Sunday, January 23, 2005; Jack Homer Doty, Samuel Vulles, Agnes Josephine Hanzel Coburn, Robert C. Honodel, Daniel M. Rambur, Grace Thompson, Helen Pietsch, Kent Pederson, Cleo Mildred Fehlberg Barrie

Jack Homer Doty

MISSOULA - Dr. Jack Homer Doty passed away sleeping peacefully in his home on Sunday, Jan. 16, 2005. He was 80 years old.

Jack was a gentleman, a scholar, a professor, an avid outdoorsman, an adventurer, a Rotarian and most of all, a devoted father and husband.

Born in Minneapolis on May 5, 1924, Jack was a highly respected and beneficial member of his community. His college years at the University of Minnesota were interrupted by World War II, during which time he proudly served his country as Navy executive officer of the USS LCT 898. Jack was awarded the Philippine Liberation Medal and Presidential Unit Citation by U.S. Congressman Rick Hill for his brave action in Mindanao and Borneo.

On Sept. 3, 1945, Jack married his best friend and beloved wife Helen Gillespie and the happy couple was soon blessed with four sons.

As a husband and father, Jack completed his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering, his MBA at Harvard University and his Ph.D. in business management at the University of Minnesota. After serving for several years as a professor at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, Jack took a position as professor of management in the School of Business Administration at the University of Montana.

Taking a leave of absence from 1968 to 1970, he was granted the first of three Fulbright Scholarships for a position as professor and management department head at Haile Salassie I University in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Following that wonderful experience, Jack returned to the University of Montana for three more years before being granted his second Fulbright Scholarship for the position of management at the University in Lusaka, Zambia, from 1974-1977. Helen and their sons enjoyed being with him for these exciting times in Africa.

Jack spent the next 11 years at the University of Petroleum and Minerals in Daharan, Saudi Arabia. He completed his foreign career with another three-year stay in Africa where he was hired to design and manage the entire new master's program in business at the university in Gabarone, Botswana.

Much of Jack and Helen's free time during the many years abroad was spent on safari. Jack was never daunted by extreme weather while out in the desert nor set back by occasional breakdowns or getting stuck in his trusted Land Rover. Jack was always prepared for every seemingly impossible circumstance. Moreover, Jack and Helen never went without an elegant, candlelit, multi-course dinner each evening no matter where they found themselves.

Jack's family and friends greatly enjoyed his amazing slide show presentations which demonstrated his high level of talent both as a photographer and historian. Whether presenting African adventures or Saudi Arabian rock art, Jack was able to capture the true soul of his vision and depth of experience. His enthusiasm to share his adventures and knowledge was always met with profound gratitude from everyone lucky enough to attend. Jack's significant and unusual photographic collection of virtually inaccessible rock art from around the world was highly prized, as was his knowledge of the history behind each piece. He was delighted to oblige when asked to give petroglyph presentations at various venues around the United States.

Jack was actively involved in many organizations including Rotary, University Area Homeowners Association, Pachyderm Club, Safari Club, and American Rock Art Research Association. He was also a longstanding member of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit.

With his wife Helen by his side, Jack spent much of his retirement time at his favorite place, their "Triple Canyon Ranch" at Rock Creek. As recently as late November, Jack was vigorously and happily hunting, fishing, camping and hiking there. Often lovingly referred to as "Action Jackson," an apt nickname since he never ceased to take full advantage of every moment to enjoy life, he especially enjoyed and loved these outdoor experiences during his very full and accomplished 80 years.

Jack is survived by his wife Helen of Missoula and four sons, Chip of Missoula, Paul (Tina) of Denver, John Doty (Connie) of Polson and Mark Doty (Laura) of Corvallis; brother Bill Doty of Palm Springs, Calif.; sister-in-law Joan Gillespie of Missoula; seven grandchildren; and many friends around the world.

There will be a service held to celebrate his life at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 24.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Rock Creek Trust, P.O. Box 8953 Missoula, MT 59807.

Samuel Vulles

PLAINS - Samuel Vulles, 83, a longtime resident of Plains, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2005, at Clark Fork Valley Nursing Home.

He was born on May 11, 1921, in Perma, the son of Mike and Daisy Mae (Melgie) Vulles. He grew up and attended country school near Perma.

As a young man, Sam joined the Civilian Conservation Corps camp. He made the most of his days there including developing an outstanding work ethic, making many friends and even boxing undefeated as a welterweight.

