Herman L. Jensen, formerly of Culbertson, Mont., passed over to the Lord on the morning of Nov. 3, 2023. Herman was born on the Dane Valley farm on Feb. 5, 1927, the son of Oscar and Christine (Nielsen) Jensen. He grew up on the farm and attended school in McCabe and Culbertson. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and afterward worked at Moen’s Hardware and Grocery Store for six years. Then, he attended Barber College and barbered for 10 years. He then served as an agent for Pioneer Mutual Life Insurance, serving his clients until his death. He was a member of the American Legion Post 81 for 75 continuous years and he had held offices at local, district and state levels. He was State Commander in 1983 and 1984. He served on the town council in Culbertson, was Lions Club president and participated in many town activities. He enjoyed hunting with his boys and, during the winter, fishing for lingcod on the Missouri. After retiring, Herman and Elaine wintered in Mesa, Ariz., and spent their summers in Culbertson. In 2013, he and Elaine moved to Billings to reside at Morning Star Senior Living, where Elaine passed away in 2018. They made many fond memories while at Morningstar, as it became home. While in Billings, Herman picked up woodcarving, but his big passion was playing league pool on Thursday afternoons at the 1145 Club. The last game he played, he won. He was also the oldest participant in the 2017 Big Sky State Games. Herman attended a Cursillo weekend and, later, he and Elaine went on a pilgrimage, visiting Rome and Medjugorje. He looked forward to praying Morning Prayer from the Psalms of the Psalter and he was currently a member of St. Bernard Catholic Parish in Billings. He is survived by his three sons and their families: Neil, Brian (Joanna) and Blake (Denise); his six grandchildren, Emily (Josh), Nathan (Katie), Calvin (Jamie), Amy (Eric), Adam (Celine) and Erik; and his four great-grandchildren, Bailey, Caleb, Sam and Josie. Herman was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine, of 67 years; and his six siblings, Howard (Phoebe), Alvin (Alice), Laura (Howard), Isabelle (Bill), Ira (Christine) and Grace. Memorials may be made to the American Legion Park Account held in Culbertson. Please mail to Opportunity Bank of Montana, PO Box 579, Culbertson, MT 59218. The Vigil will be at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Billings. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 17, with a luncheon to follow. The burial will be at the Yellowstone National Cemetery in Laurel, Mont., following the luncheon. (Paid Obituary)

James Patrick Byrne died peacefully at his home in Northfield, Ill., on Nov. 2, 2023, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Mr. Byrne was born Feb. 7, 1929, in Culbertson, Mont. James was raised on an eastern Montana sheep ranch and wheat farm, Hilltop Farms. The farm was homesteaded in 1916 by his Irish father after he immigrated from County Louth, Ireland. His father was soon joined by his equally Irish mother Sarah, a teacher. James attended grade school in a one-room country schoolhouse one mile south of the family farm. His typical mode of transportation to school was walking or riding a horse, often times pulling his younger sisters on sleigh in the winter. He graduated high school from St. Thomas Military Academy, going on to attend and graduating from St. Thomas University in St. Paul, Minn., with a business degree in 1951. He served in the United States Air Force as a second Lieutenant in the Central Air Procurement Division from 1951 to 1953. He married Mary Margaret “Peggy” Roney from Grosse Point, Mich., in 1958. They lived in Baltimore, Md., and Wilmette, Ill., before settling in Winnetka, Ill., in 1965 where he and Peggy raised six children. Mr. Byrne was an independent businessman, entrepreneur and financier for more than 50 years, owning and running a wide-range of traditional and high technology businesses. Early on, he owned several businesses in the auto industry that received, modified and transported new cars by rail and truck transport from the shipyards on both American coasts. He then started a Chicago company that transported cars from the Ford Motor plant, on the south side of Chicago, to Midwest dealerships. In later years, his business interests moved to the software and financial services industries. He established Momentum Systems based in Mukilteo, Wash., providing maintenance and support services as well as hardware for high volume data communication software used by major banks and other financial institutions. He is survived by his wife, Mary Margaret “Peggy” Byrne nee Roney; his children, Mary Margaret Gronskis, Rosemary Roney (Carey) Dowdle, James P. Byrne Jr., Kathleen Marie (David) Kennedy and David Michael (Lori) Byrne; 10 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his sisters, Mary Lou Byrne of Denver, Colo., and Theresa Byrne (Phillip) Westine of Pantego, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Sarah Byrne; his sisters Margaret Rose Byrne and Sarah Ann (Dr. Robert) Craven; his beloved son, Peter; and his sonin-law, George Gronskis. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, at Saints Faith, Hope & Charity Church, Winnetka IL 60093, followed by Interment at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Northbrook. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Info: donnellanfuneral. com. (Paid Obituary)

Richard Wayne Martell, 68, of Blair died Nov. 1, 2023. He was born in Wauwatosa, Wis., on July 17, 1955, the sixth child of Violet and Max Martell. He resided in Blair where he raised and took care of all his animals. He was a Jack-of-all-trades and was a hardworking man. He loved to go hunting, play pool, listening to music (especially Elvis Presley) and going for rides in the country on his golf cart. He was adventurous and was always telling jokes. He was a big kid at heart and loved spending time with his nieces and nephews, especially the two who he helped raise, Cheyenne and Dakota Comes Last. He taught them how to fish, hunt, fence and so much more. He worked at Richland Yellowstone Manufacturing since 1989 until he retired in July 2023. He is survived by two brothers, Max Martell Jr,. and John Martell Sr.; and five sisters, Margorie Ivy, Kathy Martell-Roundface, Terri Lonebear, Vickie Martell and Valerie Martell. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Maxine Zimmerman, Marilyn and Mayda Martell; and one brother, James Martell. His funeral service was held Thursday, Nov. 9, at the Poplar Cultural Center. Interment was in the Martell Family Cemetery in Blair. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.

