Bill Ryan; her children, Danny Ralph (Dee), Dorie Morris (Steve); eight grandchildren; and many great grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Edna Leamer (Pat), Robin Franks Curtis (Tom) and RC Johnson; as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Dorothy Johnson; her sister, Joyce Cummings; and her sons, Darren Ralph and Dale Ralph.
A memorial will be held at 1 p.m. on June 3 at the Garrison Church with luncheon to follow.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Spokane at noon on July 22 at Fish Lake with picnic food.
Donations can be made to the Garrison Church or the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention.
A special thank you to Sandy Jones and Sharon Sheets for all the support and love that has been given to our family.

Rev. John “Jack” E. Murray Jr., 85, passed away May 3, 2023, in Butte. A beloved diocesan Catholic Priest for 60 years to the Diocese of Helena. A lifetime dedicated to the Lord serving the spiritual needs of all people.
Father Murray was born in Butte on Nov. 23, 1937, to parents John Elmer Murray and Margaret O’Neill Murray. He was raised in Deer Lodge, graduating from Powell County High School. Jack attended Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash., and graduated from Carroll College in Helena, with a degree in Theology. He completed his priesthood vocational studies at Mount St. Bernard Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1963.
Bishop Raymond G. Hunthausen ordained Father Murray on June 1,1963, at the Cathedral of Saint Helena. The following day Father Murray offered his first Mass at the Immaculate Conception Church, his childhood parish in Deer Lodge.
His first assignment was the summer of 1963 as Associate Pastor at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Butte. In July 1963, Father Murray was appointed Associate Pastor at St. Michael’s Parish in Conrad. He returned to Butte in August 1968 as Associate Pastor to Sacred Heart Parish. Later in July 1970 he was assigned Associate Pastor at St. Ann Parish in Butte. From 1968 to 1970 he served on the Faculty Board of Butte Central Catholic High School.
His first Pastoral assignment was Little Flower Parish in Browning from 1972 until 1982. In July of 1982 he was assigned Pastor to St. William Parish in Shelby.
In August of 1988 Father did a sabbatical in Ireland for one year. Upon rturning he served as Pastor at Anaconda Catholic Community. Father Murray remained in Anaconda from 1989 till entering Senior Status in July of 2008; he then returned to his family home in Deer Lodge.
Father Murray served on boards for the Diocese of Helena, the Carroll College Board of Directors and many years on the Diocesan Priest Personnel Board. In Senior Status Father Murray substituted for many Priests in the diocese. He traveled from western Montana to North, South, East and West in all types of weather to serve as substitute.
He was very concerned with the shortages of priests. He understood the value of time off from priestly duties, but, most importantly, ensuring the people received the cherished Bread of Life. Even while suffering poor health, Father Murray persisted in meeting the needs of the people.
Known as the “Hiking Priest,” he climbed the mountains of Montana and the world. From his youth, Father Jack cherished the outdoors. Fishing, river rafting, hiking, camping and biking were all activities he extracted the peace and strength found in nature with.
Father selected the final resting place from his boyhood where he spent hiking Mount Powell located west of Deer Lodge. While selecting the site, Father Jack’s comment was, “I could look at this view forever:”
With a passion for football, Father Murray intensely watched Notre Dame games. Best not to disturb his game days with phone calls or an unexpected drop in visit.
Father Murray led pilgrimages to the Holy Land, walking the St. James Way Camino de Santiago, The Kerry Way of Ireland, the Andes of South America, the Himalayas and the Great Wall of China. During retirement he visited almost every continent while serving as a chaplain aboard cruise ships.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, Elmer and Margaret Murray of Deer Lodge, and a cousin, Lt. Daniel John O’Neill of Butte. He is survived by numerous cousins including Jean O’Neill Erickson of Ronan; Dr. William Brennick of Butte; Ellen Crowley of Vancouver, Wash.; Greg Murray of Bozeman; and Brent Murray of Great Falls.
Father Jack considered as family his fellow priests, deacons and nuns all in union with their vocations and, most importantly, the cherished members of parishes he was ordained to serve.
Father Murray was interred at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge on Friday, May 12.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Father Murray are suggested to Immaculate Conception Parish, PO Box 786, Deer Lodge, MT 59722, or to the Dioceses of Helena, “Priest Retirement Fund,” written in the memo, 630 N. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601, or to a Catholic Church parish of the donor’s choice.
Please visit www.axelsonfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Father Murray. ​

