Charles "Chuck" Shields, 56
Charles "Chuck" Shields, 56, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 4, 2008 of a heart attack in Kalispell, Montana. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Connie; son: Chuck, daughter: Cassie, parents: Jack and Shirley Shields; and a brother: Tim Shields.
Funeral services for Chuck will be held Friday, October 10, 2008 at 2 p.m. at Crossroads Christian Fellowship in Bigfork with Pastor Hal Curtis officiating. Visitation will be in the Johnson-Gloschat Chapel on Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the family available to greet friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Burial will be in the Bigfork Community Cemetery.
Johnson — Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Chuck's family.
Louis Crohn, age 92
Louis Crohn, age 92, of Bigfork, passed away on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell, Montana. He was born on February 25, 1916 in Antelope, Montana to William and Nellie (Brown) Crohn, the youngest of eight children.
Following graduation from Antelope Public Schools, he attended the University of Minnesota on a football scholarship. After a stint in the U.S. Army, he attended the University of Montana. Louis married Irene Smith in Missoula on October 15, 1939. They were a few days shy of celebrating their 69th wedding anniversary this year.
Louis was a contractor and left a legacy of many well-built houses and cabins in the area. His heavy construction experience began when he worked briefly as a young man on the construction of Fort Peck Dam. From that point on, he was involved with a number of dam and bridge projects in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. He had a very strong work ethic which was best described by his often repeated statement,"What you do in your spare time is how you get ahead. " He was a life member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (Kalispell) and a secretary of the organization for a number of years. Louis was also a lifetime member and Past Master of the Bigfork Masonic Lodge #150 AF & AM. After joining the Masonic Order, he became a member of the local York Rite and the Shriners.
Louis' "hobbies" were always work related; two prime examples were constructing any type of dwelling and pouring cement. But, one other hobby emerged later in his life. He began tinkering with cars that needed more than a spring tune-up, and fully renovated a '47 Dodge.
Louis and Irene joined an Old Car Club and drove the old Dodge on many jaunts in Montana with other club members.
In the mid-1970's, Louis and Irene began spending winters in a comfortable home he built for them in Quartsite, AZ. They loved the flavor of the nearby desert and enjoyed many camping and rock hunting trips with friends. They also traveled to various historical sites in the state to satisfy Louis' love of history.
While they wintered in AZ, Louis satisfied a life-long love of music and began writing songs. Some of his songs were performed by musicians at informal concerts (Desert Music) in Quartsite.
Louis was preceded in death by his parents, and seven brothers and sisters and two great-grandsons.
He is survived by his wife Irene Crohn of Bigfork, MT and his two daughters, Rita Ford and husband Ken of Gig Harbor, WA and Kathy McAllister and husband Bruce of Kalispell, MT; two grandchildren, Jessica Takehara and Aaron Ford; three great grandsons and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial Services for Louis will be held on Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. at the Bigfork Masonic Lodge with Pastor Ron Pierce officiating. Masonic Committal services will be conducted by the Bigfork Masonic Lodge #150 AF & AM. Urn burial will be at 3 p.m. at Lonepine Cemetery in Bigfork. There will be no visitation. The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to Shodair Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 5539, Helena, MT 59604. The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Lakeview Care Center in Bigfork.
Johnson - Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Louis' family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Louis' guest book.
Matthew Scott Emslie, 27
Matthew Scott Emslie, 27, passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2008 as the result of a motor vehicle accident near Ferndale, Montana. He was born on May 27, 1981 in Ludington, Michigan to Scott Robert and Anna May (Wysocki) Emslie.
Matthew was a devoted son and brother. He will be greatly missed. Matthew graduated from Bigfork High School and continued his education receiving his Bachelor's Degree in History from the University of Montana. He has been working for several years for Vern Smith and his sons as a house painter.
He loved sports and was a member of the State Champion Baseball Team for Senior League Alaska in 1996; in 1998-99 went to the Montana State Tournament in Basketball; was an All-State Senior Tight-end for the Bigfork Football team in 1999; and was the MVP on Offense in the Shrine Bowl.
Matt enjoyed traveling and camping. He had just returned from Honduras and was planning on moving there in December.
Matthew was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents: Yvonne and Alexander Wysocki. He is survived by his parents: Scott Robert and Anna May (Wysocki) Emslie; a brother: Adam Emslie; a sister: Amanda Emslie and his paternal grandparents: Bob and Shirley Emslie.
The family would like to thank the Bigfork QRU and Fire Department for their care and compassion.
Johnson - Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Matt's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Matt's guest book.
Sean Michael Purcell, 26
Sean Michael Purcell, age 26, passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2008 as the result of a motor vehicle accident near Ferndale, Montana. He was the adored and loving son born in Kalispell, Montana on January 15, 1982 to Dan and Pam (Morton) Purcell.
Sean attended Bigfork Elementary and Bigfork High School graduating in 2000. He went on to attend Carroll College, Flathead Valley Community College and the University of Montana in Missoula. At the time of Sean's death he was employed as a builder for Calaway Construction, Inc of Bigfork, Montana. He was a hard worker and thoroughly enjoyed his trade.
Sean participated in football, basketball, golf and baseball through his school years. He was selected to the Montana High School All Star-Football Team that traveled to Australia and participated in the "Down Under Bowl " in 2000. That same year he attended Carroll College on a football scholarship and played one year for the saints. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, rafting, hunting and camping with his life long buddies.
Sean was kind, gentle and had a heart of gold. He was always willing to help others. He had a wonderful smile that lit up everyone. He will be sorely missed. Thanks for the wonderful memories, Sean-man.
Sean was preceded in death by his great grandparents: Paul and Mattie Morton, grandparents: Francis and Frances Purcell, uncles: Gary Morton and Mike Purcell and aunt: Maureen Purcell. He is survived by his parents Dan and Pam Purcell of Bigfork, MT; one sister: Amy Campbell and husband Seth; and nephew Grady Campbell all of Liberty lake, WA; maternal grandparents: Dee and LaVera Morton of Bigfork, MT; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
The family suggests that memorials donations be made to the Bigfork Ambulance/QRU, P.O. Box 2020, Bigfork, MT 59911 or the Ferndale Rural Fire District, 100 Ferndale Drive, Bigfork, MT 59911.
Johnson" Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Sean's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Sean's guest book.
George Wallace "Wally" Boss Jr., 43
George Wallace "Wally" Boss Jr., 43, passed away on Monday, October 6, in Woods Bay, Montana. Memorial Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 11 at the Crossroads Community Church in Bigfork. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.
Dearl Lee Beene, 57
Dearl Beene left this world September 25, 2008 after losing his battle with cancer. Dearl lived his life to the fullest, sometimes "rolling" three days into one.
He was a master Jack-of-all-trades leaving many examples of his craftsmanship and art. He soothed many souls with his talent as a singer/songwriter and his zest for life.
Dearl will be missed my many friends and family but especially by his Mom, three sisters; four children, Johnny, Jody, Jared and James Beene; two grandchildren and his last love, Connie. Dearl was truly a unique soul who loved God and life.