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. ​