“Greatly loved, sadly missed, forever in our hearts and eternally in our souls.”
- Unknown
On May 5, 2023 after a two-year battle with cancer, Mrs. JoAnne Williams, 66, of Gold Creek peacefully passed away.
She was lovingly surrounded by her family in the beautiful home of her eldest daughter, Julie, in Clinton. JoAnne was born on Jan. 1, 1957, a bouncing bundle of joy to her parents, Louis and Barbara Wohlwend in Lidgerwood, N.D. Many of her fondest childhood memories were growing up with her five brothers on the family farm.
She graduated from Lidgerwood High School in the spring of 1975, and continued on to college in Wahpeton, N.D. Shortly thereafter she was accepted into the Montana Tech Nursing Program in Butte. She graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse. JoAnne enjoyed her job whether in hospitals (Powell County Memorial, Granite County and St. Patrick’s), Home Health Care or on the road as a traveling nurse. She loved all her patients and everyone truly became part of her heart. After 29 years of service, JoAnne hung up her scrubs and retired in 2016.
In 1978 JoAnne met Greg Williams; the rest is history. The two lovebirds were married on March 10, 1979, in her hometown of Lidgerwood. Together they built a life in Gold Creek and raised four children Wayne, Julie, David and Deserae.
JoAnne put her heart and soul into her family, career and her community. She was a member of the Gold Creek Community Homemakers. She enjoyed participating in the annual turkey shoot and playing pinochle at the community hall.
Her most cherished and favorite times were taking her children back to the places she grew up including the Wohlwend family farm in North Dakota and their cottage on Lake Sybil in Minnesota. Having a love for the great outdoors of Montana, summer camping trips with her husband and family included Canyon Ferry, Flathead Lake and Browns Reservoir.
As her children grew up and started families of their own, she discovered that there was nothing in the world that could compare to being promoted to Grandma. She loved each and every one of them with all her heart. With personalities of their own they all brought her immense joy, amusement and delight.
JoAnne was preceded in death by her grandparents Clarence and Hattie Bateman, Clayton and Mable Wohlwend; her parents Louis and Barbara Wohlwend; and her brothers Wayne and Richard Wohlwend.
She is survived by her husband Greg and her children Wayne Williams, Julie (Robert) Lane, David (Mindy) Williams and Deserae (Donnie) Anderson; her grandchildren: Westin, Tristin, Emery, Rylie, Kate, Emma, Quinton, Colter, Kelby, Alex and Abby; her brothers: Roger, Leo and Clayton.
In lieu of a funeral, a celebration of life will be held at a future date. We would love to hear how JoAnne has touched your life. Please send your condolences and/or memories of JoAnne to 633 North Old Stage Rd. Gold Creek, MT 59733.
“There are some who bring a light so great to the world, that even after they have gone the light remains.” - Unknown

​Father John Murray Jr., 85, of Deer Lodge, died on May 3. A vigil and rosary will be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Deer Lodge, 605 Clark St., Deer Lodge. Viewing will begin at noon, Friday, May 12; a Funeral Mass will follow at 1 p.m. at the Catholic church. Following mass, Rite of Committal will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery, W. Milwaukee Ave., Deer Lodge.
The family invites all attendees to conclude services with a reception at St. Mary’s Center, 615 St. Mary’s Ave. Please visit axelsonfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence or share a memory of Father Murray.

