Sheldon J. Haroldson
A funeral service for Sheldon J. Haroldson was held at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, January 24, 2007 at Plentywood Lutheran
Church. Pastor David Curtright officiated and burial, withmilitary honors, was at Ebenezer Cemetery. Casketbearers were
Paul Hanson, Daryl, Perry, and Marlan Sorenson, Jim Weiler, and Greg Wittak; Honorary Bearers were Larry Bain, Bjarne
Brensdal, Tom Dalrand, LeRoy Harolson, Maynard Johnson, and Ray Wittak. Ushers were Jule Jacobson and Gary Nelson.
Following the interment, a luncheon was served at the church. Sheldon, 86, passed away peacefully early Thursday morning,
January 18th at Sheridan Memorial Hospital in Plentywood.
Sheldon was born on August 31, 1920, at the family farm south of Flaxville, Montana. He was preceded in death by his
parents, Harry and Anna G.(DeFries) Haroldson who passed away when Sheldon was two and three years of age,
respectively. Sheldon was raised by his aunt and uncle, the John Haroldsons of Opheim until 1933, when he moved to
Flaxville to live with his aunts, Anna Goodwin and Carrie Joy. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and
attended schools in Opheim, Flaxville, and Northern Montana College in Havre.He enlisted in the Army Air Force Reserves in
1942, taking pilot training under the Civil War Training Service program before seeing active duty in WWII in the Philippines. It
was during pilot training in Plentywood that he met and married Borgny Sorenson on April 25, 1943.
Following his discharge from the Army in 1946, Sheldon was employed by Len and Don Peterson at Peterson Company
Hardware, where he worked for 38 years, retiring March 31, 1984. Sheldon had inherited his parents’ farm and for the last 84
years had leased the land, for over fifty of those years to Ray Wittak.
Sheldon has been a member of Jaycees, The Plentywood Masonic Lodge, VFW and served as Treasurer of the local Boy
Scouts. He also served six years on the Plentywood City Council, ten years on the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Board and
numerous years as a Deacon in the Plentywood Lutheran Church.
Sheldon is survived by Borgny, his wife of sixty three years of Plentywood; daughter Sandra Cossé and her husband Chuck of
Seattle, Washington; sons, Harry Haroldson and his wife Sandy of Lakewood, Washington and Eugene Haroldson and his
wife Marcia of Shelby, Montana. Grandchildren are Sandra’s children: Mark Hanson, Paul Hanson, Julia Cossé and
stepchildren Laura and Charles Cossé, Jr.; Harry’s children: Brittany Brown and Reagan Haroldson; Eugene’s children:
Janine Brester and Leeds Haroldson. Also surviving are six Great Grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that Memorials be sent to the Plentywood Lutheran Church Radio Fund or to the charity
of your choice. Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood is in charge of arrangements.
____________________________________________________________________________
Anna A. Lagerquist
Funeral services for Anna A. Lagerquist, 92, of Westby, will be held at 2 PM on Thursday, January 25, 2007at the Immanuel
Lutheran Church in Westby, Montana. Pastor Barb Westhoff will officiate and burial will be at Scandia Cemetery southwest of
Westby. Casketbearers will be Gerald Herman, Danny Moore, Wayne & Robin Solberg, and Richard & Renetta Westgard;
ushers will be Jody and Lynden Lagerquist. All of Anna's family, friends, and the members of the Senior Citizen's Club are
considered Honorary Bearers. Anna died on Saturday, January 20, 2007 at the Sheridan Memorial Hospital in Plentywood,
Montana from an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Anna was born in Kenmare, ND on January 14, 1915 to James and Anna (Jensen) Elm, the youngest of nine children. She
attended school in rural Norma. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. As a young lady, she herded cattle on
horseback and helped her parents on the farm. She later moved to Westby, Montana to help her sister, Celia, cook for the
coalminers. It was here that she met one of the coalminers, Sig Lagerquist, whom she married on February 5, 1936 at
Westby, Montana. They were farmers and suffered through the depression era, but they worked hard and were always able to
make a comfortable life for their family. They were active members of the Scandia Lutheran Church and became members of
the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Westby when the churches merged. Anna was a lifetime member of Scandia Ladies Aid
and Immanuel Ladies Aid.After Sig passed away in 1985, Anna left the farm and bought a house in Westby where she
continued to live by herself until her death. While living in Westby, she was a member of the Senior Citizens where she
enjoyed playing whist with her friends; the Jolly Twelve Club, a sewing club, and Bible Study Group. Her family was very
important to her, and she always looked forward to their visits.
She enjoyed sewing and crocheting and sewed many quilts, some of which she I earned ribbons for at the fair. Her family has
been blessed with her beautiful quilts and afghans over the years. She also was a wonderful cook and baker and she did
much of it over the years. She enjoyed company and her main concern was that they all got enough to eat. She also enjoyed
her flower garden and house plants, especially her beautiful African violets.
.
Anna is survived by a son Robert and his wife, Lorna, of Westby and their children, Georgia (Jerry) Bradley and their daughter,
Kelly, of Helena, Montana, Curtis (Mary) Weiler and their children, Forrest and Kirsten, of Kansas City, Kansas, and Regina
(Robert) Forrester and their children Megan and Curtis of Bromhead, Saskatchewan; and a daughter, Shirley Nelsen and her
husband, Gary, of Williston, and their children, Kerry (Wayne) Ternquist and their children, Kanitra, Katrina, and Thomas of
Williston, North Dakota, Travis Nelsen and his children, Haley and Shelby, of Williston, North Dakota, and Tracy (Jeremy)
Ledahl of Motley, Minnesota; grandchildren, Ricky (Catalina) Erps and their children, Kingsley, Kennedy, and Karrington of
Austin, Texas, and Julie (Rich) Janssen and their children, Jacob and Jenna, of Ronan, Montana; several brothers-in-law and
sisters-in-law; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Sig, in 1985; daughter, Donna, in 1941; son, Gary, in 2005; brothers,
Walter, Alfred, James, and Raymond; sisters, Hannah, Celia, Emma, and Lydia; and several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law,
nieces and nephews. Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood has charge of arrangements.
