Obituaries

Alan Burland

RONAN — Alan James Burland, 72, of Ronan, passed away on Saturday, July 2, 2022, of natural causes. He was born on Feb. 4, 1950, in St. Ignatius to Richard and Faye (Stinger) Burland. One of his passions throughout his life was boxing. He was a Golden Glove boxer as a teenager and boxed across Montana. He was a craftsman finisher and had a part in many of the buildings and structures on and off the reservation, enjoyed playing cards, dice, pool and sharing stories of his experiences in life. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother and friend to all that knew him. He was a generous man who was willing to help others when he could. Alan was loved by many and will be missed greatly. Survivors include his children, Kurt (Lena), Denise (John) and Miranda; Jeannie Nowotny, the mother of his children; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; his brother, Tom and sisters, Diane (Dave) and Wendy (Tony), along with many cousins and Corinne Irvine, his special companion over the past 30 years. He is preceded in death by his sister, Dee Burland; daughter, Ruby Dawn Burland; mother, Faye Burland; father, Richard Burland; and brother, Bryan Burland. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022, at 1 p.m. and the location will be

Alan announced in the next few Burland weeks. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family at: www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation. com. Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.

Eugene Freshour

DENVER, COLORADO — Eugene Clifford Freshour, 93, was born July 7, 1928, to George and Zulema Freshour on their beautiful ranch in St. Ignatius. He passed away on May 10, 2022, at home in Denver, Colorado. Gene was a rancher, farmer, loan officer, missionary, husband, foster parent, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather many times over. He was married to his beloved wife and best friend, Jeanne Freshour, for 62 years. Gene grew to manhood on the ranch and graduated from St. Ignatius High School in 1946, then attended Montana State University and graduated in 1950. He returned home to the ranch and was married to Jeanne Cordis on Nov. 25, 1956. In 1969, Gene and Jeanne sold the ranch forming the Pinehaven Christian Children’s Ranch. They moved from Colorado to Montana to Oregon following his careers in ranching, farming, and working as a loan officer with the Production Credit Association. Gene accepted the Lord as his savior together with Jeanne on Easter day in 1964 and dedicated his life to His work ever since. They had a variety of roles working with Frontier Missions in places such Belize, Venezuela, and England before returning to the states and moving to Canyon City, Oregon, for the rest of their days. Gene was very active in the John Day Church of the Nazarene until his recent medical difficulties. Gene was steadfast in his daily prayer for those he knew, and even those he did not. His kindness, patience, love, and soft-spoken nature are unforgettable to his family. His gift for giving wise, Godly advice was appreciated by everyone who knew him. Gene is preceded in death by his father, George and his mother, Zulema; his wife, Jeanne Freshour; his brothers, Elmer and Walter Freshour; his sister, Helen Smith; and two infant daughters.

Gene is survived by his sister, Lois Delaney of Moise and his brother, Donald of Helena; his son, Dane Freshour of Denver; his daughter, Ann Spies of Twin Falls, Idaho; his son Joel Freshour of Golden Valley, Arizona; and his daughter, Jennifer Sherebernikoff of Dutch Harbor, Alaska. Gene leaves behind nine grandchildren and twenty-one great grandchildren, as well as a lasting legacy of love and devotion to Jesus. He will be deeply missed. A memorial service will be held at the Christian Church on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022, at 10 a.m. in St. Ignatius. A celebration of life and lunch will follow.

Gene Freshour

PUBLIC NOTICE

Charlo School District 7J Board of Trustees intends to hire Alyssa Cahoon, wife of Trustee Daniel Cahoon, as a Junior High Basketball Coach for the 2022/2023 season. This hiring will take place at a regular Board meeting on July 19 at 8 p.m. in the Charlo School Library.

July 6 &13, 2022 MNAXLP

Don Cornelius

RESTON, VIRGINIA — Don Edward Cornelius passed away on June 28, 2022. Don was born to John and Adeleen Cornelius on Dec. 20, 1936, in Ronan. He was the first of seven children. John raised cattle on a dairy farm and Don learned from a very young age the value of being industrious. After graduating high school, Don attended Brigham Young University where he met the love of his life, Karen Anderson. Don and Karen spent nearly 64 years utterly in love with each other. Don graduated with a BA in History in 1958. Karen and Don then returned to Montana where Don attended the University of Montana, graduating in 1968 with an MA in History. Don

Don Cornelius

see page 24

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served proudly for the United States Army and achieved the rank of Captain in a field artillery unit. Don then served in the Intelligence Community throughout southeast Asia for the duration of his career. While stationed in the Philippines, Don and Karen adopted their children, Sean and Anne. Don and his family returned to the United States where Don retired in 1995. Nevertheless, Don kept very busy in retirement. For 13 years he volunteered at a food pantry. He became a social butterfly who constantly scheduled lunches with friends and dates with his sweetheart. Don was well known to make friends wherever he went and became a mentor to countless people throughout his life. He loved unconditionally and showed his love for all people wherever he went. Don is survived by his beloved wife, Karen; his children, Sean, Anne and his son-in-law Scott. Don will be interred at Richfield City Cemetery in Richfield, Utah, on July 16, 2022. Flowers can be sent to Magleby Mortuary (50 South 100 West, Richfield, UT 84701) or, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice in Don’s honor.