​Earl Ben Stucky, 88, of Avon, died May 4. Services will be held at 2 p.m. on May 15, at the Avon Cemetery with a luncheon following at the Avon Clubhouse.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on May 6 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 605 Clark St., in Deer Lodge for Donald “Don” Briggeman, 98, of Deer Lodge, who died March 13, 2023. Rite of Committal with Military Honors will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at St. Mary’s Center following the services. Please visit www.axelsonfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Don. ​

Our little sister, Adele “Addie” Lynn Forson, 47, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, April 11 – just five days after putting our mother to rest. We believe she died of a broken heart. Addie was born on her grandmother, Adelyn Lovell’s birthday, Oct. 10, 1975, and was lovingly named Adele Lynn in her honor.
Addie was a silly and fun-loving child, who loved to cook, to be outside and loved animals. Those passions stayed with her for her whole life. You could often find her out in the shop or up in the fields working with her dad. She fawned over the new calves, lambs and kids each year in the spring. She couldn’t pass up the chance to pet and play with any kind of dog – especially puppies.
Addie tried every new recipe she ever came across and had a library full of cookbooks and handwritten cards – always adding her own twist to make them even better. The Deer Lodge community had come to count on her baking skills and freshly made sandwiches, rolls, muffins, breads, donuts and cakes she created with pride as the Bakery Manager at Valley Foods Grocery in her hometown.
Addie was a quiet, private person, but those who were lucky enough to get close to her knew her as a smart, funny, loyal and kind soul who just wanted to laugh and be loved. Her time on earth was cut way too short, and she will be deeply missed. Please take a moment to smile when you remember her and hug your loved ones as often as you can.
Adele was preceded in death by her grandparents Frank and Adelyn Lovell and Alfred and Ruth Forson, and her parents, Richard and Darlene Forson.
Adele is survived by her brother, Leonard Forson (Stacey); sister, Deldee Castorena; nephews, Brandon and Austin Forson; niece, Gracie Castorena; fur baby, Luci; and good friend, Nadine Salo.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 28, at Hillcrest Cemetery, W. Milwaukee Avenue, Deer Lodge. Following the service there will be a luncheon starting at noon at the Powell County Community Center, 416 Cottonwood Ave., Deer Lodge. All are welcome.
Memorial donations can be made to the charity of choice.
Please visit www.axelsonfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Addie. ​

​Darlene Lenore Lovell Forson passed away peacefully in her home in Deer Lodge on March 31, surrounded by her beloved children. She was 87 years young.
Darlene was born May 7, 1935, in Anaconda, to Frank and Adelyn Lovell. She grew up in Anaconda and Deer Lodge, where she graduated from Powell County High School in 1953. Darlene went on to graduate from the University of Montana with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. Her passion for learning and children led her to a career as an elementary school teacher. She stepped away from teaching in 1975 to raise her family, but returned in 1990 and enjoyed a few more years as a teacher’s aide before fully retiring. Many of her students still share fond memories of being in her classroom to this day.
Darlene married the love of her life, Richard H. Forson, in April 1965. Their love story included almost 57 years of wedded bliss and brought them three children – Leonard, Deldee and Adele and three grandchildren – Brandon, Austin and Gracie. Darlene’s family meant everything to her, and she showered them all with lots of love and pride.
Darlene was an avid quilter and for many years often had “quilting parties” with several of her friends in her home. Her family and many of her friends have beautiful one-of-a-kind handmade quilts, sewn with love by her as one of many special memories to cherish.
Late in life, Darlene loved to sit outside on her porch in the sunshine, looking at the mountains and watching all the birds, deer and the occasional fox in the fields behind her home. She loved all kinds of flowers and was looking forward to the spring and seeing her beds, bushes and wagon filled with colorful blooms. The sunshine she brought to all of our lives will be dearly missed.
Darlene is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Adelyn Lovell; and husband, Richard Forson.
She is survived by her son, Leonard Forson (Stacey); daughters, Deldee Castorena and Adele Forson; grandsons, Brandon and Austin Forson; and granddaughter, Gracie Castorena.
Memorial donations can be made in her honor to the charity of the donor’s choice.
She was buried on Thursday, April 6, 2023, at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge.
Please visit www.axelsonfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Darlene.