____________________________________________________________________________
Betty Jo Casey
Betty Jo Casey, 64, died peacefully of natural causes, January 11, 2007 at her home in Medicine Lake, Montana. Services will
be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, January 18 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, in Plentywood, Montana. Burial will take place at 2:
00 PM Thursday at Medicine Lake Cemetery. A public Vigil will be held at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 17, at Fulkerson
Memorial Chapel in Plentywood, MT.
Betty Jo was born, January 2, 1943, in Williston, ND., to Joe and Doris (Nyquist) Schmitz. She graduated from Medicine Lake
HighSchool in 1961. After graduation, she traveled the Mid West settling in Farmington, NM., where she owned and operated
El Paso Optical for many years grinding prescription lenses, fitting eyewear and running the storefront.
In 1981, Betty Jo returned to Medicine Lake with her two sons, James and Michael to be closer to family and friends and to
raise her boys in a "small town" atmosphere. Betty Jo worked at Glenwood in Plentywood, MT and then took a job as a CNA
working at Roosevelt Memorial Hospital until becoming ill with Poly Myalgia which eventually prevented her from further
employment.
Betty Jo especially enjoyed time with her family and friends. She looked forward to attending family reunions. She was an avid
supporter of school sporting events and would listen to all the games over the radio. She was a true football fan, taking in
games of all levels. Her family wrote: "Betty Jo's loving and generous heart was felt by all of those that she touched. Betty Jo
will be remembered by her joyous laughter, her fashionable eyewear which she wore as accessories and her oversized
stylish handbags which usually contained everything but the kitchen sink and then some.
She is survived by her son James Casey, (Thomas Carpenter) of Belgrade, MT., grandchildren, Emilee and Jeremey, son,
Michael Casey, (Jackie Schenfisch) of Bismarck, ND., grandchildren, Seth, Michaela and Cade. Brother, Roger Schmitz
(Juanita) of Dagmar, MT., brother Steven Schmitz (Kathy) of Helena, MT., brother Richard Schmitz of Medicine Lake, MT.,
brother Larry Schmitz (Lisa) of Medicine Lake, MT., numerous nieces and nephews and her dearest friend, and companion,
Jim Tufton of Medicine Lake, MT. Betty Jo was preceded in death by her father, Joe, in 2003. Fulkerson Funeral home is in
charge of arrangements.
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Ethel Swartz
A funeral service for Ethel Swartz, 99, will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 at Trinity Lutheran Church in
Plentywood. Pastor Jay Reinke will officiate and burial will be at Emmaus Cemetery. A luncheon will be served immediately
after the funeral service at the church. Pallbearers will be: Archie Petersen, Duane Wagenson, Michael Cooper, Jody
Lagerquist, Walter and Kerry Heppner. Laura Rusbult will be the Organist and Vonna Heppner and Ardith Huffman will serve
as ushers. Ethel died very early Sunday morning at Sheridan Memorial Nursing Home in Plentywood.
Ethel was born in Williams County, North Dakota in the community southeast of Westby known as Daneville. Her parents
were Danish homesteaders, Louis and Gertha (Andersen) Christensen. Ethel was the seventh child of a family of fifteen
which included four sets of twins. Ethel grew up speaking Danish and was baptized and confirmed in the Danish language in
the Lutheran Church. Ethel attended the original Daneville School known as # 1and graduated from 8th grade. Ethel's
ambition was to continue her education to become a teacher but there was no money for education and in those hard times
education was not considered a necessity.
While at home, Ethel did all the traditional chores of milking cows, collecting cowchips, hauling water and feeding chickens
and pigs. At 18, she worked as a "hired girl" in the community and spent a year in Iowa working for a lawyer's family. Ethel
married Hans Swartz November 30, 1926 - "he was a good husband." They farmed in the Coalridge community and were
members of Emmaus Church. They raised two daughters, Marilyn and Maxine and farmed until 1957 when they rented out the
land and worked summers as managers of the Brush Lake Bible Camp. In 1963 they moved their house into Plentywood and
joined the Trinity Lutheran Church.
Ethel worked at various jobs and was a cook in the Sheridan Memorial kitchen for six years. Hans died in 1980 and Ethel
moved to Sheridan Arms Apartments in 1982 and lived there until March of 2000, when she entered the Sheridan Memorial
Nursing Home. Ethel has always been a volunteer. Her ambition to teach was fulfilled by a lifetime of Sunday school
teaching and she was a self-taught pianist. After retiring, she joined the Glenwood Auxiliary and volunteered in the Gift Shop
the Thrift Shop. She always liked to be busy and enjoyed crocheting, puzzles, piano playing, baking, cooking and gardening.
Ethel enjoyed playing cards and daily visits from her daughter Marilyn at the nursing home.
She is survived by her daughter Marilyn(Mrs. Dave) Cooper of Plentywood, ten Grandchildren, twenty Great grandchildren and
nine Great-great-grandchildren and a sister-in-law Veidja Christensen, Crosby, North Dakota and by numerous nieces and
nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, all of her siblings, her husband Hans, daughter Maxine Burgess,
Grandson Curtis Merchant and Great Grand-daughter Tanya Merchant.
The family suggests that any memorials be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice. Fulkerson Funeral
Home of Plentywood is in charge of arrangements.
____________________________________________________________________
Everett Allen Nielsen
Memorial services for Everett Allen Nielsen will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, January 12. Pastor Kristy Daniels will officiate at the
service at Volmer Lutheran Church; interment of cremated remains, with military honors, will be in Volmer Cemetery. Everett
died at Sheridan Memorial Hospital in Plentywood early Sunday morning, January 7.