After graduating from the camp, Sam enlisted in the U.S. Army on July 30, 1942, at Fort Douglas, Utah. He bravely served our country on nine invasion campaigns as a member of the 1st Special Amphibious Brigade during World War II. For his efforts, Sam was awarded several medals, including a good conduct medal during the Pacific campaign. He was honorably discharged on Sept. 22, 1945, at Fort Cooke, Calif.

After the service, Sam made his way back to Montana where he began his working life. He spent time with the railroad, in the woods and the last 35-40 years in the sawmills. Sam loved working and it fit well for him. He took pride in his work and was known for being as tough as they come.

Those who knew him well knew that he was the world's biggest fan of auction sales; he could always find room to store another acquisition. Sam also loved to hunt, fish and shoot all types of guns. Other interests included dancing and listening to country and gospel music.

Just recently, Sam was honored as a 50-year member of the Masons.

He will be remember as a loving, devoted, and caring father and grandfather. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents; three older brothers, Bob, Donald and Mike; three younger brothers, Steve, Valadmir and Melvin; and a daughter, Memphis Darlene.

He is survived by his son, Gary and his wife Donna of Plains; his daughter, Ann Vulles and her friend Mike of Seattle; a brother, George of St. Ignatius; two sisters, Darlene Rummel and her husband Glen of Plains and Dorothy Wahlbridge of Kellogg, Idaho; three granddaughters, Ramah Vulles and boyfriend Mike of Polson, Samantha Vulles and boyfriend Fernando of Plains and Ashton Vulles of Plains; two great-grandchildren, Chandon and Alijandra; and numerous nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved.

Viewing for family and friends will be 1-7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 24, at the Bunch-Toews Chapel in Plains. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Plains Alliance Church. Burial will be at Plains Cemetery.

Bunch-Toews Chapel of Plains is in charge of the arrangements.

Agnes Josephine Hanzel Coburn

OVANDO - Agnes Josephine Hanzel Coburn died Jan. 13, 2005, at her home near Ovando.

Agnes Josephine Hanzel Coburn was born on Aug. 31, 1914, in Dolan, S.D. At age 3, she moved with the family to Ovando. They came by train to Potomac and then by sled to Ovando in April 1917. Ed Galligan drove the team and later became a brother-in-law.

She was baptized into the Catholic Church at Helmville in 1920.

She walked to school at Warren Creek with her sisters, Marian and Helen, and Helma Jacobsen, a cousin of Peter Jacobsen. The last day of school, while the students and teacher were gone, the school burned down. To finish the schooling, the students had to go to Ovando School.

After school, Agnes worked with her father doing whatever there was to do: sawing logs, piling wood or whatever. She became very adept at all kinds of outdoor work.

Later she drove the stage from Ovando to Woodworth for several years.

In 1948, she married Earl John Coburn on Christmas Day in the family home. They raised cattle and did some farming. They did logging and trucking for 20 years.

Agnes was baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church later.

She was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Mary Hanzel; her husband Earl; and her sisters, Sophie Schafer, Martha Jacobsen, Bertha Galligan, Rose Watts, Marian Sampson and Helen Petersen.

There will be no memorial service at her request.

Robert C. Honodel

LOLO - Dr. Robert C. Honodel, 83, of Lolo, passed away on Jan. 12, 2005, at Community Medical Center after an extended illness.

He was born Feb. 27, 1921, in Washington, D.C., to Frank and Audney Honodel. Bob was raised and educated in Musey, Ind., until the age of 15, when the family moved to Bremerton, Wash., where he graduated from Bremerton High School.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Following his discharge from the Navy, he attended Pullman (Wash.) College of Pharmacy, graduating with honors. He then attended medical school at the University of Oregon and went to Detroit for his internship for obstetrics and gynecology.

He practiced in Oregon for a short time before being called up for duty in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, where he served at Malmstrom Air Force Base. In 1957, he started practicing in Missoula, and retired in 1981.

He married Claire "Jean" Brown on Dec. 17, 1970, in Missoula and she survives at the family home.

Bob was an avid reader and enjoyed airplanes and woodworking. He also loved hunting.

He was preceded in death by son Robert Jr. in 1992 and sister Charlotte in October 2004.