Bill’s valiant battle with cancer came to an end on March 14, 2023.
Born to Elmer (Curly) and Hazel (Hutchins) Wood on May 16, 1952, in Dillon, Bill Wood, 70, lived in Wisdom during his early years. After a short time living in the Anaconda area, he moved to Deer Lodge where he lived much of his life with his mom and stepdad, Frank Turner.
In 1973 Bill went to work for the Deer Lodge Police Department and served as Chief of Police from 1977 to 1992. He then worked at the State of Montana as an investigator for the Department of Justice and the Department of Labor until he retired in 2016. Bill also served as a reserve deputy for the Yellowstone and Powell County Sheriff’s offices.
Bill married Jarita Barnett (Neckels) in 1974, and together they had two children, daughter Hilary and son Ben.
He married his wife Sheryl in 1995, and together they raised children Mathew and Stephanie, along with Ben and Hilary.
Bill loved everything about Montana’s outdoors and spent all the time he could enjoying its splendors through hunting, fishing, backpacking, ice fishing and snowmobiling. He had many amazing adventures with his friends since grade school, Mike Steber, Gary Newlon, Foster Walsted and David Roberts. His other hobbies included ultrarunning with Amber Carpenter and Brandie Kittle, and weightlifting with “Super Dave” Nolan.
Bill is survived by his loving wife Sheryl and four children, Hilary McCall (Tommy White) of Woodburn, Iowa; Ben (Stacey) Wood of Ferndale, Wash.; Mathew (Ewa) Adams of Wellington, New Zealand; and Stephanie (Brian) Ricks of East Helena0. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jace and Reagan Wood, Kylee McCall, and Brycen, Bridger and Brielle Ricks.
He was preceded in death by his mother, father, stepfather, brother Frank Thompson and granddaughter Teagan Ricks.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at the Deer Lodge Elks, 230 Main Street, Deer Lodge.
A private family interment will take place immediately following at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Bill. ​

​Casey Lynn Gates was born on July 9, 1978, in Norton, Kan., and passed away at the age of 44 from stroke complications on March 17, 2023, in Missoula. Casey was the beloved husband of Amber Gates (née Smith of Deer Lodge) and devoted father to Brielle Gates; little brother to Lori Starnes (Royce City, Texas); and Rusty Gates (Malaga, Wash.); cherished uncle to Aislin Sparks, Trevor and Sarah Gates; and a friend to many. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Sharon Gates (Winfield, Kan).
Casey spent his childhood on a farm in western Kansas. His family eventually relocated to Winfield in his eighth-grade year. He graduated from Winfield High School with the Class of 1997.
After graduation, Casey lived in Arkansas City, Kan., and worked at Calmar in Winfield, while attending Cowley College and earning associates degrees in Criminal Justice and Machine Tool Technology.
He married Amber on Dec. 18, 1999. The couple moved to El Dorado, Kan., in 2003. Casey joined the staff at El Dorado Correctional Facility in 2008, eventually working on the Special Security Team.
In 2012, the couple moved to Deer Lodge where Casey worked at Montana State Prison for two years. He later worked for Boeing for five years before transitioning to facility maintenance at Deer Lodge Medical Center in June of 2021, where he worked up to the time of his passing.
When Casey wasn’t working at a job or around the house, he spent time traveling, fishing, and hiking with family or cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs. He had just completed his bucket list item of seeing his team win an AFC Championship and was planning to check off a 2,100 mile through-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2024.
Although Casey’s time with us was cut short at just 44 years, he lived a full life with 23 of those as a husband and four as a father. We can learn from his life to love family deeply, work hard, dream dreams and follow those dreams passionately.