Everett Nielsen was born January 4, 1934, in Plentywood, Montana, to Jens and Lenore Nielsen. He grew up in the Volmer
community southeast of Dagmar on his paternal grandparent's farm. He attended rural grade school in the Volmer area and
graduated from Medicine Lake High School in 1951. He joined the Air Force in 1953 and was discharged in 1957. Upon
returning to the Dagmar area he worked for the Sheridan County Road Department for nine years. In May 1958, he married
Ella Pfiefle of Mott, North Dakota and settled in Dagmar. They had four sons, Jeff, Dwight, Rodney, and Danny. In 1966 they
adopted a little girl whom they named Mari Beth.
In 1966 Everett decided to continue his education. He attended two years of college in Williston, North Dakota and two years at
Missoula, Montana, where he earned his Bachelors degree. He was an adult parole and probations officer in Great Falls,
Montana for three years. He then moved to Houston, Texas and worked as a counselor for pre-release parolees.
After several years he moved to California to be near his parents. He joined the Secret Service in 1987. He was a Special
Officer, U.S. Secret Service working in protection under former President Ronald Reagan and then under former President
George H. W. Bush. Everett retired February 29, 1996.
Upon his return to Sheridan County, he married Carrie Johnson on September 15, 1996. They enjoyed traveling, making many
trips back to California to visit his mother and friends he worked with at the Reagan Command Post. They also traveled to
Memphis, Tennessee, to visit Carrie's son and family, Washington, Omaha, and Florida to visit his sons and their families.
He enjoyed woodworking and loved cooking on the BBQ. He also liked having morning coffee with friends Gary John, Gordon,
Joy, Doug and of course the "crew" at the Dagmar Store.
He enjoyed running combine for Russell and Todd Williams and Gary Stromberg. He spent four years on Gary's "2188" and
Gary referred to it as "Everett's Machine" which made him feel very proud. This past year his health did not permit him to do this
but Gary saw to it that his picture was taken with the rest of the combining crew. Everett passed away January 7, 2007, on his
mother's birthday.
Survivors include his wife, Carrie, of Medicine Lake; and four sons, Jeff and his wife Sandy, of Bellevue, Nebraska; Dwight, of
Federal Way, Washington; Rodney and his wife Amy, of Maple Valley, Washington; and Danny and his wife Melissa, of Lake
Worth, Florida; and by Carrie's children, Ray and his wife Linda, of Memphis, Tennessee; Les and his wife Nancy, and Wayne
and his wife Bev, both of Medicine Lake; and Helen Christoffersen and her husband Mike, of Froid, Montana. Everett also has
seven grandchildren and two great-grandsons, as well as a brother, Carroll Nielsen, of Havre. Local survivors also include his
uncles Melvin Larsen of Plentywood and Arnold Larsen of Sidney. Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood has charge of
arrangements.
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John Hiner
Plentywood resident, John Darwin Hiner, 88, passed away Saturday January 6th 2007 in Plentywood, Montana. Memorial
services, with military honors, will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, January 13. Pastor David C. Curtright will officiate at the service
at Fulkerson Memorial Chapel in Plentywood; private scattering of cremated remains will be held later.
John was born February 23rd, 1918 to John Franklin and Mary Ethel Hiner in Huntington County Indiana, the 4th of 8 children.
He grew up on the family farm in Indiana, then joined the Army Air Corps in April 1942. While serving, he met Dorothy Myars,
who was serving in the Women’s Army Corps. They were married February 17th, 1946 in Comertown, Montana. John
worked at the Peterson Company Garage in Plentywood for 13 ½ years as a mechanic and later as the service manager. In
1959 the family moved to Billings, Montana where John was an automotive mechanic for MacIntyre Motors, and Frontier
Chevrolet; he later operated his own shop in a space shared with Kenny Anderson. John retired in 1980, and after that, he and
Dorothy spent many years traveling all over the U.S. in their motor home. He loved traveling, camping and fishing. He had an
easy going nature about him, and was a very kind and patient man. He will be dearly missed.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years. He is survived by his daughter Candace Jayne, sister-in law Vivian Hiner,
brother-in-law Junior (Lorraine) Pedersen, Jim (Gene) Petersen, and many dearly loved nieces and nephews. Condolences
may be sent to 3332 W 81st Ave, Anchorage, AK 99502. Memorial donations may be sent to Montana Pioneer Manor, 605 N
Sheridan, Plentywood, MT 59254, or Sheridan Memorial Foundation Home Health Care, 440 W Laurel Ave, Plentywood, MT
59254.
____________________________________________________________________________
Kathy Storey
A Memorial Service for Kathleen 'Kathy' Anne Storey will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, January 8th, 2007 at the Plentywood
Lutheran Church. Pastor Jay Reinke will officiate. Kathy, 58, died Monday, January 2nd at Billings Clinic after a short bout with
cancer. A private scattering of her cremated remains will be held after the memorial service. Fulkerson Funeral Home in
Plentywood is assisting with arrangements.
Kathy was born on March 27th, 1948 in Fort Collins, CO to Erick and Rita Erickson. She was an award winning floral designer
with 30+ years of experience. Her unique creations graced people's homes and business through Sheridan Floral in
Plentywood, MT and Meadowlark Floral in Billings, MT.
It is impossible to sum up in so few words the impact of this precious woman's life. Kathy's generous spirit was constantly
aware of the needs of others, and lent a hand whenever possible. She comforted nearly everyone around her by simply being
a listening ear; she helped us all to see the silver lining in our clouds. Kathy was a master of trivial pursuit, pinochle and many
board games. She moonlighted as an in-demand interior designer though she had no formal training. She was also and
avid writer and an arm chair political activist. She was the family's eloquent editor, whether it was a grade school paper, a
simple letter or a college final.
