For the Record
July 2011

David Alexander Durgeloh, Sr.
ST. IGNATIUS — David Alexander Durgeloh Sr. (aka TLC), 55, of Charlo was born February 28, 1956 and passed July 24, 2011 at St. Patrick's Hospital surrounded by family and friends.

In his early years he lived in St. Ignatius and attended Ursulines Catholic School, Saint Ignatius High School, and was one of the first to attend Two Eagle River School in Dixon. Dave met Kathy Bryer while in High School. They had their daughter Jule on January 18, 1975. Dave later married Darlene Bourdon in December 1975, and their son David Durgeloh, Jr. was born October 2, 1976. They were married 14 years.

Dave attended Police Academy in Mirana, Az. in 1986. He was a Tribal Game Warden, a Police Officer for the Town of St. Ignatius, a Tribal Officer, a Port Susan camping club park ranger in Marysville, Washington, and served a total of 23 years in law enforcement. He worked for the Hungry Horse Archeological Project Investigation as a Cultural Technician and Advisor. On February 14, 1997, Dave married his wife and soul mate, Kelly Burrell. He then worked for the Tribal Preservation Department from August 1999 to February 2002. He was a Fire Look Out on most of the lookouts on the reservation.

He was an avid mechanic, inventor, and pirate radio operator.

He loved his trips to bingo and Jackpot, NV with his mom. He also enjoyed karaoke, hunting, fishing, camping, picking berries and roots and spending time with his family, especially riding his motorcycles. He was a sled dog racer with 32 dogs. He ran the Seeley Lake Race and the Hamilton Run. He attended pow-wows with his dad, and was a member of the Sny?lemn and Pistol Creek drum groups. He was a strong believer in Native Culture.

He was preceded in death by grandparents Adele Chalwain and Conrad Durgeloh and Elsie and Alexander Courville; parents William Durgeloh and Delores Ramsey; nephew Billy Joe Lumpry; cousin Kyle Trahan and many aunts, uncles, and other relatives.

He is survived by his wife of 14 years Kelly Durgeloh of the family home in Charlo; daughter Jule (Shane) Steele of Spokane; and his son David Jr. of St. Ignatius. He is also survived by brothers Francis (Joann) and Bull (Peggy) and sisters Rose, Jolene and Adele; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Cremation followed the services.

Wesley William Benn
ST. IGNATIUS — Wesley William Benn was born May 21, 1976 at Crow Agency, and was taken from us July 25, 2011. He is survived by his Mother Jolene Durgeloh, Pablo and father Ivan Benn, St. George, Utah; brother Justin Benn (Victoria Malatare); GodDaughter Vallissa; niece Adela and nephews Justin, Jr. and D'shaun, Polson; step-father Marvin Bourdon, Pablo; step-sisters Sherry Daley, Hardin and Mitchie Bourdon, Pablo. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his great grandparents Conrad and Adele Durgeloh, Elsie and Alexander Courville; grandparents William Durgeloh and Delores Ramsey, and Franklin and Gene Benn of Cedar City, Utah; step grandparents Columbus "Sibs" and Frances Bourdon; uncle Dave Durgeloh, Sr.; cousins Billy Lumpry, Jimmy Zackuse, Kyle Durglo, and Arlyn Lumpry.

He graduated from St. Ignatius High School in 1994. He attended SKC for one year, than went to May Tech in Billings.

He worked at Angela's Pawn, and then moved on to the position of Multimedia Manager for the Tribal Preservation Department. He was an avid videographer and gamer. He loved spending time with his yaya going to bingo.

His wake was last Thursday at the Community Center in St. Ignatius. Rosary was held Friday. Wake closing was held on Saturday with internment at Snyelmn Cemetery in Saint Ignatius.

George Vulles
ST. IGNATIUS — George Vulles, 75, of St. Ignatius, passed away of natural causes at St. Patrick’s Hospital, Missoula, on Monday, July 18, 2011. He was born Jan. 8, 1936 in Plains and was the youngest of ten children born to Daisy (Meljie) and Mike Vulles.

Growing up he lived and attended school in Twin Bridges, Perma, and Mullan, Idaho. Shortly after his 17th birthday, he enlisted in the Army, serving stateside. Throughout his lifetime he worked at many jobs, but mostly on road construction and forest fire fighting.

George moved to the St. Ignatius area about 1970. After settling there he often did house sitting for many different people he knew. For a time he was a volunteer for the St. Ignatius Ambulance Service. Over the past several years, he could usually be found sitting at the counter at the Old Timer Cafe or one of the many other restaurants in the valley, drinking coffee, and reading or visiting with his many friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents and seven brothers, Bobby, Mike, Don, Sam, Steve, Melvin, and Val. He is survived by his sisters Darlene (Glen Rummel) of Plains and Dorothy Walbridge of Mullan, Idaho; several nieces and nephews; and Wes and Sandy MacDonald of Polson; and their daughter, Traci (Darrin) Reid of Missoula, who he always said were his family.

George requested no formal services. Military honors will be presented at the St. Ignatius Senior Citizen Center, on Saturday, July 30, at noon, with a luncheon following.