​Donald William Briggeman, 98, passed away Monday, March 13, 2023, in Deer Lodge. He will be remembered as a person who deeply cared for people and for the impact he made as an educator and administrator of schools.
Don was born on Nov. 3, 1924, in Deer Lodge at St. Joseph Hospital. He was raised on the family ranch at Jens along with his brothers, Bernard and Martin, and sisters, Frances and Carmel.
Don attended high school in Deer Lodge before enlisting in the Air Force in 1943. He served in the South Pacific and returned home from the war in 1945. He was working at the Conoco gas station in Deer Lodge when he first saw Georgia Davis passing by on her way to work. They eventually met, had a first date at a fireworks display on July 4th, 1947, and married in 1949. They were together for the next 66 years until Georgia passed away in 2015.
Don continued his college education in Missoula and Dillon before starting his career as a teacher in Deer Lodge. From 1951-1969, he worked as a junior high and high school English and Social Studies teacher, and then as high school principal. He was a charter member of the Deer Lodge Jaycees during that time and was also instrumental in the early construction of the Deer Lodge Golf Course. Don was an avid golfer and played into his late 70s.
Don and Georgia moved to Billings in 1969, and he eventually took on an administrative role at the newly formed Career Center for the local high schools. He retired in 1979, and the family moved with their six-year-old son, Vince, back home to Deer Lodge. Their house, south of town, became a hub for family gatherings on both sides, as well as the meeting place for Vince’s friends over the years.
Don is survived by his son, Vince (Yael Livny) of Portland, Ore., and his grandchild, Georgia.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on May 6, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 605 Clark St. in Deer Lodge. Rite of Committal with Military Honors will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at St. Mary’s Hall following the services.
Please visit www.axelsonfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Donald.

​On the evening of March 2, 2023, Cecilia “Cece” Burgess, 77, passed away at the Community Hospital of Anaconda due to complications from cancer. She was born in Deer Lodge on Aug. 30, 1945, and was the fourth child of Velva and Ora Bain. Cece spent her childhood in Gold Creek before moving to Garrison as a teen.
She married her husband, Bob Burgess, on June 5, 1964, and the next year, on April 15, 1965, welcomed their son Clifford to the world. Four years later they decided to make the trek with their son from Montana to Oregon where they would spend the next 40 years building their lives.
There Cece saw the birth of her two granddaughters, Shauntee and Shelby, and was able to watch them grow from babies to adults. She devoted her life to being a good wife, mother, grandma and nana. If Cece wasn’t spending time with her family, she enjoyed doing crafts, especially sewing as well as gambling - she loved a good bingo hall.
In 2009 Cece and Bob decided it was time to come home to Montana, and they did just that, buying property just outside of Garrison and building their dream home where they could live their retirement in the place they knew they were meant to be.
Cece is survived by her husband, Bob; son Cliff Burgess; granddaughters Shauntee and Shelby; sisters Mary Canary, Joy Tuttle, Lee Bain; and her great grandson, Hunter Burgess.
Please visit the longfellowfinneganriddle.com to offer the family condolences or to share a memory of Cece.
Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home has been privileged to care for Cece and her family.

​Margaret Ellen Channel, 78, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, March 19, 2023. She was an avid lover of music, and enjoyed playing piano and writing songs. She was born in Harlowton on Aug. 19, 1944 to Vern and Marion Jenks.
She is survived by her brother, James Jenks in Salt Lake City; her daughter, Andrea Fabian; and granddaughters Alyssa and Natalie Fabian of Pittsburgh, Penn.
No services will be held at the wishes of the decedent. She will be lovingly missed by all who knew her caring and compassionate ways.

​Jeffrey “Jeff” Jay Johnson, 69, of Deer Lodge, passed away on March 6, 2023.
From an early age, Jeff loved fast and risky things. He has a long history with a love for and use of hang gliders, ultralight airplanes, his Harley and Corvettes. No matter how many times he fell and crashed, he always got back on or up. That’s what his family and friends loved about him. He is very much missed.
Jeff is preceded in death by his parents John Johnson and Lillian Janosko.
Jeff is survived by his wife Lorna; his sons John, Jared, Matthew and Justin; sisters Barbie Pierce and Aimee Kniaziowski; 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Private family services will be held at a later date.
Please visit longfellowfinneganriddle.com to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Jeff.
Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Jeff and his family.