Kathy leaves behind her greatest work and life long devotion in her three sons. Kelly and his wife Silvia with their two sons
Zack and Cole of San Diego, CA; Lucas and his wife LeeAnne with their son Andreas of Billings, MT; and Jason of Raleigh-
Durham, NC. She is also survived by her mother, Rita Erickson of Lakewood, CO; a brother, Rick and his wife Ellie of Sun
Valley, NV and their children Cassie and Erick of Helena; two sisters, Kris and her husband Gary Schwarzrock of Plentywood
with their sons, Jesse of Butte, Frank and his wife Kalista with their daughter Emma of Butte and Kipp of Plentywood; Karen
and her husband Glen Huffman of Raymond with their son Michael and his wife Jessica with their children Sarah and Brian of
Plentywood, and Jennie of Havre.
Kathy was preceded in death by her father in Erick in 2005 and her husband Rusty in 2001 and will be remembered as a kind
woman who worked hard to make the world a more beautiful place. She was always too unassuming in life to ever
understand how profoundly she will be missed. We love you Mom.
_____________________________________________________________
Gifford Vernon Halland
On December 30, 2006 the angels came and guided Gifford Vernon Halland home to be with his Lord and Savior. Cremation
has taken place. Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2007 2pm at Froid Lutheran Church with Pastor
Louise Christensen officiating.
Gifford fought a most courageous battle with cancer. We are thankful for the time we had to spend together, but mostly, we are
very thankful for the borrowed time we were graciously given. His spirit lives on in each of us as we honor his gentle soul,
wonderful sense of humor, his loyalty, his guidance, his friendship and his example. Those are gifts that he leaves each of us
with. He will be remembered and missed for the Gifford we all knew and loved.
Gifford was born January 18, 1931 a twin son of Godfred and Viola (Hillstad) Halland in Norman County, Minnesota. He was
baptized, confirmed and attended rural school in Minnesota.
He served in the Army from 1952 through 1954. Returning to Montana he worked for Sheridan County Road Department. On
October 28, 1956 he married Ethel Johnson at Froid. They moved to Williston ND where he worked for Frank E. Olson
Construction until moving to Billings, MT, where he later went to work for Tri-State Equipment. In 1976 he moved to Froid and
returned to doing what he loved the most, farming and ranching.Through his years he acquired many lasting friendships. He
was called the Solitaire King by the Agland crew and thoroughly enjoyed visiting there with the crew, neighbors and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years Ethel (Froid) and daughters Lori (Vic) Alvarado of Billings, MT, Sherie (Jerry) O’Toole and
Mari (John) Bergstrom all of Froid, MT, 3 grandsons (Jason, Kori and Michael), 3 granddaughters (Jessica, Laci and Shelby)
and 1 great-grandson (Clayton). He is also survived by 3 brothers: Orville of Redstone, MT; twin brother Norris (Jeanette) of
Fosston, MN and Kenny (Pat) of Colville, WA and 1 sister Gloria (Ken) Roux of Fosston, MN; sisters-in-law Phyllis Umolac of
Minneapolis, MN and Kathy (Ted) Warehime of Minot, ND; brothers-in-law Ray Johnson and Floyd (Tana) Johnson all of Froid,
MT and their families. Gifford leaves many nieces and nephews who all have fond memories of time spent with Uncle Gifford.
Gifford is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Duane and Allen and an infant sister.
Count your age by friends, not years, Count your life by smiles, not tears
____________________________________________________________________
June M. (Brightsman) Kirchner
Funeral services for June M. (Brightsman) Kirchner will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday. Johnette Grefe will officiate at the service
at Plentywood Lutheran Church; interment will be in Plentywood Memorial Cemetery. June, 73, died early Monday morning,
January 1, at Sheridan Memorial Hospital.
June was born June 30, 1933 at the family farm home of her parents, Harry and Blanche (Crouse) Brightsman, north of
Raymond. She grew up in the Raymond and Plentywood communities, was baptized in the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church,
and married Stanley Nelson at Sidney, Montana when she was 16. They moved to Longview, Washington, where June lived
until she moved back to Plentywood about 15 years ago to care for her mother, Blanche Mathiason. June married Leslie
“Sonny” Kirchner about 35 years ago; he preceded her in death. As a young girl, June loved to dance, to plant her garden and
flower beds, and enjoyed sewing, embroidery and crocheting. She loved ice skating, riding horseback, and baking – she
worked in a bakery at Longview for some time – bowling, and collecting knicknacks; but was never happier than when she
was just spending time with her kids, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. After her return to Plentywood, she was an
active member of the American Legion Post 58 Auxiliary, and of the Golden Years Club. June was the “go to” member of the
family, who always dropped whatever she was doing to help wherever she was needed. “June Bug” was especially close to
her great-nieces and -nephews, Tina, Tammie, and Jessie, who were always at her side during her illness.
June is survived by five of her six children: Darlene Harris and Lanny Nelson, both of Longview, Washington; Charlene
Jennings, of Medford, Oregon; Debbie Stefonek, of Kelso, Washington; and Brenda McNicholas, of Kelso, Washington; as well
as by 16 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister, Dolly
Krowen and her husband Marlow, of Westby and Plentywood; and by five nephews and nieces: Fredie Kelm; Randy Bell,
Sharon Hoeft, Eileen Zuris, and Lori Godijohn, as well as by numerous great-nephews and -nieces and cousins. Besides her
parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Darell Nelson; a nephew, Larry Kelm, and two brothers, Jerry and
Donald Brightsman.
Fulkerson Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.
