For the Record

October 2008 Obituaries

Michael James Hubbard
SEATTLE, Wash. — Michael “Mike" James Hubbard, a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, passed away October 30, 2008. Mike was born in Pasco, WA on January 23, 1952 to Ida and Anthony Hubbard.

During his lifetime, Mike was a master craftsman who worked magic with his hands. He read blueprints and welded the frames of many structures, such as bridges. He was a journeyman-level concrete finisher, pouring thousands of yards of concrete and building many projects, including swimming pools. For many years, Mike owned a farm in the Great Falls area. After moving to Seattle, Mike trained to be a computer technician and he applied those skills extensively.

Michael touched many lives. He always had an encouraging smile to offer. He beamed with excitement over accomplishments of others and, thus, brightened their day. He is at peace with his mother, Ida (Durns) Hazel Finley. He will be missed by the rest of us.

Mike is survived by one son, Jason Hubbard; daughters Fawn Hubbard and Erica Charette Sanchez; grandchildren Joseph, Andrew, Eric, and Tehya; brothers, Charles Hubbard, Timothy Collins, Theodore Collins; and sisters Barbara Hubbard Gillespie Haight, Lisa Chadek, Linda Chadek and Tracey Collins.

He was revered and loved by his brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces and nephews, and many, many friends.

Tyler Chance Boushie
PABLO — Tyler Chance Boushie, 21, went to be with the Lord on November 3, 2008. Tyler was born October 24, 1987 in Browning.

Tyler attended Pablo Elementary and Two Eagle River School. Tyler was active in sports, he enjoyed riding and working with horses, and loved spending time with his family and friends. Tyler especially enjoyed his eight nephews, whom he was fond of giving nicknames to. He also liked to go to the Blackfeet Indian Reservation to spend time with his aunts, uncles and many cousins. Tyler was a caring, loving person who always had a heart for those in need. He was always willing to lend a hand. Tyler was employed with Mangles Seed Potatoes of Dillon for the past twelve years.

Tyler is survived by his parents Bill and Cindy Boushie of Pablo; his brothers Jack and Little Bill; sisters Katherine Marceau and Debbie Boushie all of Browning; sisters Susie, Misty and Louise Boushie of Pablo; his eight nephews, Chrisopher, Cael, Cailan, Chance, Billy, Dallan, Landon and Brandon of Pablo; and his aunts, uncles and numerous cousins.

Tyler was preceded in death by his paternal grand parents Ed and Louise Boushie; his maternal grand parents Donald Wagner and Eileen Schildt Gilham, and Uncle Pete Boushie.

His wake began at Two Eagle River School on Wednesday, November 5, 2008 and continued through Friday. Mass was celebrated at the East Glacier Catholic Church on Monday, November 10, 2008, with burial following in the East Glacier Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Justin Marceau, Sean SwimsUnder, Marcus Azure, Shilo LaPlant, Gregory LaPlant, Donnie "Snowman" Wagner, George Bostwick, and Travis Couture. Honorary pallbearers are Junior Grenier, Beau Miller, Magnus Harlow, Cosmo Harlow, Jessica Old Person, Tyra Neilson, Bret Wagner and all his friends and family.

Joseph "Joe" A. Johnson
MISSOULA — Joseph "Joe" A. Johnson, 71, passed away Monday, October 27, 2008 at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula.

Born in Nirada on April 30, 1937 to Joseph H. and Mildred (Collins) Johnson and was raised in the Mission Valley. He graduated from Mission High School in 1955. Joe worked for Superior Diamond Match, Van Evans in Missoula, the State of Montana as a mechanic and for his own trucking business "JandB Trucking" for the last 25 years.

He loved his fishing, hunting and his many trips with his ATV’s with his friends and family. He was devoted NASCAR fan. He loved life and his many friends and family and enjoyed teasing them. He was good husband and father and will be missed.

Joe is survived by his wife of 49 years Bobbie; a son Curtis (Roz); daughter Debbie; sister Gerry; and brother David (Verona); as well as several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother and two brothers.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to the Heart Fund or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

William P. Wunderlich
ST. IGNATIUS — William P. Wunderlich, 88, passed away Saturday, October 25th at St. Luke’s Community Hospital in Ronan.

