​John “Fritz” Reardon
John “Fritz” Reardon, 92.
John “Fritz” Reardon died early  Tuesday at his home in Deer Lodge.
Fritz was born May 1, 1924 to Daniel and Kathrine Reardon in Shelbina, Mo. He received his education there. He served in the Navy during WWII in the Asiatic Pacific Theater. Upon his discharge he moved to Montana and worked at various ranches in Powell County. He worked at Montana State Prison for a time before becoming a custodian at Powell County Hospital until his retirement. Fritz also enjoyed bartending at the Shack and Cotton Club in Deer Lodge.
Survivors: significant other Helen Roberts, sons Pat Duncan, Mike Reardon, Kevin Reardon, daughter Keri Ann Reardon and sister Ernie Micham.
Graveside services with military honors were 11 a.m. Tuesday (11/29) at the Hillcrest Cemetery. Memorials: donors choice.

Charmayne H. Gutebier
Mrs. Charmayne H. Gutebier passed away on Thursday evening, November 17, 2016, at The Springs at Butte. 
She was born in Glendale, Calif. on October 5, 1929 to Frank and Annabelle (House) Horton. While she was still a baby, the family moved to Idaho living first in Aberdeen, then in Leadore until she was six. She attended and graduated from high school in Challis, Idaho.  
As a young woman she had lived on a ranch and worked in the fields, broke horses, and had operated a buck rake, harrow disc and plow. She had also worked for Woods Cross Tomato Canning in Layton, Utah. 
After attending Southern Idaho of Albion, Charmayne taught school in Stanley, Idaho for four years, teaching grades one through four and then in Challis, Idaho for three years, teaching grades one and two. 
On March 7, 1953 she married Boyd Gutebier in Challis, Idaho. Mr. Gutebier preceded his wife in death in 2011. 
Charmayne is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Daniel and Kathy Gutebier of Livingston; daughter, Susan Gutebier of Butte. Her beloved grandchildren are Jennifer (Hayes) Goosey, Erin (Anthony) Salley and Lindi (Troy) Crump and her great-grandchildren are Tess Goosey, Chloe Goosey, Griffin Salley, Carson Salley, Devon Crump and Hayden Crump. Also surviving are brothers and sister-in-law, Harold (Gwen) Horton, Bobby Horton and Frank Schull as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 
In accordance with her requests, cremation has taken place at Butte Crematories and services are pending at this time. 
Axelson Alternative Cremation is privileged to serve the Gutebier Family.

Doris Louise Benson
Doris Louise Benson ended her journey on earth on November 7, 2016. She was under the care of hospice and surrounded by her family and dogs that loved her. 
Doris was born December 2, 1928 in Deer Lodge to Earl and Marguerite (Eliason) Allen. She attended grade school in Deer Lodge and graduated high school in Bremerton, Wash. during WWII. She attended Graceland Community College in Iowa where she earned an Associated Degree in Business. 
Doris’ first career was as a telephone operator for “Ma Bell” and she had numerous comical stories to tell about the old days of saying “number please” and making long distance connections by having to stretch over three circuit boards.  
She put her business savvy to work when she married Clifford Benson of Avon on July 1, 1951. The couple ran a very successful ranch south of Deer Lodge until they retired in 1996. Doris was the boss of the pigs. She was a brave and tough lady and survived a pig slash that had all the doctors shaking their heads. 
Doris was a devoted member of the Community of Christ Church in Deer Lodge where she attended all of her life. She loved to read, quilt, attend swim exercise and collect pig knick-knacks. Her special love was always her pets. Many days she and her sister, Earlene Walters, could be seen giving the dogs a ride around town after eating a nice lunch at Senior Citizens. Her special little lap dog, Max, stayed by her side until she passed. 
Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Marguerite Allen, husband, Cliff, and middle sister Earlene Walters. She is survived by her two daughters; Luisa (Louise) Heizer of Las Vegas, Nev. and Leah Justice of Deer Lodge. Her grandchildren are Cristina Carvajal of Las Vegas, Nev., Cynthia Carvajal of Austin, Tex., John Heizer of Longmont, Colo. and Brian Cunningham of Deer Lodge. She has six great-grandchildren, Aspen, Atlas, Aaron, Dakotah, Aurora and Brian. 
Her family members are sister and brother-in-law Joyce and David Martin, Dorothy and Fred Benson, Pauline and Bruce Benson, Eva Browning, Allen and Teresa Walters, Ted and Carrie Walters, Dan and Molly Walters and Harold and Cheryl Walters. There are many loving nieces, nephews and friends. 
The viewing was Friday, November 11, from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m., at the Jewell Funeral Home in Deer Lodge, with funeral services on Saturday, November 12, at 11 a.m. at the Jewell Funeral Home. Interment was at Hillcrest Cemetery immediately following the service. A luncheon was served to celebrate Doris’ life at the Community of Christ Church Annex on the corner of 5th and California. 
Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the Community of Christ Church of Deer Lodge or to the donor’s choice. 