________________________________________________________________
A funeral service for Sheldon J. Haroldson was held at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, January 24, 2007 at Plentywood Lutheran
Church. Pastor David Curtright officiated and burial, withmilitary honors, was at Ebenezer Cemetery. Casketbearers were
Paul Hanson, Daryl, Perry, and Marlan Sorenson, Jim Weiler, and Greg Wittak; Honorary Bearers were Larry Bain, Bjarne
Brensdal, Tom Dalrand, LeRoy Harolson, Maynard Johnson, and Ray Wittak. Ushers were Jule Jacobson and Gary Nelson.
Following the interment, a luncheon was served at the church. Sheldon, 86, passed away peacefully early Thursday morning,
January 18th at Sheridan Memorial Hospital in Plentywood.
Sheldon was born on August 31, 1920, at the family farm south of Flaxville, Montana. He was preceded in death by his
parents, Harry and Anna G.(DeFries) Haroldson who passed away when Sheldon was two and three years of age,
respectively. Sheldon was raised by his aunt and uncle, the John Haroldsons of Opheim until 1933, when he moved to
Flaxville to live with his aunts, Anna Goodwin and Carrie Joy. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and
attended schools in Opheim, Flaxville, and Northern Montana College in Havre.He enlisted in the Army Air Force Reserves in
1942, taking pilot training under the Civil War Training Service program before seeing active duty in WWII in the Philippines. It
was during pilot training in Plentywood that he met and married Borgny Sorenson on April 25, 1943.
Following his discharge from the Army in 1946, Sheldon was employed by Len and Don Peterson at Peterson Company
Hardware, where he worked for 38 years, retiring March 31, 1984. Sheldon had inherited his parents’ farm and for the last 84
years had leased the land, for over fifty of those years to Ray Wittak.
Sheldon has been a member of Jaycees, The Plentywood Masonic Lodge, VFW and served as Treasurer of the local Boy
Scouts. He also served six years on the Plentywood City Council, ten years on the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Board and
numerous years as a Deacon in the Plentywood Lutheran Church.
Sheldon is survived by Borgny, his wife of sixty three years of Plentywood; daughter Sandra Cossé and her husband Chuck of
Seattle, Washington; sons, Harry Haroldson and his wife Sandy of Lakewood, Washington and Eugene Haroldson and his
wife Marcia of Shelby, Montana. Grandchildren are Sandra’s children: Mark Hanson, Paul Hanson, Julia Cossé and
stepchildren Laura and Charles Cossé, Jr.; Harry’s children: Brittany Brown and Reagan Haroldson; Eugene’s children:
Janine Brester and Leeds Haroldson. Also surviving are six Great Grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that Memorials be sent to the Plentywood Lutheran Church Radio Fund or to the charity
of your choice. Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood is in charge of arrangements.
____________________________________________________________________________
Anna A. Lagerquist
Funeral services for Anna A. Lagerquist, 92, of Westby, will be held at 2 PM on Thursday, January 25, 2007at the Immanuel
Lutheran Church in Westby, Montana. Pastor Barb Westhoff will officiate and burial will be at Scandia Cemetery southwest of
Westby. Casketbearers will be Gerald Herman, Danny Moore, Wayne & Robin Solberg, and Richard & Renetta Westgard;
ushers will be Jody and Lynden Lagerquist. All of Anna's family, friends, and the members of the Senior Citizen's Club are
considered Honorary Bearers. Anna died on Saturday, January 20, 2007 at the Sheridan Memorial Hospital in Plentywood,
Montana from an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Anna was born in Kenmare, ND on January 14, 1915 to James and Anna (Jensen) Elm, the youngest of nine children. She
attended school in rural Norma. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. As a young lady, she herded cattle on
horseback and helped her parents on the farm. She later moved to Westby, Montana to help her sister, Celia, cook for the
coalminers. It was here that she met one of the coalminers, Sig Lagerquist, whom she married on February 5, 1936 at
Westby, Montana. They were farmers and suffered through the depression era, but they worked hard and were always able to
make a comfortable life for their family. They were active members of the Scandia Lutheran Church and became members of
the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Westby when the churches merged. Anna was a lifetime member of Scandia Ladies Aid
and Immanuel Ladies Aid.After Sig passed away in 1985, Anna left the farm and bought a house in Westby where she
continued to live by herself until her death. While living in Westby, she was a member of the Senior Citizens where she
enjoyed playing whist with her friends; the Jolly Twelve Club, a sewing club, and Bible Study Group. Her family was very
important to her, and she always looked forward to their visits.
She enjoyed sewing and crocheting and sewed many quilts, some of which she I earned ribbons for at the fair. Her family has
been blessed with her beautiful quilts and afghans over the years. She also was a wonderful cook and baker and she did
much of it over the years. She enjoyed company and her main concern was that they all got enough to eat. She also enjoyed
her flower garden and house plants, especially her beautiful African violets.
.
Anna is survived by a son Robert and his wife, Lorna, of Westby and their children, Georgia (Jerry) Bradley and their daughter,
Kelly, of Helena, Montana, Curtis (Mary) Weiler and their children, Forrest and Kirsten, of Kansas City, Kansas, and Regina
(Robert) Forrester and their children Megan and Curtis of Bromhead, Saskatchewan; and a daughter, Shirley Nelsen and her
husband, Gary, of Williston, and their children, Kerry (Wayne) Ternquist and their children, Kanitra, Katrina, and Thomas of
Williston, North Dakota, Travis Nelsen and his children, Haley and Shelby, of Williston, North Dakota, and Tracy (Jeremy)
Ledahl of Motley, Minnesota; grandchildren, Ricky (Catalina) Erps and their children, Kingsley, Kennedy, and Karrington of
Austin, Texas, and Julie (Rich) Janssen and their children, Jacob and Jenna, of Ronan, Montana; several brothers-in-law and
sisters-in-law; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Sig, in 1985; daughter, Donna, in 1941; son, Gary, in 2005; brothers,
Walter, Alfred, James, and Raymond; sisters, Hannah, Celia, Emma, and Lydia; and several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law,
nieces and nephews. Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood has charge of arrangements.