One of five children, he was born in Winona, Minnesota on December 5, 1913 to Arthur and Ann (Fetting) Wunderlich. Bill served in the Army K9 Corps during WWII and later with the US Air Corp.

Bill moved to the St. Ignatius area in the 1980’s where he continued raising and training field trial dogs and registered Black Angus.

A devout Catholic, Bill was a member of the St. Ignatius Catholic Church and the Church Guild.

Survivors include his sons Mike (Cathy) of Pennsylvania and William "Skipper" (Charlene) of Minnesota; daughter Linda Murry of Minnesota; three sisters: JoAnn Day, Phyllis Prokopowicz, Ann Marie Wells; brother Warren Wunderlich; and grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

The Rosary was be recited last Thursday at the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission in St. Ignatius with Mass being celebrated Friday in the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission.

A mass will be held at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and interment will be in the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Winona, Minnesota where Military Honors will be presented on Tuesday, November 4.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission.

Viola Mae Sias Meidinger Potter
ARLEE — Viola Mae Sias Meidinger Potter went with the lord on October 26, 2008, after a brave and dignified three-year fight with leukemia. She was born in Basin to Leo and Mabel Sias on July 27, 1936, and was the youngest of five children.

She was a Salish and Kootenai tribal member and grew up in Ronan where she graduated in 1955 and married her high school sweetheart Dale H Meidinger on October 1, 1955. They lived from Ronan to Missoula but settled in Arlee where they built their home and raised their four children: Rick, Kim, Debra and Randy. Their home was filled with love for the family and a simple country life.

Her husband Dale was killed in an auto accident in 1977. Vi continued as a single mom with their mail route contract, which they had been doing for numerous years.

Vi had a love for kids and she "adopted" dozens of them from around the valley. She would lend an ear, extend hugs, share her food and even give them a room if needed. She stood up for kids many times during her tenure on the school board, and took pride in being the school board chairperson.

All those who knew Vi, knew of her passion for anything purple, good music and dancing. She was the biggest kid at Christmas and was not able to keep a secret. She will forever be remembered for her zest for life and her upbeat " can do" attitude.

After 11 years of being on her own as a widow, she fell in love a second time with James E. Potter. They were married on June 18, 1988. They learned to square dance together and Jim showed her many new states in their travels. As her health started to fail, she was blessed with Jim’s loving care as her husband, companion and caretaker, which he did with the utmost attention to details. Jim’s around the clock love and devotion afforded her to stay in her beloved home and to be independent to the very end.

Preceding preceded Vi in death were her first husband Dale H. Meidinger;, her parents Leo and Mabel Sias; brothers Robert and Ken Sias; an infant daughter; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She is survived by her husband James E. Potter of Arlee; her children: Rick (Carol) Meidinger of Polson, Kim (Jim) Lehl of Dayton, NV., Debra (Laramie) Wolverton of Arlee, Randy (Michelle) Meidinger of Arlee,; eight grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and her puppies and kitties.

Services will be held at the Ronan Community Center on November 1, 2008 with burial at the Ronan Cemetery.

The family suggests donations to American Caner Society or America Diabetic Foundation.

Shrider-Thompson Funeral and Cremation Services of Ronan is assisted with arrangements.

Jeneal Morris
ARLEE — Jeneal Morris was given to us March 28, 1960 as a gift from God. She was taken back home to the Lord’s arm’s October 25, 2008.

She is survived by her mother Sharon Chadwick of Arlee and father Napy Churchill of Mt. Carmel, Utah; her brother Buck Churchill of Palmer, Alaska; her sisters Tami Chadwick of McCall, ID and Janine Carpenter of Arlee as well her ex-husband Dan Morris of Boise, ID; and her closest friends Debbie Melvin of Arlee and Jessie Gonzales of Pablo.

A viewing started Thursday, October 29, 2008 at Foster Funeral and crematory in St. Ignatius. Services were held at the Arlee Alliance Church on Friday, October 30, 2008.