A full obituary can be viewed and messages of condolence may be sent at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson considers it a privilege to care for Mr. Vulles’ family.

Kary L. Comeslast
POLSON — Kary L. Comeslast, 41, of Polson, passed away on Friday, July 15, 2011 at his home.

Kary was born on February 24, 1970, in Wolf Point, and was the son of Percy Comeslast and Dayle Cline. He was a 1988 graduate of Kalispell High School and later was a squad leader in the US Army until his discharge. He was also an enrolled member of the Sioux and Assiniboine Tribes of the Ft. Peck Reservation.

Kary worked many jobs including construction, truck driving, and general laborer. He enjoyed fishing, reading, and especially helping his neighbors, friends, and relatives.

He is preceded in death by his father, Percy, and an uncle, Douglas Cline.

Kary leaves behind his precious four year-old daughter, Keya Rose Jones; his mother, Dayle Cline of Riverside, CA; three uncles, David Cline, Donald Cline, and Darryl Cline; an aunt, Diane Cline Johnson, and numerous cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Kary’s name to the Circle of Trust Suicide Prevention Program in Lake County.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, July 23 at Grogan Funeral Home. A reception will follow at the funeral home.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for Kary’s family.

Dorothy Eneas Felsman
ARLEE — Dorothy Eneas Felsman passed away July 15, 2011 at her home in Jocko. Born September 10, 1932 in St. Ignatius to Joseph and Catherine Eneas and a member of the confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Dorothy lived on the Flathead Indian reservation her whole life. On her 18th birthday, Dorothy married Harold Felsman. Cattle ranchers, with milk cows and chickens laying eggs; large gardeners, trading for what they needed; their home was open to all in need, always a hot cup of coffee awaited you! Dorothy loved to fish, pick huckleberries, dig roots, bead, being in the mountains, playing stickgame at her Dad’s side, traveling, casino trips, visiting and laughing with family and friends.

Dorothy was strong in her faith, very involved in Kateri Tekawitha Ministry, and always willing to listen, and if needed give advise to family and friends. She would see the best in everyone who crossed her path. She worked for the Arlee School District for 27 years as a Home School Coordinator and Salish Language Teacher. She received several awards in her life, most prideful of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Lifetime Achievement and Teacher of the Year; as well she received an Honorary Degree from Salish Kootenai College.

Dorothy was loved and respected by the children she worked for, and continued conversing with them in the Salish language. She volunteered her time and energy to teach Salish hymns and prayers, to one and all who wanted to learn. A silent leader with a gentle quiet strength!

She is proceeded in death by her parents Joseph and Catherine Eneas; her husband Harold Felsman; siblings Marvin, Louie, Ben, Issac, Mike; son Charlie Felsman; and uncles Pete Eneas and Blind Mose.

She is survived by son Joseph (Jeanie) Felsman and daughter Kathryn Felsman of St. Ignatius; her second husband Clarence Hunter of Jocko; grandson Jason Felsman; and two great grandchildren, all of Wisconsin

A rosary was held Sunday evening, with the Mass being celebrated on Monday at the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission. Burial followed in the Jocko Cemetery.

Scott Randall Burnett
ARLEE — Scott Randall Burnett, 53, passed away near East Glacier on July 11, 2001.

Scott was born in Missoula on March 16, 1958, to Clinton and Bonnie Burnett. He was raised in Arlee and graduated early from high school in 1976 to begin his lifelong career in construction, where he contributed to building many notable bridges and structures throughout Montana and the Northwest. He attended Montana State University and loved learning. He was an avid reader, always striving to improve himself.

Scott served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Tempe, Ariz., Mission. He married his sweetheart Colleen Free on March 19, 1984, in the Salt Lake Temple. Scott loved to laugh and visit with friends and acquaintances and was happiest when working to help others.

Scott constantly served both those he was closest to and random strangers with compassion and charity. His life was defined by his love and devotion to family, especially his wife and children. He will be missed greatly.

Scott was preceded in death by his son Christopher and is survived by his wife Colleen of Arlee; daughter Michelle Peterson of Minneapolis; grandsons Gavin and Blake Peterson of Minneapolis; son Adam Burnett of Barrow, Alaska; daughters April and Melody Burnett of Arlee; parents Clint and Bonnie Burnett of Arlee; sisters Monica Burnett and Renee Howlett (John) of Barrow; brother Clay Burnett and brother Darren Burnett (RaeLyn) of Logan, Utah; and hundreds of beloved extended family members.

Services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 16 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in St. Ignatius. Condolences may be left at fosterfhandcrematory.com

Margaret Louise Sanchez
ARLEE — Margaret Louise Sanchez, 49, of Arlee, passed away Friday, July 8, 2011, following a second battle with breast cancer.

Margaret was born Sept. 13, 1961, in Missoula and was a lifelong resident of Arlee.

She was a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and the San Felipe Pueblo of New Mexico. She proudly represented CSKT at powwows across the nation, wining the titles of Miss NCAI and Miss Flathead. Margaret passed on her proud heritage and traditions to her children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren. She was a member of many drumming and singing groups throughout her powwow days and had a beautiful voice that was easily recognized by many.