____________________________________________________________________________
Betty Jo Casey
Betty Jo Casey, 64, died peacefully of natural causes, January 11, 2007 at her home in Medicine Lake, Montana. Services will
be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, January 18 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, in Plentywood, Montana. Burial will take place at 2:
00 PM Thursday at Medicine Lake Cemetery. A public Vigil will be held at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 17, at Fulkerson
Memorial Chapel in Plentywood, MT.
Betty Jo was born, January 2, 1943, in Williston, ND., to Joe and Doris (Nyquist) Schmitz. She graduated from Medicine Lake
HighSchool in 1961. After graduation, she traveled the Mid West settling in Farmington, NM., where she owned and operated
El Paso Optical for many years grinding prescription lenses, fitting eyewear and running the storefront.
In 1981, Betty Jo returned to Medicine Lake with her two sons, James and Michael to be closer to family and friends and to
raise her boys in a "small town" atmosphere. Betty Jo worked at Glenwood in Plentywood, MT and then took a job as a CNA
working at Roosevelt Memorial Hospital until becoming ill with Poly Myalgia which eventually prevented her from further
employment.
Betty Jo especially enjoyed time with her family and friends. She looked forward to attending family reunions. She was an avid
supporter of school sporting events and would listen to all the games over the radio. She was a true football fan, taking in
games of all levels. Her family wrote: "Betty Jo's loving and generous heart was felt by all of those that she touched. Betty Jo
will be remembered by her joyous laughter, her fashionable eyewear which she wore as accessories and her oversized
stylish handbags which usually contained everything but the kitchen sink and then some.
She is survived by her son James Casey, (Thomas Carpenter) of Belgrade, MT., grandchildren, Emilee and Jeremey, son,
Michael Casey, (Jackie Schenfisch) of Bismarck, ND., grandchildren, Seth, Michaela and Cade. Brother, Roger Schmitz
(Juanita) of Dagmar, MT., brother Steven Schmitz (Kathy) of Helena, MT., brother Richard Schmitz of Medicine Lake, MT.,
brother Larry Schmitz (Lisa) of Medicine Lake, MT., numerous nieces and nephews and her dearest friend, and companion,
Jim Tufton of Medicine Lake, MT. Betty Jo was preceded in death by her father, Joe, in 2003. Fulkerson Funeral home is in
charge of arrangements.
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Ethel Swartz
A funeral service for Ethel Swartz, 99, will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 at Trinity Lutheran Church in
Plentywood. Pastor Jay Reinke will officiate and burial will be at Emmaus Cemetery. A luncheon will be served immediately
after the funeral service at the church. Pallbearers will be: Archie Petersen, Duane Wagenson, Michael Cooper, Jody
Lagerquist, Walter and Kerry Heppner. Laura Rusbult will be the Organist and Vonna Heppner and Ardith Huffman will serve
as ushers. Ethel died very early Sunday morning at Sheridan Memorial Nursing Home in Plentywood.
Ethel was born in Williams County, North Dakota in the community southeast of Westby known as Daneville. Her parents
were Danish homesteaders, Louis and Gertha (Andersen) Christensen. Ethel was the seventh child of a family of fifteen
which included four sets of twins. Ethel grew up speaking Danish and was baptized and confirmed in the Danish language in
the Lutheran Church. Ethel attended the original Daneville School known as # 1and graduated from 8th grade. Ethel's
ambition was to continue her education to become a teacher but there was no money for education and in those hard times
education was not considered a necessity.
While at home, Ethel did all the traditional chores of milking cows, collecting cowchips, hauling water and feeding chickens
and pigs. At 18, she worked as a "hired girl" in the community and spent a year in Iowa working for a lawyer's family. Ethel
married Hans Swartz November 30, 1926 - "he was a good husband." They farmed in the Coalridge community and were
members of Emmaus Church. They raised two daughters, Marilyn and Maxine and farmed until 1957 when they rented out the
land and worked summers as managers of the Brush Lake Bible Camp. In 1963 they moved their house into Plentywood and
joined the Trinity Lutheran Church.
Ethel worked at various jobs and was a cook in the Sheridan Memorial kitchen for six years. Hans died in 1980 and Ethel
moved to Sheridan Arms Apartments in 1982 and lived there until March of 2000, when she entered the Sheridan Memorial
Nursing Home. Ethel has always been a volunteer. Her ambition to teach was fulfilled by a lifetime of Sunday school
teaching and she was a self-taught pianist. After retiring, she joined the Glenwood Auxiliary and volunteered in the Gift Shop
the Thrift Shop. She always liked to be busy and enjoyed crocheting, puzzles, piano playing, baking, cooking and gardening.
Ethel enjoyed playing cards and daily visits from her daughter Marilyn at the nursing home.
She is survived by her daughter Marilyn(Mrs. Dave) Cooper of Plentywood, ten Grandchildren, twenty Great grandchildren and
nine Great-great-grandchildren and a sister-in-law Veidja Christensen, Crosby, North Dakota and by numerous nieces and
nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, all of her siblings, her husband Hans, daughter Maxine Burgess,
Grandson Curtis Merchant and Great Grand-daughter Tanya Merchant.
The family suggests that any memorials be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice. Fulkerson Funeral
Home of Plentywood is in charge of arrangements.
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Everett Allen Nielsen
Memorial services for Everett Allen Nielsen will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, January 12. Pastor Kristy Daniels will officiate at the
service at Volmer Lutheran Church; interment of cremated remains, with military honors, will be in Volmer Cemetery. Everett
died at Sheridan Memorial Hospital in Plentywood early Sunday morning, January 7.