He is survived by his wife Claire "Jean" at the family home; one son, Scott L. Honodel of Spokane; a daughter, Sue Radmaker (Mark), also of Spokane; a brother, Jack Honodel of Bremerton; sister Elsie Lamb of Edmonds, Wash.; grandchildren Keith Radmaker, Sara Radmaker, Darin Honodel, Rachel Honodel and Shooni and Angie Honodel; two great-grandchildren; three stepchildren, Janie Rae Wallace of Portland, Ore., Roberta K. Smedrud (Duane) of Shelby and Buddy Vernon Brown (Debbie) of Missoula; six step-grandchildren; and eight step-great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Feb. 26, at the Lolo Community Church with the Rev. Jeff Boschmann officiating. A reception will follow at the church. Family burial services will be in Shelby.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Garden City Funeral Home and Crematory.

Daniel M. Rambur

MISSOULA - Daniel Mathias Rambur passed away on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2005, of a heart attack.

Dan, aka Grumps and G.P. (Grandpa), was born on Jan. 28, 1937, in Sidney. He was the son of Antone and Jesse (Cox) Rambur.

He served in the National Guard and the Air Force.

He married Eilene Boles on July 15, 1955. They moved their family from Sidney to Missoula in 1970 and built their life here.

Dan worked for Bakke Tire for around 30 years until his retirement in December 2003. Never being able to sit still, he went back to work at Car Quest in October 2004. Dan was a great handyman who was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone and everyone.

He took great pride in all of his grandchildren and his pets. He was a great husband and father and will be missed forever.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Dave Rambur, and his daughter, Lori Rambur Large, both of Missoula; and a nephew, Steve Rambur of Toppenish, Wash.

He is survived by his wife Eilene, daughter Marcia and her husband Todd Robertson and their son Trae, son-in-law Scott Large and granddaughters Jessica Large and her boyfriend Lee Baldwin, and Kayla Large, all of Missoula; daughter Betty Mowery of Great Falls; his grandsons, Sgt. Shane Hiatt, stationed in Iraq, Marty Hiatt of Great Falls and his sons Austin and Caleb, Nathan Hiatt and his fiancee Heather Daviau and his kids Chris, Joey and Savannah; son Dustin and his wife Tracey and their son Devin; sister and brother-in-law Mary and Bob Sheehan; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Leila "Babe" and Tom Micheletto and Ben and Shirley Boles; nieces and nephews including Troy Sheehan, Brian and Andrea Sheehan, Carol and Glen Richhards, Tommy and Loni Micheletto, Debbie and Chris Slater, Randy and Tammy Micheletto, Mike and Patti Micheletto, Kevin and Daphne Boles and Theresa and Eddy Praley; and many great-nieces, great-nephews and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 25, at Sunset Funeral Home. Inurnment with military honors will follow at Sunset Memorial Cemetery. A reception will follow at a family member's home.

"You will be missed and we love you!"

Grace Thompson

HAMILTON - Grace Thompson passed away peacefully in the company of family after a long illness on Thursday morning, Jan. 20, 2005, at the Marcus Daly Center for Hospice and Palliative Care in Hamilton.

Grace was born in Wilford, Fremont County, Idaho, to William Carl and Emily Allen Priestley on Jan. 29, 1917. She grew up in poverty, the eldest of seven children. She attended grade school in Wisdom.

Grace married Lester Irvin Thompson on Oct. 12, 1932, and they had three children, Clinton, Irvin "Bud" and Carla.

The family briefly lived in Wisdom, Alberton, Plains, Paradise and Felt, Idaho, following job opportunities before settling in Darby. During her early married life Grace played piano with a band for community dances. She also did seasonal work bundling Christmas trees.

In 1951, Grace had a key roll in researching and claiming what was to become a successful fluorspar mine on Crystal Mountain in the Rye Creek area of the East Fork in the south Bitterroot Valley. By the end of 1952, 200 tons of high-grade ore were being shipped daily to the U.S. Steel plant in Orem, Utah.

In 1953, Grace and Lester adopted her deceased sister Dorothea's children, Thea and Deanne.

In 1955, the Thompsons bought a large ranch near Woodside and operated it until they retired and moved to Hamilton in 1969.

Grace was an excellent seamstress and loved doing handiwork. She sewed clothes, crocheted or embroidered beautiful tablecloths, knitted sweaters and made countless afghans, coats, mittens, hats and other gifts. After her family was well-stocked she took pleasure in knitting dozens of hats and mittens for charity each year.

Grace enjoyed being active outdoors and kept lovely flower gardens. She and Lester spent many summers fishing for salmon in Idaho and Canada, also traveling to Alaska and Mexico to fish.