​Donald Allen McKee
Donald Allen McKee died November 10, 2016 at Deer Lodge Medical Center in Deer Lodge.  
Don was born December 25, 1936 to Edward and Dorothy McKee in Deer Lodge. He grew up near Deer Lodge on the family ranch where his folks raised cattle, chickens and operated McKee’s Greenhouse.  He served in the Montana National Guard.  In 1955 Don married his high school sweetheart, Mary Ann McCormick. They moved to Helmville where Don ranched until his death.  When first moving there, Don drove the Helmville grade school bus for 19 years.  On occasion he worked for his good friend and neighbor the late Powell County Commissioner Newman Raymond on the road crew.  
Don taught Hunters Safety from its beginning through the present time.  He taught generations of great hunters; he, himself, loved to hunt.  In his later years, Don regretted that he left college when he and Mary Ann married and he became interested in computer science, so he attended Montana Tech in Butte. Don was a pilot and a member of the Lincoln Flying Club.
Don is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; three daughters and sons-in-law: Mary Don Glidewell; Susan and Mike Hillerman, Margie and Bob Brousseau. Grandchildren: Clint, Katie, and Mary Jo Hillerman, Hannah Brousseau, and Jessica Glidewell Velie and her husband, Neil.  
A Vigil and Rosary will be held for Don on Friday evening November 18 at 7 p.m. at St. Thomas Church in Helmville.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. the following morning, November 19, at the same location.
Honorary Pallbearers are his lifelong friends in the valley.

​Lawrence Patrick Nelson
Lawrence Patrick Nelson passed away unexpectedly Sunday, October 30, 2016 at his residence in Missoula. Larry was born March 26, 1966 in Deer Lodge to Constance and Lawrence Nelson. His twin sister Connie was born after midnight so they each enjoyed their own birthday. 
Larry was raised in Helmville, the youngest boy of seven brothers and seven sisters.   He enjoyed fishing and playing with his family and friends.   Many times   he would get his fishing line tangled and a brother would always be there to help him out. Quite the speedster, Larry held several track records at the Helmville grade school including the 440 yard dash for 33 years.
Larry attended Drummond High School, excelling in football and made many lasting friendships.   After graduation, he lived in   Missoula eventually attending the University of Montana.   He spent time in Spokane and enlisted in the US Navy.   After four years and a honorable discharge, Larry moved to   the Salt Lake City area.   There he met and married Stephanie Gordon and while they divorced they remained lifelong friends.
His career driving truck included employment in Montana, Utah, Wyoming,   and North Dakota and he will be missed by his co-workers. While working in the oil fields in Williston, Larry became ill and was life-flighted to Missoula.   After his hospitalization, he lived with James and Rene in Missoula for rehabilitation and successfully   moved into his own place last year.   Larry volunteered at the Montana Humane Society and most recently at the Missoula Food Bank where he was awarded “Rookie of the Year” at their annual party.   He was a hard worker, thoroughly enjoyed his time there, and met many wonderful people and great co-workers. Determined to recoup his health, Larry worked diligently and was supported by his family and friends as well as his excellent doctors and therapists.
Larry was preceded in death by his grandmother Marion Gordon, his parents Constance and Lawrence Nelson, his sister, Baby Constance, and his brother John Nelson. He is survived by his brothers; James (Rene), Mike (Laurie), Erin (BJ), Robert (Jill), and Thomas (Mary) and his sisters Pat (and Jack Moffett), Pam (and Rob Jones), Denise Nelson, Jacki Jostes, Connie (and Travis Cundy), and Corrine (and Scott Bissett).   “Uncle Larry” is also survived by 33 nieces and nephews.
Visitation was 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, November 3, at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Helmville.   Services were held 11 a.m. Saturday at the church with Father Robertson officiating. Interment and military honors followed at the Helmville cemetery. A reception was held immediately following at the Community Center.
Larry had a special gift of keeping in touch with others and he loved visiting and family reunions.     He was a good man, friend, son, and brother. Larry’s kind heart and soul and love of family will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Missoula Food Bank.