Christopher Thomas Matt
PABLO - Christopher Thomas Matt, 21, passed away October 12, 2008 at St. Luke's Community Hospital in Ronan from injuries related to a fall.

Born to Mary Parker and Kevin Thomas Matt on July 23, 1987 in Ronan, he was raised at Woodcock Homesites near Ronan. Educated at Ronan High School, he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his dad, playing video games and was a regular social butterfly, making regular rounds everyday to see his friends and family that he loved so much. He enjoyed being around his nieces, nephews and cousins and had a knack for keeping the phone busy. An avid Miami Heat fan, he also liked the Buffalo Bills and had a soft spot for the N.O. Saints, all teams that he followed regularly while getting his daily sports fix.

He was preceded in death by his father Kevin Matt, his grandparents Peter and Regina Matt and Larry and Elizabeth Parker Old Horn; godfather Tommy Couture; aunt Donna Matt McClure and cousins Richard Matt and Frankie Nicolai.

Survivors include his companion of three years Druan Wilder; mother Mary "Teeny" Parker (Joe Friedlander); brothers and sisters Sheri Pierre (Daryl), Nikala Trump (Jason), Summer Crow Spreads His Wings, Pat Pierre III, Francis Pierre, Jr. (Marissa), Timothy Matt (Ashley) and Adam McDonald (Gillian); aunts and uncles Donata Matt (Stan Healy), Jody Irvine (Arnold), Beverly Michel (Wilbur), Eugene Matt (Thelma), Jerry Matt (Selena), Arlene Powell (Frank), Rose Pierre, Sheri Old Horn (Sam), Larry Old Horn (Dorothy), Lester Old Horn (Denise), Muffie Ross (Paul), Samantha Old Horn (Justin), Susan McCrea (Brian) and Shirley Matt Shipman; godmother Florence Couture and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

A traditional wake began Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at the Longhouse. The wake closing began Friday with Mass following in the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission. Interment was in the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery.

Violet Marie Matt Hardy
RONAN - Violet Marie Matt Hardy, 76 died October 15, 2008 at St. Luke Hospital after a long battle with congestive heart failure. She was born in St. Ignatius on May 22, 1932 to Alfred and Catherine Dubay Matt. Early life began on the family farm near the Pablo Reservoir. She attended elementary school at Pablo Elementary and high school in Polson and Ronan.

She met her future husband Richard in Denver in the spring of 1951. Richard was in the Air Force and was sent to North Africa in June. Vi went to nurse's school in Bozeman. Upon Richard's return from Africa, they were married in Havre on August 6, 1953. This past August they celebrated 55 years of marriage.

She traveled a great deal with her husband during his 27 years in the military. They spent three and a half years in Japan, three years in Panama and three and a half years in Germany, as well as numerous duty stations in the United States. Fourteen trips to Hawaii were always her favorite, especially during the cold winter in Montana months.

Three children were born from this marriage: Linda in Tampa, Florida; Ron in Tachikawa, Japan; and Calvin in Glendale Arizona; She was an enrolled member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and was a member of the Pablo Christian Church.

Her parents and three sisters Eva Case, Hazel Keniston, and Rosemary Leverton and three brothers Carl, John and Elvin preceded her in death.

She is surivived by her husband Dick of Pablo; daughter Linda and her son Russell of Ronan; son Ronald, his wife Robin and their children Ryan, Roslyn, and Rachel of Pablo; son Calvin, his wife Corena and their children Cory and Collin of Ronan; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and her favorite pet cat "Tabasco".

Funeral services were held on Monday, October 20, 2008 in the Pablo Christian Church with Rev. Mike Johnston officiating. Interment followed at Lakeview Cemetery. Memorials in Violet's name may be made to the donor's choice. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

Joseph John "Frog" Hunter
ST. IGNATIUS — Joseph John "Frog" Hunter, 81, was born on July 9, 1927 to Charles Hunter, Sr. and Julia Sorrell and passed away at his home in Mission early Saturday, October 11, 2008.

Jody grew up in Mission and traveled many places throughout his life, while serving his country with the US Navy. He was honorably discharged on Oct. 17, 1951.