She was an avid bowler and golfer for many years. She liked watching baseball on television and playing cards. She excelled at crossword puzzles and enjoyed oil painting in her later years. She took a dream trip to New Zealand in later years. She was known as a hard-worker, and her memory, wit and intellect remained sharp throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, her son Clinton, her daughter-in-law Jeanne, her parents and five younger siblings.

She is survived by son Bud Thompson (Gae) of Hamilton; daughters Carla Hendrickson (Rex) of Victor, Thea McKinney (Larry) of West Jordan, Utah, and Deanne Dixon (Roger) of Highland, Utah; and her brother, L. Dean Priestley (Nohemy) of Helena. She has 18 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 25, at the Daly-Leach Chapel, 1010 W. Main, Hamilton. Burial will be at the Lone Pine Cemetery in Darby beside her husband. A short reception will be held at the Daly-Leach community room following the interment service.

Honorary pallbearers will be Bud Thompson, Dean Priestley and Grace's 18 grandchildren.

The Thompson family expresses their deep appreciation to her many caregivers over the years and most recently at Discovery Care Centre where she spent her last three years.

The family suggests any memorials be made to the Marcus Daly Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton, MT 59840; the American Heart Association; or to the giver's choice.

Helen Pietsch

1915 - 2005

MISSOULA - Helen Pietsch, 89, a resident of Minot, N.D., for 85 years, passed away on Jan. 14, 2005, in Missoula.

Her spirit had been weakened and her heart broken with Ernie's passing on Nov. 22, 2004. She so missed "her Ernie." They had been soul mates for 67 years. Their lives were so beautifully interwoven that her memorial tribute so closely parallels his.

The name Pietsch is pronounced "peach" and they were known as a pair of North Dakota Peaches. Her life, like Ernie's, was a full, rich book.

Helen was born on the family farm in Minot on June 29, 1915, to Nathan Smith and Kathrene Kleinsasser Smith. Nathan's father, Robert Martin Smith, of Latrobe, Pa., a mining community, was a handsome and charming Irish immigrant. He met the lovely Mary Estella Chambers and despite their differences in wealth and social status, she fell in love with the young coal miner. Mary Estella took great pride in being a Daughter of the American Revolution as her great-grandfather was Daniel Leasure. They married and had five children.

Mary Estella's close brother, known as "Uncie," was diagnosed with acute asthma and advised to go out west to take a prairie cure. Uncie, who was only 20, did not want to make the journey by himself so Mary Estella sent her son, Nathan, out west with him. It was to her husband's surprise to find out that his young 10-year-old son Nathan had gone to North Dakota. It would appear that time had diminished Mary Estella's loving heart.

Helen's mother Kathrene was born in South Dakota. Her parents, Paul Kleinsasser and Marie Fast Kleinsasser, were forced out of Germany into Russia because of their religious and political views. While in Russia, they were respected as good farmers for their skills working in poor soil conditions. Eventually they immigrated to Freeman, S.D., and later moved to North Dakota.

Kathrene and Nathan met at a dance when Kate was only 16 and Nate was 20. They had five children, Harry, Bud, Alice, Dolly and Helen. Their livelihood was the hard work of homesteading. Growing up, Helen worked in the fields side by side with her father and brothers as well as helping her mom and sisters with the household tasks.

During the winter months, she had to trudge through snowdrifts to get to the tiny one-room schoolhouse. She recalled getting the lessons of the day while sitting on a long bench with slate and chalk in hand. Helen also had a daredevil side. When it snowed, she and her sister, Alice, would slide down the barn roofs on their wooden sleds. They took no heed of the family warnings, and for the thrill, a few slivers never mattered.

Helen grew into a lovely, spunky young woman with a full head of curls. Her feat of standing up, riding bareback on her horse caught the attention of Ernie Pietsch. He was a handsome young man with thick black hair, whose family members were also local homesteaders.

She had found "her Ernie." On Aug. 31, 1937, at Bethany Lutheran Church, Ernie and Helen were married. They remained soul mates for the rest of their lives. Their love for each other was evident in many ways. Once, while Helen was recovering in the hospital, Ernie called and told her to look out the window at the get-well gift he had brought for her. Parked outside the hospital was a Mercedes, and you may remember the two of them driving around in their golden Mercedes for the next 20 years.

Helen was a team player for Ernie through his dedicated years of wheat farming and cattle ranching. As a noted seamstress, she designed and tailored her daughter Bonnie's evening gown for the National Dairy Association Princess Competition. Helen also insisted that Bonnie go to Grandpa Nate's farm and learn how to milk a cow before leaving for the competition.