George Reksten

POLSON — George Leonard Reksten of Polson died peacefully on June 29, 2022 of natural causes. He was 98 years old. George was born on March 14, 1924, in Polson to Gjert and Hilda Reksten who immigrated from Norway to homestead in Montana. He married Joann Cline Reksten in 1950 and raised two daughters, Linda and Susan, in Kalispell. Living in Montana most of his life, he worked a variety of different jobs but mainly worked for Montana Power Company. He loved living in Montana and enjoyed all it has to offer. He hunted, fished and always enjoyed a good adventure. He raced boats, flew planes and, in later life, loved to drive his car around Flathead Lake.

He was a storyteller and loved to meet new people. George never knew a stranger. George had a wicked sense of humor and enjoyed life to the fullest.

George Reksten

Noma Giffin

POLSON — Noma Loraine Scruggs Giffin, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on Thursday, June 30, 2022, at the age of 92. She was born in Mason, Illinois, on March 26, 1930, to Glenn and Grace Peyton Scruggs. She was the youngest of five children.

Her family moved to Montana to ranch in the Bitterroot when she was very young, but she remembered the trip from Illinois to Montana well. The family brought only their clothing, some cooking utensils, and her mother’s piano. Her childhood on the family ranch was full of adventure. She was not one to stay in the house but instead worked outside with her father and brothers. She often talked about stepping on a nail in the barnyard and being told to “pour some turpentine on it and get back out here.” Noma held that same work ethic her entire life along with fond memories of growing up on a ranch.

Noma held many jobs and took pride in saving smartly for the future. She began by delivering milk from the family’s milk cows to the dairy in Stevensville while in high school and then moved on to delivering fryer chickens and eggs to the Florence Hotel in Missoula on her way to work at the Missoulian. After moving to Polson, she worked as the head teller at Security State Bank and as the water clerk for the City of Polson.

It was while working at the Missoulian that she met a handsome co-worker, Dick Giffin. A movie date turned into a marriage of almost 69 years during which they were the definition of true love. Dick and Noma welcomed their only daughter, Shawn, in 1960.

Throughout Noma’s life she put her family first, serving countless meals, baking thousands of batches of cookies, sewing numerous outfits, and making all of us feel loved. She will be missed terribly by all of us. She loved her family and took time to spend in the kitchen with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She made amazing meals without ever looking at a recipe card or using a measuring device. She loved the Macintosh apple harvest each fall and was famous for her applesauce and apple crisp. The love that Noma showed for each person in her family can never be matched. She always made us feel loved and taken care of.

Noma was preceded in death by her husband, Dick Giffin; her parents, Glenn Arnold Scruggs and Grace May Peyton Scruggs; and her siblings, Bert, Vaden, Lenora, and Gerald.

Survivors include her daughter, Shawn (Rod) Harris of Ronan and grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Nathaniel (Elise and Henley, Harper, Hollyn, and Hayden) Harris of Missoula, Nick (Ashleigh and Hayes and Hudson) Harris of Frenchtown and Nolan (Jenny and Ellie and Dillon) Harris of Helena.

Services will take place on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at the Polson Community Church at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at: https://www.alz.org/ or to the Beehive Homes of Missoula to support funding their activities program. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at: www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation. com.

Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.

Noma Giffin

William Peterson

PABLO — William J. Peterson, age 86, passed away on July 2, 2022, at his home in Pablo surrounded by family.

He was born on April 20, 1936, in Butte. He served his country for 20 years in the Marine Corps and after his military service, he moved to Pablo and worked as head custodian for the Polson school district.

As a father he was always on the move, attending sports throughout the years. Dad was always supportive of his family no matter what decisions were made. Thank you, Dad, for always being there.

Bill is survived by his sister Rose Freeman; his sons, Grant Peterson (Dawn) and Steve Peterson; his grandkids, Grant Jr., Alexandra, Geneva, Kya, Baily, and Ashtynn Peterson; and one great-grandkid, Grant III.

As per Bill’s wishes, there will be no services. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at: www.shriderthompson.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Shrider-Thompson Funeral Home and Crematory.

William Peterson

Museum visit available by appointment

News from Terry Cable, Arlee Jocko Valley Museum

ARLEE — The Arlee Jocko Valley Museum features an exhibit on loan from the Montana Historical Society featuring the cavalry with photos and artifacts of the day. Additional displays include Troy Felsman’s photo exhibit of the Salish Pend D’ Orielle ancestors of the Jocko Valley. Another photo exhibit celebrates the history of Arlee. The historic church museum houses a continuous photo exhibit and artifacts display of veterans, homesteaders and Native Americans. The museum is available for visiting by appointment throughout the summer by calling Alvaretta Morin at 406-7263167.