Jody enjoyed many things in his life including the love of his life, the late Jeanette Matt-Hunter. He also enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and extended family on numerous family get-togethers. He also enjoyed playing poker with all his Friday Nite Poker Buddies. He loved being in the woods and often went fishing. He expressed many of his stories to his grandchildren. He also attended the Ursaline Boarding School in Mission. He truly loved Mission.

He was preceded in death by his parents Charles Hunter, Sr. and Julia Sorrell; his late wife Jeanette Matt-Hunter; his brothers "Duke" John I. Hunter and Chuck Hunter; sisters Mazzie Hunter and Mary Hunter; and his nephew Gordon Hunter who just recently passed.

He is survived by his children: daughters Christina Porter (Vern) of Frenchtown and Jodi Hunter-Ivins of Pablo; sons Danny Hunter of St. Ignatius and Henry Hunter of Frenchtown; brothers Clarence (Dorothy) Hunter of Arlee; grandchildren Dylan Ivins, Brandon Porter, Shyla Hunter, Taylor Ivins, Whisper Ivins, Nik Porter, Destiny Hunter and Angelina Hunter as well as many nieces, nephews, family members and friends.

A traditional wake for Jody began at the family home located at the Mission Dam Homesites on Saturday, October 11, 2008 and moved to the Longhouse in St. Ignatius on Sunday. Interment happened on Monday, October 12, 2008 in the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery where military honors were presented by the Mission Valley Guard and the Veterans Warrior Society.

Pallbearers were Jody’s Friday Nite Poker Buddies.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made in Jody’s name to the charity of their choice.

Alan James Westerman
RONAN — Alan James Westerman has embarked on a new adventure. On October 11, he passed on, in his "place of business".

Alan was born on December 16, 1985, in Ronan. He graduated from Ronan High School and from the Salish Kootenai Heavy Equipment Course.

The boy enjoyed his work in the woods at clearing trails 14. His work at the Montana Waterfowl Foundation brought him extreme pleasure. At 18 he progressed to wildfire fighting. At his present job, Forestry, he played with the heavy equipment with excitement and dedication. You can still hear "Hopy" say, "there’s nothing like the smell of diesel in the morning" and telling, with enthusiasm, about sliding down the rocks with his dozer.

Alan’s passions were for the outdoors, hunting and fishing with family and friends, and the cold breeze blowing in his face, while snowmobiling. He enjoyed both model planes and the real ones, looking forward to learning how to fly. He found great pleasure with his gun collection. His last road trip was a firewood expedition with his younger brother.

Always the helpful one, taking on responsibilities others would shrug, and doing so with a smile. Alan will remain in the hearts of those that had the honor of knowing him. He gave everyone an example to live by.

Alan was preceded in death by grandfathers, John Laud and Jim Westerman, Sr, and nephew Eathan.

He is survived by his brothers, Andrew (Judy Ann) Westerman, Adam Westerman, and Antoine Paul; father James Westerman and stepmother Cloann; mother, Mary Laud and step father James; grandmothers, Fae Laud and Rose Westerman; and numerous aunties, uncles, cousins, and friends he considered family.

He also has his four legged friends who miss him already, Piggy, Oscar and Babe.

The family had graveside services at the Dayton Cemetery on October 14, 2008.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask the memorials be made to the Montana Waterfowl Foundation in Ronan

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com

Dominick Joseph "Sonny" Curley
WORLEY, Id — Dominick Joseph "Sonny" Curley, age 75, born February 13, 1933 in Sorento, Idaho to Mariane Massaslaw and Antoine Curley, passed away Sunday, October 12, 2008 at his home in Worley, surrounded by his loving family and friends. He is a member of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe of Idaho.

As a child he attended the Boy’s School in Desmet, Idaho. He also served as an altar boy for the Catholic Church. He also attended Plummer High School and at age 17 joined the U.S. Air Force, serving four years until receiving an Honorable Discharge. He married Ida Jane Sorrell on May 20, 1957 in Coeur d’Alene, then had their marriage blessed by Father Byrne in 1962 at the St. Ignatius Catholic Church. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2007. Sonny worked for Marquette and Yarber Saw Mill in Benewah from 1957 to 1960.