Everett Nielsen was born January 4, 1934, in Plentywood, Montana, to Jens and Lenore Nielsen. He grew up in the Volmer
community southeast of Dagmar on his paternal grandparent's farm. He attended rural grade school in the Volmer area and
graduated from Medicine Lake High School in 1951. He joined the Air Force in 1953 and was discharged in 1957. Upon
returning to the Dagmar area he worked for the Sheridan County Road Department for nine years. In May 1958, he married
Ella Pfiefle of Mott, North Dakota and settled in Dagmar. They had four sons, Jeff, Dwight, Rodney, and Danny. In 1966 they
adopted a little girl whom they named Mari Beth.
In 1966 Everett decided to continue his education. He attended two years of college in Williston, North Dakota and two years at
Missoula, Montana, where he earned his Bachelors degree. He was an adult parole and probations officer in Great Falls,
Montana for three years. He then moved to Houston, Texas and worked as a counselor for pre-release parolees.
After several years he moved to California to be near his parents. He joined the Secret Service in 1987. He was a Special
Officer, U.S. Secret Service working in protection under former President Ronald Reagan and then under former President
George H. W. Bush. Everett retired February 29, 1996.
Upon his return to Sheridan County, he married Carrie Johnson on September 15, 1996. They enjoyed traveling, making many
trips back to California to visit his mother and friends he worked with at the Reagan Command Post. They also traveled to
Memphis, Tennessee, to visit Carrie's son and family, Washington, Omaha, and Florida to visit his sons and their families.
He enjoyed woodworking and loved cooking on the BBQ. He also liked having morning coffee with friends Gary John, Gordon,
Joy, Doug and of course the "crew" at the Dagmar Store.
He enjoyed running combine for Russell and Todd Williams and Gary Stromberg. He spent four years on Gary's "2188" and
Gary referred to it as "Everett's Machine" which made him feel very proud. This past year his health did not permit him to do this
but Gary saw to it that his picture was taken with the rest of the combining crew. Everett passed away January 7, 2007, on his
mother's birthday.
Survivors include his wife, Carrie, of Medicine Lake; and four sons, Jeff and his wife Sandy, of Bellevue, Nebraska; Dwight, of
Federal Way, Washington; Rodney and his wife Amy, of Maple Valley, Washington; and Danny and his wife Melissa, of Lake
Worth, Florida; and by Carrie's children, Ray and his wife Linda, of Memphis, Tennessee; Les and his wife Nancy, and Wayne
and his wife Bev, both of Medicine Lake; and Helen Christoffersen and her husband Mike, of Froid, Montana. Everett also has
seven grandchildren and two great-grandsons, as well as a brother, Carroll Nielsen, of Havre. Local survivors also include his
uncles Melvin Larsen of Plentywood and Arnold Larsen of Sidney. Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood has charge of
arrangements.
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John Hiner
Plentywood resident, John Darwin Hiner, 88, passed away Saturday January 6th 2007 in Plentywood, Montana. Memorial
services, with military honors, will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, January 13. Pastor David C. Curtright will officiate at the service
at Fulkerson Memorial Chapel in Plentywood; private scattering of cremated remains will be held later.
John was born February 23rd, 1918 to John Franklin and Mary Ethel Hiner in Huntington County Indiana, the 4th of 8 children.
He grew up on the family farm in Indiana, then joined the Army Air Corps in April 1942. While serving, he met Dorothy Myars,
who was serving in the Women’s Army Corps. They were married February 17th, 1946 in Comertown, Montana. John
worked at the Peterson Company Garage in Plentywood for 13 ½ years as a mechanic and later as the service manager. In
1959 the family moved to Billings, Montana where John was an automotive mechanic for MacIntyre Motors, and Frontier
Chevrolet; he later operated his own shop in a space shared with Kenny Anderson. John retired in 1980, and after that, he and
Dorothy spent many years traveling all over the U.S. in their motor home. He loved traveling, camping and fishing. He had an
easy going nature about him, and was a very kind and patient man. He will be dearly missed.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years. He is survived by his daughter Candace Jayne, sister-in law Vivian Hiner,
brother-in-law Junior (Lorraine) Pedersen, Jim (Gene) Petersen, and many dearly loved nieces and nephews. Condolences
may be sent to 3332 W 81st Ave, Anchorage, AK 99502. Memorial donations may be sent to Montana Pioneer Manor, 605 N
Sheridan, Plentywood, MT 59254, or Sheridan Memorial Foundation Home Health Care, 440 W Laurel Ave, Plentywood, MT
59254.
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Kathy Storey
A Memorial Service for Kathleen 'Kathy' Anne Storey will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, January 8th, 2007 at the Plentywood
Lutheran Church. Pastor Jay Reinke will officiate. Kathy, 58, died Monday, January 2nd at Billings Clinic after a short bout with
cancer. A private scattering of her cremated remains will be held after the memorial service. Fulkerson Funeral Home in
Plentywood is assisting with arrangements.
Kathy was born on March 27th, 1948 in Fort Collins, CO to Erick and Rita Erickson. She was an award winning floral designer
with 30+ years of experience. Her unique creations graced people's homes and business through Sheridan Floral in
Plentywood, MT and Meadowlark Floral in Billings, MT.
It is impossible to sum up in so few words the impact of this precious woman's life. Kathy's generous spirit was constantly
aware of the needs of others, and lent a hand whenever possible. She comforted nearly everyone around her by simply being
a listening ear; she helped us all to see the silver lining in our clouds. Kathy was a master of trivial pursuit, pinochle and many
board games. She moonlighted as an in-demand interior designer though she had no formal training. She was also and
avid writer and an arm chair political activist. She was the family's eloquent editor, whether it was a grade school paper, a
simple letter or a college final.
