Henry Russell "Rusty" Vandevanter
Henry Russell "Rusty" Vandevanter, age 88, died peacefully on Sunday July 17, 2005 in Kalispell, Montana.
He was born November 1916 in Niarada, Montana to Joseph and Myrtle (Hatfield) Vandevanter.
He attended schools in Hot Springs and Kalispell Montana.
In 1932 his family moved to Columbia Falls. Rusty was a veteran of Word War II in the Army Ground Forces. In 1945 he did his infantry replacement training at Camp Maxey, Texas. He was specially qualified for heavy weapons, and served a year in Hawaii. While in the service he took courses in crop management, animal husbandry and agricultural economics.
From 1932 to 1953, Rusty and his brother Gene owned and operated the Vandevanter Fur Farm. With the price of fur going down they turned to other interests. In 1945, they started Vandevanter Meats which today is still a family owned and operated business.
In 1953, Rusty, his brother Gene and cousin Harold Prouty started the Trap Zoo. That business stayed in the family until it closed in 1982.
He married Alma Beeson on August 30, 1956 in Missoula, Montana and made their home in Columbia Falls.
Rusty's bowling struck an avid interest from his children down to his grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, carpentry, camping, traveling in their motorhome, farming, rodeos, western books and spending time at their Echo Lake Cabin.
He especially enjoyed spending time with his beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Rusty is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Gene Vandevanter.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 48 years, Alma Vandevanter; one son, Ron Vandevanter; one daughter, Cindy Hudson and husband Steve all of Columbia Falls, three grandchildren; Jeremy Hudson of Wichita, Kan., Jeni Smith and husband Cruz of Kalispell, and Ronda Vandevanter of Columbia Falls, three great-grandsons, Braxton, Jayce and Dylan; one niece, Sharon and husband Jim Brittenham of Columbia Falls; and numerous relatives.
Cremation has taken place. At his request, there will be no formal services. An open house luncheon of family and friends will take place, August 13 at the family's Echo Lake cabin all day.
The family suggests donation be made in his name to Bad Rock Volunteer Fire Dept, P. O. Box 1428, Columbia Falls, MT 59912.
Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Rusty's family.
David Royce Beckedahl
David Royce Beckedahl, age 55, died July 21, 2005 at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.
Mr. Beckedahl was born on August 20, 1954 in Whitefish to the late Roy and Lou Beckedahl.
He was a long time employee at the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company. He resided in both Columbia Falls and Hungry Horse and was an avid outdoor enthusiast, spending many hours hunting and fishing with his family.
Survivors include his children, Andrea and Royce Beckedahl of Columbia Falls, twin brother Dean Beckedahl of Livermore, Calif., step-father Leo Ost of Whitefish and step-sister Carol Ost of Whitefish.
A memorial service will be held at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls on Friday, July 29, 2005 at 10 a.m.
Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is in charge of the arrangements.
Frank R. Allen
Frank R. Allen 39, of Troy, born July 24 1965 went to be with our father in heaven on July 22, 2005.
Frank was a loving son, brother and uncle who loved fishing, camping, and most of all loved to watch NASCAR races with his dad. He will be missed deeply and never be forgotten.
He is survived by his wonderful parents, Gary and Angie Allen of Troy, Mt., sisters Tammy Clark and husband Mike of Kennewick, Wash. and Tina Evans and husband Daryl of Priest River, ID. And three favorite nephews whom he thought the world of, Matt and Mark Evans and Shane Clark.
Services were held Wednesday at the Nelson and Vial Funeral Home Chapel in Libby.