Alda Zerr

Alda Pearl Zerr, of Whitefish, 86, passed away Aug. 16, 2009, at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center of complications due to pneumonia.

Alda was born on Feb. 8, 1923, in Kalispell, the daughter of Robert H. and Jennie McFadden. She grew up in Whitefish and graduated from Whitefish High School in 1941 and then worked as a switchboard operator at the Great Northern Railroad relay office.

She met Kenneth J. Stodden, of Butte, at a summer church camp on Flathead Lake, and the two were married on March 3, 1946. Their son Bradley was born in May 1947 and was joined by his sister Janis three years later.

Alda was widowed in 1955. In 1959, she married Jerold J. "Jack" Zerr, owner and manager of the Cadillac Hotel and the Hanging Tree restaurant in Whitefish. Their son Jeffrey was born in 1961.

Life with Jack was kept busy with his involvement in youth sports, especially baseball and Winter Carnival activities. He served as the first Whitefish Winter Carnival's king — Ullr I.

Again widowed in 1981, Alda retired from the railroad in 1983 as secretary to the assistant superintendent, with more than 33 years service.

Alda was active in the local Methodist Church, P.E.O. and the Order of the Eastern Star, but nothing brought more joy to her heart than "life itself É faith in God É my family and friends É reading and flower gardening." She traveled when she could to visit family and friends, often to Sun City, Calif., where Jack's parents lived.

Alda felt blessed to enjoy long life, good health and the privilege of living in her own home. Though she will be missed by family and many friends, they celebrate her remarkable life and selfless service to many in the community.

Alda was preceded in death by her father and mother; older sister Eva Marie, who died as a teenager; and both of her husbands.

She is survived by her brother Robert W. "Wayne" McFadden, of Whitefish; sons Brad Stodden, of Whitefish, and Jeff Zerr, of Boulder, Colo.; daughter Janis Olson and husband Gaylund, of Hebron, N.D.; grandsons Jeremy Olson and wife Billiejo, of Belgrade, and Glen Olson, presently studying medicine at the Uniform Services University in Bethesda, Md.; and five great grandchildren, also of Belgrade.

Cremation took place at Austin Funeral Home. A celebration of Alda's life will be observed on Friday, Aug. 21, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the Whitefish United Methodist Church at 1150 Wisconsin Avenue.

Carol Beausoliel

Carol Beausoliel, 79, a longtime Whitefish resident, died peacefully Aug. 11, 2009, at her home.

Carol was born in Marcelin, Saskatchewan, on April 26, 1930, the daughter of Ernest Boucher and Grace (Berube) Boucher and was raised educated in Marcelin.

She married John E. Beausoliel on July 9, 1952, in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, and came to Montana with him, living first in Havre and Libby before coming to Whitefish in 1954.

A devoted wife and mother, Carol was active in her community as well as her church. She served on the board of the Burlington Northern Credit Union (now Park Side Federal Credit Union) for 15 years and worked with the children in the reading program at Muldown Elementary School as well as a den mother for Cub Scouts. She was a long term member of St. Charles Borromeo Parish and the Altar Society in addition to serving as the church organist for more than 25 years.

A woman of many gifts and interests, Carol was a talented musician and seamstress, an avid reader, gardener and excellent cook, baker and hostess. She was a member of the Lady Conductors, Women of the Moose, Calamity Singers, Fortnightly Book Club and the last surviving member of Whitefish Sewing Club.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Kathleen and her husband John.

Surviving Carol are her children Sharon Beausoleil, of Watertown, N.Y., Robert (Bob) Beausoliel, of Portland, Ore., and Colette (Kitsie) Beausoliel, of Guam; sister Norma Fowler, of Edmonton, Alberta; grandson Michael Beausoliel, of Portland, Ore.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated Aug. 17, 2009, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, with Rev. Charles Roman as celebrant. The rite on interment followed at Glacier Memorial Gardens.

Lawrence Hudson

Lawrence F. (Larry) Hudson, 77, of Whitefish, died Aug. 12, 2009, at Whitefish Care & Rehabilitation Center.

Larry was born April 22, 1932, in Shelby to Charles F. Hudson and Hazel (Kohles' Hudson. He was raised and educated in Cut Bank.

He worked for a period of time for the Great Northern Railroad before entering the Navy in 1952. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Montana.

Larry came to Whitefish in the late 1950s, where he managed the Ted's Texaco service station. He later had worked for Car Quest and Valley Motors in Whitefish and Kalispell for many years until his retirement.

Survivors include his wife Nora; children Lynn, Kim and David; sisters Loretta Fauske and Dutch Porteus; four grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Private interment took place in Glacier Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.