Helen was also a fabulous cook and we would wait to hear the "Pietsch Flying Service" plane approaching to know that Uncle Pietsch had once again invited himself to dinner. She had a gift for beautifully decorating the home and a talent for growing flowers, especially her prized peonies. She provided a home filled with love and joy and it was always the place for holiday gatherings as she and Ernie treasured the time with family and friends.

Like Ernie, Helen had a great passion for life and giving. They were members of Bethany Lutheran Church for 70 years and Helen served with the Ruth Esther Circle. As a member of the circle, Helen enjoyed quilting blankets for relief missions and cooking with her friends for various fund-raisers. When a neighbor or friend was faced with tragedy, Helen was always there to provide support, a home-cooked meal and help with cleaning.

She also supported Ernie in many memberships and boards. Helen took pride in Ernie serving on the First Western Bank Board for 11 years and on the Town and Country Credit Union Board. They were both extremely proud that their ranch brand, J lazy J, appeared among others above the entrance to First Western Bank. They were both strong community supporters and took an active role in politics. Helen organized a fund-raiser for North Dakota Gov. Guy, while on his campaign trail, to join local supporters for a luncheon at the Pietsch home.

Helen and Ernie loved and cherished their three daughters, Bonnie, and the twins, Peggy and Patty. Helen would say, "All three nurses and all married doctors." Ernie would add, "Where is the son to take over the farm?" Helen was in the hospital with the newborn twins when their home burned to the ground. She was at peace knowing that Ernie and their 8-year-old daughter, Bonnie, were not home at the time.

As years went by, Helen faced life with great passion and courage. Helen and Ernie were heartbroken by the loss of their Patty. Patty was diagnosed with acute leukemia and passed away six weeks later, on Nov. 27, 1995, at the University of Minnesota Hospital.

Ernie and Helen moved to the family condos in Missoula in 2001 to be near Peggy and her husband Walt Peschel. Bonnie and her husband Ralph Ocampo came often to visit from San Diego. Helen cherished her and Ernie's family so much. After raising their daughters with so much love, Ernie and Helen received it back with the most treasured of gifts, the love from their six grandchildren, Joe, Ralph Ernest, Trent, Blake, Shelley and Nic. Helen and Ernie were always there for the family with support and kindness.

Thanks to those family and friends who enriched her life. As a continuance of Helen and Ernie's legacy of community spirit and sense of humanity, the Bethany Lutheran Endowment Fund has been established. In lieu of flowers and charitable donations, we ask that you remember them and pass on those gifts of life they gave to you.

Dearest Mom, Grandma and Soul Mate,

With cherished memories and deepest gratitude, we say good-bye. Thank you for loving us so dearly. We honor you today. You both made this world a better place. You will be with us always.

With deepest love and remembrance,

"Your Ernie," Bonnie and Ralph, Joe, Ralph Ernest and Fran, Patty, Trent, Blake, Shelley and Hani, Walt, Peggy and Nic, and those family and friends who loved you so dearly.

For those who would like to contact the family, the address is, Peschel, 1720 Peggio Lane No. 3, Missoula, MT 59802.

No memorial services are planned.

To fulfill their wishes, they will return, escorted by family, to be once again home to their North Dakota soil. Irishman Nate's native bagpipe will play in their honor.

Arrangements are under the care of Garden City Funeral Home, Missoula.

Kent Pederson

POLSON - A memorial service for Kent Allen Pederson will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, at the Grogan Funeral Home with the Rev. Russ Barber officiating.

Mr. Pederson, 59, of Polson, passed away on Jan. 13, 2005, at Evergreen Health and Rehabilitation Center from natural causes.

Cleo Mildred Fehlberg Barrie

KALISPELL - Cleo Mildred Fehlberg Barrie died Saturday, Jan. 22, 2005, in Kalispell.

She was born on July 15, 1915, in Kalispell, the only child of Bruno and Malinda (Fleisher) Fehlberg.

On Nov. 2, 1939, Cleo married her former high school classmate, Charles F. "Chuck" Barrie. He preceded her in death.

Survivors include her sons, Douglas and Lloyd; grandson Matthew Barrie; granddaughters Rachel Steindorf and Elise Barrie; and great-grandson Adam.

Private family services will be held.

Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson Mortuary and Crematory.

Copyright © 2009 Missoulian