August 08th, 2018

​Violet Pauline Yockim
Violet Pauline Yockim, 90, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, went to be with the Lord on Monday, July 30, at her home in Deer Lodge surrounded by all her children. 
She was born April 21, 1928, in Nohly, to Ora Francis and Fanny B. Yadon. Educated in Fairview schools, Violet graduated Salutatorian in 1945 and married Floyd Andrew Yockim on November 16, 1946 in Miles City. She moved with her husband to Williston, N.D. in 1946, resided there for five years before moving to Sidney to begin raising their family until 1962, when they moved to Miles City. After eight years, Violet and Floyd moved to Baker until 1972, when they moved to Deer Lodge where they resided until her passing. 
Violet worked as the Deputy Clerk and Recorder for Powell County until she retired in 1993. She enjoyed spending time with her loving family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, taking pleasure in playing games and baking cookies for their delight. In retirement, she spent many a pleasing day playing pinochle and other games in the company of friends and donated many hours at the New to You store. 
She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband, brother John Thomas Yadon, sister-in-law Rebecca Yadon, brothers-in-law Ernie Valnes and Leonard Diefel, son-in-law Clint Higle, grandchildren Melissa Yockim, Jacob Roberts and Katrina Yockim-Ladd. Survivors include her seven children, Steven (Gloria) Yockim, Sidney; Theresa (Mark) Elletson, Billings; Katherine Brown, Polly Shepherd, Pamela Yockim, Thomas (Theresa) Yockim and Patricia (Gary) Reynolds, all of Deer Lodge; two sisters, Shirley Valnes, Sidney and Joanne Diefel, Billings, 23 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. 
Visitation was open at 12 noon Friday August 3 followed by Parish prayers at 7 p.m. at the Jewell Funeral Home in Deer Lodge. Mass of the Christian Burial was celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday August 4 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Deer Lodge with the Father Joe Fleming as celebrant. Luncheon followed the service at St. Mary’s Center. Burial services will be 11 a.m. Saturday August 11 at the Fairview Cemetery in Fairview. The family suggests memorials to a local cancer fund, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, or a charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements are by the Jewell Funeral Home in Deer Lodge and Fulkerson Funeral Home in Sidney.

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​Melvin L. Reistad
Melvin L. Reistad, 74, of Deer Lodge went to be with the Lord on July 26, 2018. 
He was born and raised in Deer Lodge. His parents Melvin and Marjorie Reistad ranched southwest of Deer Lodge. Shortly after graduating from Powell County High School, Melvin joined the Navy. He served on the Hornet and the Ticonderoga during the Vietnam War as an inspector-electronic assembler, serving a total of four years. One place Melvin visited while in the service was Australia, which he fell in love with and remembered as his favorite place. 
Over the years he wore many more hats, working on the Milwaukee Railroad, at the Anaconda Co., as a logger, a ranch hand, and a certified electrician; although he really loved logging.  
Melvin was a practical joker and loved family gatherings. He had a soft spot for animals and spending time in the woods, was often bringing home critters in his lunch pail for his kids and built an aviary in his backyard for his birds. Melvin also enjoyed playing guitar, and later in life painting ceramics. 
He recollected fondly the love of his life, Lynda Graveley, who he was married to for 20 years. 
Melvin is survived by Lynda Reistad Spangberg (Larry). He is survived by his sisters and brothers; Margaret Ellen (John) Senecal, Colleen (Jerry, deceased) Meyers, Cindy (Bob) Bean, George (Rhonda) Reistad, Beccy (Brad) Haler, Ken (Renee) Reistad, and Ray Lackner. He is also survived by his children: John (Terra) Reistad, Wendy (Kelly) Nelson, Wade Reistad, their sister Amy Thomas, and their children: Alex, Justin, Jon, McKenzie, Cameron, Trevor, Robert, Kent, Sean, Daysha, Dakotah, Colter, Whest, and Karson, along with nine great-grandchildren.  
Services were held at St. John Lutheran Church in Deer Lodge (410 Missouri Ave.) at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 31. A luncheon  followed in the church fellowship hall.

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