He worked for Dupuis Lumber Mill in Polson from 1962 to 1966 then moved his family to Los Angeles, California to attend welding school and he was employed by Zeman Manufacturing. He then moved his family back to Montana in 1968 where he was employed by Roscoe Steel and Culbert Co. of Missoula. In 1976 he opened "Sonny’s Conoco" gas station in Arlee. He then became one of the first teaching instructors at Two Eagle River School, located in Dixon, where he mentored and taught welding to his students, which he called his "sweat hogs." In 1982 he and his wife moved back to Idaho after losing their eldest son "Stoney." While in Idaho he was employed by the Coeur d’Alene Tribal farms as a combine driver. He also managed the Coeur d’Alene Tribal service station in Tensed, Idaho. He retired from the employment force in 1983.

He ran for and was elected to the Coeur d’Alene Tribal Council where he served three terms, 1983-1991, until his health began to fail.

He traveled to Phoenix, Arizona with the Sacred Heart Mission as a Soldier of the Sacred Heart to see Pope John Paul, II. He was a strong believer and follower of the Catholic religion.

His health kept him pretty much home bound. He enjoyed being with his family, friends and listening to pow-wow music, stick game songs and hymns. He enjoyed his TV: watching wrestling, westerns, sports, "The Young and the Restless," and the Little League World Series.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Calvin Curley; sister Matilda Nomee; son Antoine "Stoney" Curley; and granddaughter Jessica Curley. Also leaving behind his loving wife, Ida, of 51 years; sister Martha Curley, Plummer, Id; children: Alieene "Boom" (Ozzie) George of Plummer, Id, Marie (Arnold) Torosian of St. Ignatius, Ida "Jr" (Donnie) Gustin of Worley, Id, Joanna Curley of Worley, Id, Clifford (Pam) Curley of Plummer, Id, Robert (Shelli) Curley of Worley, Id, Arnold (Dawnelle) Sorrell of St. Ignatius and 25 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and three on the way. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins were also left behind.

He was taken to the Rose Creek Longhouse in Worley, Id on Monday, October 13, with the Rosary being recited Tuesday. Mass of the Christian Burial was Wednesday, October 15 at the Rose Creek Longhouse with full military honors and burial at St. Michaels Cemetery in Worley, Id.

Peder " Pete" Jensen
RONAN — Peder " Pete" Jensen, age 61, passed away on Thursday, October 2, 2008 and was surrounded by his family at his home in Ronan. He was born June 16, 1947 in Missoula, to Millo and Fern "Bertelson" Jensen.

He grew up and attended schools in Ronan graduating with the Ronan High School class of 1966. Pete served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War serving four years and was discharged in 1970. He returned to Ronan and attended Missoula Vo-Tech and received a forestry surveying degree, after which he returned to work at Arnie’s Texaco. He married Marlena Parkey in January of 1971 in Weatherford, Texas.

Pete worked for Dick Wunderlich and Marvin Schiele before purchasing the Conoco station and started Pete’s Conoco and later added Jensen Oil and AJ Carwash. He continued to operate the business until early 1990’s. He built Suds-N-Duds in Ronan in 1999 and became Transportation Supervisor for School Dist #30, a position he currently held.

He was a former Boy Scout master, baseball commissioner, Airport Board member, Library Board member, Ronan City Council, Mission Mountain Country Club Golf Board, Pheasants Forever member, and a staunch supporter of Ronan Athletics. He loved biking, hunting, camping, taking care of his beautiful yard, four-wheeling and golfing. He truly loved Ronan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Sigrid Jensen.

He is survived by his wife Marlena of Ronan; daughters Jackie (Chad) Brooks of Helendale, CA., and Amy Jensen of Boise, ID; brother Nels (Cathy) Jensen of Ronan; sister Hansine Zayauskas of Chicago, IL; as well as family members and friends.

A memorial service was held on Sunday, October 5, 2008 in the Ronan High School with Pastor Rand Drollman and Rev. Karen McRae officiating. Arrangements and cremation were under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory. Condolences and guest book may be signed at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to "The Wheels on the Bus Scholarship Fund for Ronan Graduates." It will be established at Community Bank-Ronan.