Kathy leaves behind her greatest work and life long devotion in her three sons. Kelly and his wife Silvia with their two sons
Zack and Cole of San Diego, CA; Lucas and his wife LeeAnne with their son Andreas of Billings, MT; and Jason of Raleigh-
Durham, NC. She is also survived by her mother, Rita Erickson of Lakewood, CO; a brother, Rick and his wife Ellie of Sun
Valley, NV and their children Cassie and Erick of Helena; two sisters, Kris and her husband Gary Schwarzrock of Plentywood
with their sons, Jesse of Butte, Frank and his wife Kalista with their daughter Emma of Butte and Kipp of Plentywood; Karen
and her husband Glen Huffman of Raymond with their son Michael and his wife Jessica with their children Sarah and Brian of
Plentywood, and Jennie of Havre.
Kathy was preceded in death by her father in Erick in 2005 and her husband Rusty in 2001 and will be remembered as a kind
woman who worked hard to make the world a more beautiful place. She was always too unassuming in life to ever
understand how profoundly she will be missed. We love you Mom.
_____________________________________________________________
Gifford Vernon Halland
On December 30, 2006 the angels came and guided Gifford Vernon Halland home to be with his Lord and Savior. Cremation
has taken place. Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2007 2pm at Froid Lutheran Church with Pastor
Louise Christensen officiating.
Gifford fought a most courageous battle with cancer. We are thankful for the time we had to spend together, but mostly, we are
very thankful for the borrowed time we were graciously given. His spirit lives on in each of us as we honor his gentle soul,
wonderful sense of humor, his loyalty, his guidance, his friendship and his example. Those are gifts that he leaves each of us
with. He will be remembered and missed for the Gifford we all knew and loved.
Gifford was born January 18, 1931 a twin son of Godfred and Viola (Hillstad) Halland in Norman County, Minnesota. He was
baptized, confirmed and attended rural school in Minnesota.
He served in the Army from 1952 through 1954. Returning to Montana he worked for Sheridan County Road Department. On
October 28, 1956 he married Ethel Johnson at Froid. They moved to Williston ND where he worked for Frank E. Olson
Construction until moving to Billings, MT, where he later went to work for Tri-State Equipment. In 1976 he moved to Froid and
returned to doing what he loved the most, farming and ranching.Through his years he acquired many lasting friendships. He
was called the Solitaire King by the Agland crew and thoroughly enjoyed visiting there with the crew, neighbors and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years Ethel (Froid) and daughters Lori (Vic) Alvarado of Billings, MT, Sherie (Jerry) O’Toole and
Mari (John) Bergstrom all of Froid, MT, 3 grandsons (Jason, Kori and Michael), 3 granddaughters (Jessica, Laci and Shelby)
and 1 great-grandson (Clayton). He is also survived by 3 brothers: Orville of Redstone, MT; twin brother Norris (Jeanette) of
Fosston, MN and Kenny (Pat) of Colville, WA and 1 sister Gloria (Ken) Roux of Fosston, MN; sisters-in-law Phyllis Umolac of
Minneapolis, MN and Kathy (Ted) Warehime of Minot, ND; brothers-in-law Ray Johnson and Floyd (Tana) Johnson all of Froid,
MT and their families. Gifford leaves many nieces and nephews who all have fond memories of time spent with Uncle Gifford.
Gifford is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Duane and Allen and an infant sister.
Count your age by friends, not years, Count your life by smiles, not tears
____________________________________________________________________
June M. (Brightsman) Kirchner
Funeral services for June M. (Brightsman) Kirchner will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday. Johnette Grefe will officiate at the service
at Plentywood Lutheran Church; interment will be in Plentywood Memorial Cemetery. June, 73, died early Monday morning,
January 1, at Sheridan Memorial Hospital.
June was born June 30, 1933 at the family farm home of her parents, Harry and Blanche (Crouse) Brightsman, north of
Raymond. She grew up in the Raymond and Plentywood communities, was baptized in the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church,
and married Stanley Nelson at Sidney, Montana when she was 16. They moved to Longview, Washington, where June lived
until she moved back to Plentywood about 15 years ago to care for her mother, Blanche Mathiason. June married Leslie
“Sonny” Kirchner about 35 years ago; he preceded her in death. As a young girl, June loved to dance, to plant her garden and
flower beds, and enjoyed sewing, embroidery and crocheting. She loved ice skating, riding horseback, and baking – she
worked in a bakery at Longview for some time – bowling, and collecting knicknacks; but was never happier than when she
was just spending time with her kids, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. After her return to Plentywood, she was an
active member of the American Legion Post 58 Auxiliary, and of the Golden Years Club. June was the “go to” member of the
family, who always dropped whatever she was doing to help wherever she was needed. “June Bug” was especially close to
her great-nieces and -nephews, Tina, Tammie, and Jessie, who were always at her side during her illness.
June is survived by five of her six children: Darlene Harris and Lanny Nelson, both of Longview, Washington; Charlene
Jennings, of Medford, Oregon; Debbie Stefonek, of Kelso, Washington; and Brenda McNicholas, of Kelso, Washington; as well
as by 16 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister, Dolly
Krowen and her husband Marlow, of Westby and Plentywood; and by five nephews and nieces: Fredie Kelm; Randy Bell,
Sharon Hoeft, Eileen Zuris, and Lori Godijohn, as well as by numerous great-nephews and -nieces and cousins. Besides her
parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Darell Nelson; a nephew, Larry Kelm, and two brothers, Jerry and
Donald Brightsman.
Fulkerson Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.
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| . . . . in Memory of . . . . |
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Obituaries
January 2007
January 2007
Sheldon J. Haroldson
Anna A. Lagerquist
Betty Jo Casey
Ethel Swartz
Everett Allen Nielsen
John Hiner
Kathy Storey
Gifford Vernon Halland
June M. (Brightsman) Kirchner
Anna A. Lagerquist
Betty Jo Casey
Ethel Swartz
Everett Allen Nielsen
John Hiner
Kathy Storey
Gifford Vernon Halland
June M. (Brightsman) Kirchner
Click on photo's for larger view
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