![]() Michael James Fah Michael James Fah, 50, of Deer Lodge, passed away Monday night October 21, 2019. Mike was born in Missoula, on May 9, 1969 to John and Florence Fah. He attended school in Deer Lodge. Mike worked for the Sun Mountain Lumber and most recently at the Montana State Prison as a Maintenance Technician for the last 2 years. Mike was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was involved with the demolition derby for many years. He enjoyed the outdoors, camping and fishing with his family. Mike loved watching NASCAR and the MT Griz football. Mike was preceded in death by his mother Florence Fah, mother-in-law June Wallace, grandparents, uncles Mikky and Jimmy, aunts Linda and Judy. Mike is survived by his wife Joann, his dad John Sr., brother John Jr., sister Julie and her husband Eddy, niece Bryce, nephews Richard (Breanna) and Dustin, step-sons Russell Ring (Kim) and Kalvin Sharette, son Dale Gustafson (Mallory) and his grandchildren, Kylee, Madison, Allison and three extra special little girls, Zenadaya, Zion, Zayna, Zelina and brother and sister-in-laws (Laurie and Steve, Don and Roxana, Janie and Sam, and Arvie and numerous nieces and nephews). Aunts Shirley, Lil, and Loretta Rae and extended family. The celebration of life will be Saturday, November 9 at the Elks Lodge in Deer Lodge from 1-4 p.m. We will be having a potluck, if you would like to bring a casserole, salad or something else; it would be greatly appreciated. ![]() Charliene L. Staffanson “Memom” Charliene L. Staffanson “Memom”, 79, of Deer Lodge passed away October 22, 2019. Charliene was born to Joyce and Victor Wright July 16, 1940. She was raised in Missoula and attended school there. She completed nurses training at St. Patrick’s School of Nursing. While in Nurses training at Warm Springs State Hospital she met Dale Staffanson. They were later married and moved from Anaconda to Deer Lodge where they purchased The Deer Lodge Drug “The Corner Drug”. She was involved in many civic activities throughout her life in Deer Lodge, she liked to golf, ski and especially play bridge with her lifetime bridge partner Jaunita. In retirement she shared her cooking skills by providing catering services for many events. She was preceded in death by Dale and her parents. She is survived by children Clifford and Donna Staffanson, Maddy and Riley all of Ganesvoort, N.Y., and Susan and Joie Kramer, Tucker (Austyn) and Hunter all of Deer Lodge. A brother Charles (Jane) Wright of Spokane, Wash. and sister Sharon (Wayne) Heckeroth of Corvallis. Services will be at the Presbyterian Church on November 13, 2019 at 11 a.m., with lunch to follow at the Church Hall. ![]() Eugene Lee Hurlbert October 7, 2019, Eugene Lee Hurlbert passed away. Born November 10, 1928 in Deer Lodge, the second of seven children born to Marion and Ferol (Cookie) Halverson Hurlbert. Gene spent his early years in Deer Lodge, then in the Flathead Valley where they worked a dairy farm. When his dad started working for the railroad they moved to Lester, Wash. Here, Gene quit school and began working for the railroad. A move to Forsyth would bring a devastating change to the family’s life with the sudden death of their father. The family retreated back to Deer Lodge where they were separated to live with other families. At that time, Gene entered the military. A member of the 45th Calvary, he was stationed in the Panama Canal Zone serving there as a Scout. He was also a member of the Rifle Team and Honor Guard. Upon his discharge, he returned to Deer Lodge and met his wife-to-be Delores Stoppler. They were married in Deer Lodge in 1951 and moved back to Forsyth where Gene worked again for the Northern Pacific RR. Their two sons were born there, Eugene Leon and Donald Edward. When the steam engines were decommissioned and an injury to Gene’s youngest son headed him west again where a stop in Deer Lodge to visit turned into a lifelong stay. He found work at the Anaconda Smelter and built his home on Oregon Street, not far from the remains of the house where he was born. When the smelter shut down, Gene found work in his own welding shop, the lumber and mining industries. A near fatal mining accident set him on the path to operating boilers for the Powell County and Galen Hospitals. After his retirement, Gene owned and ran his own septic pumping business until health issues forced him to again retire at age 90. Gene was active in the Boy Scouts and Powell County Search and Rescue for many years. Eastern Star and the Masonic Lodge played a large part in his and Delores’s lives. He was a member of The Order of Eastern Star, Floral Chapter #14 and held numerous local and state offices. He was awarded a 50 Years of Service citation for his work in the Masonic Grand Lodge. His participation ebbed away after the death of Delores, his wife of 66 years in 2015. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Delores, son Donald, half-brother Ervin, brothers Marion and Albert, sisters Dorothy (Tony) Manicke and Pauline Donna. He is survived by his son Leon (Susie), sisters Edna Brackney, Patricia Chevallier, and Peggy (Gary) Cloninger, daughter-in-law Barb Watanabe Hurlbert, grandchildren Chris (Sue) Hurlbert, Ben (Danielle) Hurlbert, and Jennifer Ciconte, great-grandchildren Giovanni, Matthew, Brianna, Jerika, Terra, and Lindsey and numerous nieces and nephews. A special thank you to Barb, Sherry, Dodie, Diane, and Andy for their time caring for dad. A service by Eastern Star and the Masons will be held on October 24 at 11 a.m. at the Broken Arrow with a luncheon to follow. A graveside serve with military honors will be conducted at the Hillcrest Cemetery after the luncheon at 2 p.m. ![]() Barbara McOmber Barbara McOmber, 84. Barbara McOmber passed away peacefully on November 3, 2018, surrounded by family and friends. A nearly life-long resident of Deer Lodge, Barbara was born in Drummond on July 17, 1934 to Arthur and Lorna Periman. Her childhood was spent working on the family cattle ranch. After moving to Deer Lodge, Barbara spent more than 30 years working first as the city treasurer and then as the city clerk. Those who knew Barbara best would tell you she was a perfectionist in all that she did. Whether it was at work or with a sewing needle in hand, everything she did was a masterpiece. Barbara always had a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eyes. She will be missed by all who knew her. Barbara was preceded in death by her daughter, Shirley Murinko (April 2018); her parents, and her brothers, Robert and Lawrence. Barbara will always be remembered as a loving and dedicated mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Barbara is survived by her son-in-law John Murinko, grandsons, Shawn (Rebecca) Murinko and Eric (Bonnie) Murinko as well as her great-grandchildren, Heather, Grace, Justin, Clara Joy, Brooke, and numerous close friends. Memorials may be made to the Rialto Theatre, Deer Lodge in Barbara’s name. ![]() Teresa Ann (Hysong) Walters Teresa Ann (Hysong) Walters was called home on October 14, 2019. Teresa was born July 25, 1959 in Tacoma, Wash. to Robert Hysong, Jr. and Sandra (Moe Guldemzopf). She graduated from Bellarmine Prep in Tacoma at the age of 17. Teresa and Allen met January, 1976 and were married September 10, 1977 in Bremerton, Wash. While she worked many jobs, none were more important to her than raising children. She always had words of encouragement or a swift kick-whichever she felt you needed. Her love was always tender, but stern in her beliefs. She, not only raised two daughters, but numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Teresa is a beloved daughter, wife, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother. She has touched so many lives and will be greatly missed by all. A wise and kind woman. Teresa had a generous and giving heart and will always be a true example of unconditional love and understanding. She always had a hug and advice, even if you didn’t know you needed it. Teresa was a treasure to have in our lives that brought beauty and grace to our hearts. She had a way of seeing the other side of things and explaining it to open other’s eyes and minds. Teresa was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Joe and Mae Tinker; paternal grandparents, Robert and Florence Hysong, Sr.; father, Robert Hysong, Jr., and nephew Jesse Walters. Teresa is survived by her loving, soulmate, Allen; her parents Sandra (Moe) Guldenzopf; her sister Bobbie (Roger); three brothers-in-law, Ted (Kerry) Walters, Harold (Cheryl) Walters, Dan (Molly) Walters; two daughters, Jennifer (Chad) Williams, Brandian Leistman; six grandchildren, Tiffany (Ernesto) Bautista, Tyler, Troy, and Taylor Mooney, Chandler (Kylee) Yount, Cierra Reap; seven great-grandchildren, Lago, Aliyah, Mikaela and Pablo Bautista, Kaylee Cole, Madelynn Woodard and Athena Reap; seven nephews, three nieces, six great-nephews and four great-nieces. ![]() Charles Edward Beck Charles Edward Beck, 1925-2019. Charles Edward Beck (Charlie) left this world on the morning of October 6 at the age of 93. Mount Powell loomed at his back as it had for 60 plus years as he farmed and ranched in the Deer Lodge Valley. Charlie was born to Peter L. and Margaret (O’Keefe) Beck on November 20, 1925. His birth occurred at a midwifery on the north end of Second Street in Deer Lodge. In later years he was joined by three sisters, Marge (Shandy), Rita (Morgan), and Helen (Hallingstad). Only Marge survives. Charles was the apple of his mother’s eye. She called him Little Charlie and the name stuck for life. Whenever Charlie misbehaved the sisters remarked “Not our little Charlie.” Charlie received his primary education at a couple of one room schoolhouses, first being Bradley Tech near the family homestead at Beck Hill and later at Finn. He talked of walking to school and skiing when conditions allowed. At the tender age of 10, he was already responsible for tending the family sheep camps in the hills around Avon and Helmville. Later the family moved to Deer Lodge and lived on California Avenue. He worked at the Deer Lodge Creamery as a young man until graduating from Powell County High School at the age of 17. World War II was well underway, but despite his wishes to participate Charlie was granted an agricultural deferment. After high school he and best friends Emmett O’Keefe and Sam Beck worked construction, building highways and learning to be scraper hands. In 1948 Charles married Rhea Farnsworth and they moved to his parents’ ranch at Helmville, the Spring Creek Ranch. They worked hard, building a new home on the ranch and welcoming their first child Diana (Warner). They had been snowed in all winter, so when delivery date drew close Charles hauled Rhea to Helmville on a horse drawn sleigh. Prior to the arrival of the next child (Pete) they managed to purchase a ranch in the Deer Lodge Valley and moved to the family ranch. Diana and Pete were joined by Charlie’s half-sister Barbara when her parents passed away, and later by younger brother Doug. Rhea passed away in 1982. Charles was known as an excellent farmer and rancher. His proudest achievement in agriculture was growing certified seed potatoes with his two sons in Deer Lodge and marketing them across the Pacific Northwest and into Canada. He was known for having some of the biggest calves in the county when marketing time rolled around. In 1983 Charles married Karla Sherlock, and they created a beautiful home on Center Street in Deer Lodge. They had many wonderful years together until Karla passed in 2005. The couple wintered in Mesa, Arizona and enjoyed having a respite from the harsh Montana winter. One of Charlie’s final hopes was to return to Arizona for this upcoming winter. He remembered all too well feeding cows with a pitchfork from a horse drawn wagon or sleigh. He is survived by his children Diana (John) Warner, Pete, and Doug, and half-sister Barbara (Jim) Weis. There are numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Celebration of his life was held on Saturday, October 12 at First Baptist Church, 127 Sam Beck Road, Deer Lodge, MT. Viewing was at 10 am, service was at 11 am. Luncheon followed at the Broken Arrow Lounge, Main Street Deer Lodge. ![]() Laurel Elaine Penner (Denton) Laurel Elaine Penner (Denton), 58, came into this world March 23, 1961 the youngest of five children to Ralph and Ruth Denton. She grew up in Deer Lodge along with her four brothers. She graduated from Powell County High School at the top of her class in 1979. Laurel met Larry Penner early in life and together they started a family and had many life adventures along the way. Laurel was a very smart, talented lady who loved life. She was always a ray of sunshine, had the biggest heart and always happy to help anyone but she was never