Margaret was a very caring person who leant a helping hand to anyone who needed it, often sacrificing her needs to help others. She worked for CSKT Tribal Health for over 20 years. In this capacity, she was able to be part of ensuring that the health needs of all tribal members were being met.

Margaret is survived by her mother Clarice King; sister Juanita Sanchez; brother David Sanchez; three children, Arnold, Felicite and Bronson McDonald; and her beloved grandchildren Laurencia, Ardon, Acacia, Vicente, Dustry, Avery and Garrian.

A rosary service was held Monday, July 11, at the Arlee Community Center, where services took place Tuesday, July 12, with the burial at the Jocko Cemetery. A luncheon followed at the community center.

Stephanie Nicole Parker-Shepard
ST. IGNATIUS — Stephanie Nicole Parker-Shepard, 21, passed away from injuries sustained in an auto accident on July 2, 2011 on Highway 93 near Spring Creek.

A member of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribe, Stephanie was born in Ronan on September 17, 1989 to Chyrel Matt and Frank Parker. She was raised and educated in California, Oregon and the St. Ignatius area. After receiving her education, she met Vincent Shepard and they started their family.

Stephanie worked for the Tribes in the Salish Curriculum Development at the Fatherhood program. She was a Mary K lady for a while, but her family was her life. She loved her babies and was an excellent mother. She beaded and had made an outfit and moccasins for them already. She was probably the best potato salad maker and was an excellent cook. Stephanie enjoyed shopping as well as being in the woods. A basketball player in high school she loved basketball and her "Basketball Jones" with all her heart. Stephanie loved being with her family.

She was preceded in death by her great grandparents Margaret Matt Finley, Lucy Parker and Mitch Smallsalmon and a sister-in-law Heather.

She is survived by her spouse Vinnie; her children Baby Vinnie and Leelyn; her parents Frank (Mary Jo) Parker and Chyrel Matt of St. Ignatius; grandparents Barb (Henry) Christie, Harry (Myrna) Salois, Carol Wood and Cleight Licht, and Victor (Judy) Matt; brothers and sisters Mitchell Parker and his children Cruze and Baby Mitch, Frank Parker Jr., Mike Garcia, Sammy Jo Garcia, Alea Tucker, Matthew (Brittany) Parker and their children baby Matthew, Zaydence and Dalen, Yolanda (Jay) Smith, Eugene Michael Parker, Derian and Faith Ann Parker; many adopted brothers and sisters; mother-in-law Andrea Adams-McDonald; brothers and sister-in-laws Brendan Adams and children D'Shawn, Jamian, Keggan; Gabriel (Bethany) Shepard and child Tre, Calvin (Karmen) Shepard and child Lola and Isabelle Pablo; as well as large extended family from the Blackfeet and the Salish and Kootenai Reservations.

A wake began last Friday at in the St. Ignatius Community Center. Funeral services were held Monday in the Center with burial following in the Adams Family Cemetery.

Condolences may be left at and a complete obituary may be viewed at fosterfhandcrematory.com.

Paulette Faye Morigeau O’Neill
POLSON — Paulette Faye Morigeau O’Neill was born in Missoula on May 15, 1949 to John A and Phyllis (Wood) Morigeau. She left us to join our Heavenly Father on July 2, 2011 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. She was surrounded by her family.

Paulette graduated from Polson High School in 1967. While in attendance she participated in band and choir. She also attended the Las Angeles Baptist Bible College and toured with their choral group.

Paulette and her best friend Linda Eldridge lived in San Diego for two years where they worked and enjoyed seeing beautiful California.

She started her family in 1969 with the birth of her daughter Tammy, and with the birth of her son Brian she completed her family in 1977. Meanwhile, she continued her career as a partner of a small business. After her children were raised, she fulfilled her dream of moving back to Polson. At that time she completed her education with an Associate’s Degree through SKC. Paulette then went on to work for the Tribe as an IIM Accounting Technician. She worked for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe for more than 10 years. Paulette also volunteered her time at the Lake County Boys and Girls Club where she was a Secretary and Board Member.

She is preceded in death by her father John A. Morigeau and her brother Ben F. Morigeau.

She is survived by her mother Phyllis Morigeau Piper; daughter Tammy Hayrynen; son Brian O’Neill (Jasmine); and grandchildren Ryan, Skyler, Audryanna, Kailyn, Naithan and Braedyn. She is also survived by her sisters Laura, June, Peggy and her Honorary sister/soulmate Linda Eldridge; sister-in-law Diane Morigeau; and many friends and family.

At the request of Paulette, please no flowers. Send memorials to American Cancer Society, Home Options of Lake County (Hospice) and/or the Boys and Girls Club of the Flathead Reservation and Lake County (PO Box 334, Ronan, MT 59864) in her name.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 9, 2011 at 1 p.m. at the Polson Community Church in Polson.

Condolences may be left to the family on-line at www.groganfuneralhome.com.