afraid to stand her ground. She had the best laugh and sense of humor. She could make you laugh when you least expected it! She loved having fun and was always willing to try new things. When life presented challenges she would always say “It’s okay” and press on. She loved being a part of all the special moments with her family, friends from being outside in the country with her horse (Spice), in the mountains with her family having picnics, picking huckleberries, roasting marshmallows, shopping trips, going to drive in movies or hanging out at an after work get together, but most of all were the cherished moments with her grandchildren. She loved being there for her grandkids, didn’t matter what she was doing she always made sure to be there for them, cheering them on in the stands, a member of the PIT crew, having movie nights, traveling to Texas and art projects. As the best grandmother ever, she left behind many precious memories for her grandchildren to carry with them. Laurel could always be found participating in fundraisers anyway she could. She always was the “go to gal” and popular with the kiddos from selling candy bars, cookies, raffle tickets and popcorn. Her favorite one was the local Missoula radio stations “KyssMass” for kids, she looked forward to that event every year. She was always supportive of her friends and family, no matter what! After a short unexpected illness, surrounded by her family, Heaven called their angel home on the rainy afternoon of August 15, 2019. She leaves behind three children whom she was very proud of and loved to tell stories about. Melissa (Jerry) Kelly, Heidi (Brant) Pierson, Russell (Alejandra) Penner each of whom carry a part of her with them. Her five grandchildren whom she adored more than anything; Skyla and Ilyana, Tyler, Axel and Olivia, who all made precious memories with her. Her brothers Jeff (Lori) Denton, Ron Denton, and Mike Denton. Her partner in life Larry Penner. Several cousins, nieces, and nephews. She reunited in death with her parents Ralph and Ruth. Cruising through the pearly gates in a corvette with her brother Barry welcomed with open arms by numerous other family members. She left a lasting mark on all those she met and is deeply missed. Her spirit will forever be a part of everyone she loved. Death Notice: Donald Joseph Pocha
Donald Joseph Pocha, 80, of Helmville passed away October 10, 2019. The memorial service will be Friday October 25 11am at the Helmville Community Center. Luncheon to follow. ![]() Marjorie Ruth Casey Marjorie Ruth Casey, age 91, peacefully passed on September 25, 2019, while with family in Yuma, Ariz. She was born in Long Beach, Calif. on September 20, 1928, to George Fred and Ethel (Bayliss) Casey. In addition to being a wonderful mother, grandmother and friend, her achievements include being in the first graduating class at Sonoma State University, obtaining a B.A. degree in Political Science. Armed with a sheepskin, she then taught third grade classes at Randall Pepper Elementary School in Fontana, Calif. Later she obtained a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Development, in a program that combined the University of California at Riverside and Pepperdine University. Her career in education included launching a ‘pilot’ reading program, she introduced the program in a film distributed to classrooms across the Country. Marjorie retired in 1988 from her Administrative position with the Fontana School District in California. She loved traveling with family. One of several highlights included her and sister Ethel May as they reconnected at their ancestor’s hometown in Ireland. A travel surprise came in 1981 while visiting daughter Patty in Virginia. Both were invited to the White House and also received a staff invitation into the President’s Oval Office. Another highlight was traveling by motorhome with her granddaughter Erin. They set out from their home in Alaska determined to shop every mall in Canada, then into America (the Lower 48). Marjorie always referred to Sun Vista Resort in Yuma as her second home and was known to her many friends as ‘KC’ or ‘Margie.’ While in her hometown of Deer Lodge, she loved the long visits and hours of great conversation with grandson Douglas, the afternoons with ‘the girls’ at Lil’s and the Elks Lodge. Back at Sun Vista, KC always enjoyed the Pokeno parties she would host for her friends and then surprising them at each holiday often with bobble-head Santas, or beads at Mardi Gras, Easter baskets, candy filled hearts and American flags on Independence Day. Marjorie is survived by her sister Ethel (Al) Jenness of Coarsegold, Calif., daughter Susie (Scott) Iden of Wickenburg, Ariz., daughter Patty (Dennis “Buzz”) Rome of Deer Lodge, grandson Douglas Rome of Deer Lodge, and granddaughter Erin (Wess) Benson and great-grandson James of Helena, eight nieces and two nephews. Marjorie’s passing was preceded by her sister June Austin, brother George Fred Casey, Jr., son Franklin Perry Walker, son Dana William Walker, and grandson Jeffrey Dale Arnold. Marjorie’s wishes were for cremation and to have her ashes spread at sea near her birthplace at Long Beach. She wanted to have it known there would be a time when she would float forever on the tides or perhaps be lifted and blown over the land carried by the trade winds. A portion of her ashes will also be interred at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, Calif., with a private graveside service and marker to commemorate her life. A spring time celebration of life memorial service is planned when her friends arrive back in Yuma, having an opportunity to say farewell and remember so many great times with their devoted friend KC. Marjorie was proud of her Irish heritage . . . Slán agus beannacht leat. Death Notice: Charles E. Beck Charles E. Beck, 93 of Deer Lodge, died Sunday, October 6. Services to be held at First Baptist Church at 11 a.m., Saturday, October 12. Luncheon at Broken Arrow following burial. Joseph Foley
Montana State Prison inmate Joseph Foley died on October 1, 2019 at Community Hospital in Missoula due to on ongoing medical condition. Mr. Foley was 62 years old. Mr. Foley was sentenced out of Ravalli County in 2018 for the crime of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. Mr. Foley was sentenced to 5 years with 3 years and 11 months suspended. Mr. Foley was parole eligible as of March 2019 Death Notice: Adele M. Coughlin Adele M. Coughlin 91 , of died Saturday in Deer Lodge. Parish Vigil services will be this Friday at 7 p.m. at Saint Thomas Catholic Church in Helmville. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday at 11 a.m. with interment to follow at the Helmville Cemetery. A full obituary will follow. ![]() Gary A. Hansen Gary A. Hansen, 62, passed away into our Lords arms on September 23, 2019 with his loving brother and sister by his side. Gary was the son of Charles Hansen and Montana (Tina Beck) Hansen. He grew up in the Deer Lodge Valley. His early years were filled with outdoor activities with his family, along with taking care of the family farm. Gary enjoyed riding horses with his siblings. Gary graduated from Powell County High School in 1976. He then enlisted in the US Navy and served from 1976 to 1980 aboard the USS Saratoga. In 1982 he married Marika Gillette and had three children. They were later divorced. Gary was a dedicated father. His love of riding motorcycles and Veteran status led him to become President of The Forgotten MC, a motorcycle club focusing on POW/MIA, helping other Veterans and their families. Gary was known and respected by almost every motorcycle club in Montana and beyond. His nickname “Bear” will be remembered by all. Gary is survived by his children: Jesse (Sheena) Hansen, Justin (Erica) Hansen of Toms River, N.J., and Stormee Hansen of Butte. Gary is also survived by 13 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. His brother Mike (Megan) Hansen of Deer Lodge and sister Mary (Frank) Briggs of Missoula. He is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Tina Hansen. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3 at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge, with a luncheon at the Elks Hall immediately following to celebrate his life. There will be a Benefit/Memorial at Copper Canyon Harley-Davidson in Butte on Oct 5. Any memorial offerings may be given at that time. ![]() Raymond Anthony Mann 9-16-2019 Raymond Anthony Mann left us. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather uncle, brother, brother-in-law and friend. Ray was born 2-27-1959 in Philipsburg to Theodore Louis Mann and Rachel Mae (Yates) Mann. He was the baby of the family. Ray loved logging and started at an early age. He could build fence, put in cattle guards, build road then run anything on the job. In the early 80s Ray purchased a cable skidder and went to work for himself. He loved running the skidder and the outdoors. In 2006 he bought a logging truck and started a different part of his logging company in hauling logs. He worked for himself, RAM Logging, LLC until his death. Ray loved his family so much. In 1974 he met Julie Hawkins, his wife of 43 years at Granite County High School and they married in 1976. In 1979 their son Keith was born and in 1982 their son Timothy was born. He was proud of his two boys and always supported and stood by them. Fishing was a pastime he enjoyed whenever possible. He caught and ate many of them in his lifetime and hopefully he is catching them in Heaven. He also enjoyed his home very much and always said being home was his vacation. Ray was preceeded in death by both his parents, his brother Ted Mann, his father-in-law Robert Hawkins and his brother-in-law Robert Parsons. Ray is survived by his loving wife Julie, his sons Keith (Dani Coleman) Mann, Tim (Carly) Mann, his brothers Curt Smith, Louis (Lori) Mann, his sisters Lois Tinker, L.V. (Chuck) Piling, his mother-in-law Sarah Hawkins, brothers-in-law Gary Hawkins, Cliff (Mary) Hawkins, sisters-in-law Glenda (Troy) Bauer, Peggy Gerig, many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews and one great-great-great-nephew. His grandsons in love Ashton and Rhyan Coleman. And the joy of his life his baby granddaughter Wakely Elizabeth Mann. My Love I Will Miss You all of my life and look forward to the day I can see you again and tell you how very much you mean to me. ![]() William Albert Shaver On September 18, 2019, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend peacefully left this earth to join his Savior and loved ones that had gone on before him. William was a great man. He worked hard all of his life and always took care of his family, showering them with unconditional love. He was a jack of all trades and could fix or build almost anything. He was an example to live by for other men. William (Bill) was born on November 24, 1941 in LaGrande, Ore. to Albert and Frances Shaver. As a child he moved to Salmon, Idaho, and Opportunity; eventually settling with his parents in Deer Lodge where he helped his dad build their family home. In Opportunity he attended Beaver Dam school for first through fourth grade. He then attended Washington School in Anaconda for one year before moving to Deer Lodge for sixth grade. He graduated from Powell County High School in Deer Lodge in 1960. After graduating from high school, he decided that he wanted to see the world so he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was an E-4 Seaman and Dispersing Clerk. While in the Navy, he spent time in San Francisco, Japan, Hong Kong, and Vietnam. He served honorably, until he was discharged in 1964. When he left the Navy, he moved back to Montana and worked at the Cominco mine. He decided that mining wasn’t for him so, he moved to Washington to interview with Boeing. When he arrived in Washington, he couldn’t find Boeing, so he ended up getting a job at Tri-Way Industries as a machinist. Eventually, he moved on to Western Gear, then All Fab, and finally ended up full circle at Boeing in 1985 as a CNC machinist (he finally figured out where they were 20 years later!) On December 6, 1969 he married Beverly Hilton, whom he had met in Deer Lodge. She moved to Washington, where they lived in Tulalip, Marysville, and finally Lakewood. They had three children, Tammi, Dawn, and Jeremy. In 2002, William retired from Boeing, and together with Beverly, they moved back to Deer Lodge. For a time he worked at Safeway where he enjoyed interacting with the customers. He also enjoyed fixing up their house, working in his shop, and keeping the lawn neatly trimmed. He faithfully served his church, Deer Lodge Assembly, in many roles over the years. He was a Deacon for many years and also enjoyed being a camp counselor where he could continue being the kid he was at heart with the boys from the church. In 2018, as his health was deteriorating, he and Beverly decided to move to Colorado Springs where their children were located and doctors’ offices were more convenient. Thus, he was able to spend his final year close to his children and grandchildren. William was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Frances, his beloved gram Matilda Bishop, his sister Norma, his mother-in-law Dorothy Sinerius, brothers-in-law Austin (Bob) Hilton, David Hilton, his sister-in-law Lorri Sinerius-Lowery, his niece Nancy Waterman, and his nephews Ed Shaver and John Lowery. William is survived by his wife of 50 years Beverly, his children (who called him Pa) Tammi Price, Dawn (Eric) Haas, and Jeremy (Riana) Shaver, grandchildren Meridian Haas, Acadia Haas, Sawyer Haas, Austin Shaver, Carson Shaver, and Ellen Price all of Colorado Springs, Colo. He is also survived by his siblings (who called him Billy Bud) Patricia Shaver of Deer Lodge, Gladys (Phillip) Waterman of Salmon, Idaho, and Richard (Loraline) Shaver of Marysville, Wash. and former brother-in-law Donald Lowery of Deer Lodge. He was a beloved uncle to Keith Waterman, Marnie Hilton, Trina (Jeff) Carpenter, Josh (Noe) Shaver, and Jamie Lowery. Great Uncle Bill also had a very special bond with Kaden and Kynzlee. Memorial services will be held at Deer Lodge Assembly at 11 a.m. on Friday October 11. Graveside and luncheon will follow. Memorials can be made to Deer Lodge Assembly or to a charity of your choice. ![]() Joseph A. Weber Longtime Deer Lodge resident, Joseph A. Weber, 99, passed away September 26, 2019. Joe was born to John and Anna Weber on July 8, 1920 in Rugby, N.D. He grew up on the family farm and recalled many experiences of hard work including working on threshing crews, plowing the fields with horse drawn plows and working with livestock. In October of 1942, Joe joined the US Army and was trained as an Infantryman and Machine Gunner. He served in New Guinea, the East Indies and the Philippine Islands. In 1944, he earned his first Purple Heart in New Guinea and later in 1944 while leading a five-man squad in the Philippine Islands, he earned a his second. He was gravely injured in combat and earned a Bronze Star Medal for bravery. After a lengthy recovery at Camp Carson, Colorado he was honorably discharged. Joe returned home to the farm in N.D. for a short period of time and then decided to visit his sister Barbara in Montana. While there he met the love of his life Hazel. They were married in Bozeman in April of 1950. Shortly after, they moved to Deer Lodge where Joe lived in the same house for nearly 70 years. Joe and Hazel traveled and camped extensively throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico prior to Hazel’s death in 2010. Joe was a dedicated father and grandfather and an amazing friend. He enjoyed photography and working on his house and yard. He worked for the Milwaukee Railroad, Welch’s Truck Stop in Garrison and retired as a Corrections Officer in Deer Lodge. Joe was a proud American and was honored to be a part of the Big Sky Honor Flight to Washington DC in September of 2012. Joe is survived by daughter, Norma (Dale) Witzel of Las Vegas, Nev. and son, Ed (Kathy) of Pueblo, Colo., numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, numerous other relatives and cherished friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Hazel and his son, Bill (Barb) Weber of Bozeman and several sisters. Friends are asked to join the family for services to be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at the Jewell Funeral Home at 601 Missouri Ave in Deer Lodge. Joe will be laid to rest next to wife Hazel and son Bill at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge. You are invited to join the family at the Deer Lodge Elk’s Club following the service. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, October 2, 2019. Memorials can be made to the Senior Citizen Center in Deer Lodge, MT. Heartfelt gratitude to his grandchildren Ray and Valerie Weber and to his very special friends Mary Becker and Tom and Tammy Clauson for the loving attention they provided, and to the caring employees of Powell County Medical Center. |
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