Clarice Lorraine Adams White Cloud, “Winyan Hetkiya Uh” Woman comes to Them, 67, of Fort Kipp died Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, at Trinity Hospital in Minot, N.D. She was born Jan. 5, 1956, in Poplar to Clarence and Loretta Adams. She grew up in Fort Kipp. In 1968, she went to Mormon Replacement in Washington, but graduated from Brockton High School in 1973. She met Kipp White Cloud in 1972 and married him in 1973. From this union, they had three children: Kim, Doretta Mae and Aj. After graduation, she moved to Williston, N.D., residing there from 1973 to 1979. She then moved back to Fort Kipp where she made her home until her death. She met her lifelong companion, Clyde Perry, in 1996 and they spent the rest of their lives together. She went to Fort Peck Community College where she completed her criminal justice studies. She worked various jobs from seismograph, construction, juvenile officer and home health care worker. She was the ultimate Lakers fan, always clapping and yelling at the TV when the refs made a call she disagreed with. She also enjoyed watching the PBR. She was a champion fancy dancer and often talked about getting back into the powwow circle. She was the kindest, brutally honest person. She was definitely a “boomer.” She enjoyed drinking her iced tea and a good cigarette. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, often opening her home to people going through hard times. She is survived by her lifelong companion, Clyde Perry; children, Kim Walking Hawk and Aj White Cloud; eight grandchildren; brother, Harold “Buddy” Adams; and sisters, Edith Adams and Claudia Adams. She was preceded in death by her baby girl, Doretta Mae White Cloud; brother, Leo Walking Eagle Jr.; and sisters, Ella Adams, Linda Lethbridge, Helen Heck and Sandra Shanta. Funeral services were held Monday, Nov. 13, at the James Black Dog Center in Fort Kipp. Interment was at the Fort Kipp Cemetery.

Darrell Eldon Follette Sr., 55, of Poplar died Oct. 26, 2023, in Billings. He was born July 29, 1968, to Carmelita and Dennis Follette Sr. in San Jose, Calif. He grew up in California, Arizona and finally Fort Kipp and Poplar. He attended Culbertson Schools elementary through high school. He then became an apprentice with his father for welding. He also attended voc-rehab for vehicle mechanics. He married Ida Red Eagle and, from this marriage, they had Chelle’Rose, Darrell Jr and Neal. He also was the father to Anthony James and Christine. He and Ida later divorced but remained close until her death. His children were the most important in his life. He also loved and cherished his family very much. He loved to visit his family when ever he had the chance. He loved telling stories and making people laugh. He was preceded in death by his son, Anthony James; daughter, Chelle’Rose; mother, Carmelita Lambert; stepfather, Robert Lambert; brothers, Dennis Jr. and Verle; sisters, Denise and Elisa; two grandchildren; and adopted brother, Allen Russell Sr. He is survived by his father, Dennis Follette Sr. (Flora); sisters, Jackie Follette, Darlene Follette, Lexi Follette and Marion Follette; brothers, Leonard Follette Sr.m David Follette Sr. and Neil Follette; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His funeral service was held Monday, Nov. 6, at Clayton Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point. Interment followed at the Fort Kipp Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point was entrusted with the arrangements.

Edmund Kenneth Klasna, 71, of Glasgow died unexpectedly near Tioga, N.D., the afternoon of Nov. 1, 2023, while delivering equipment for Border Plains Equipment. He was born Sept. 1, 1952, to Kenneth and Caroline (Cornelia) Klasna in Sidney. His sister Linda joined in 1955. He was raised on the family farm in the Elmdale community near Lambert. He attended the Petrik country school through fourth grade and then Lambert Public Schools grade five through 12, graduating in 1969. After high school, he worked on the family farm and at Sidney Livestock on sale days. He first saw Maryann Brophy at Sidney Hospital where he was a visitor and she a nurse. They officially met on April 6, 1974, and were married April 6, 1975, in the Bronx, N.Y. After the marriage, they resided and worked on the family farm near Lambert. There, they raised four children: Crystal, Casey, Cheryl and Calli. In 1995, they retired from farming and moved to Lambert where they opened Klasna’s Market and Meats where he was a custom butcher. Throughout the years, he had also worked in the oilfield. Retirement in 2007 took Ed and Maryann to Monarch, where they built their dream home and where he started a new business; Monarch Mountain Log Furniture. In 2020, they moved to Glasgow to be closer to their 11 grandchildren. He was currently employed at Border Plains Equipment where he helped to deliver equipment and parts. He thoroughly enjoyed his newfound friends and family there. He had many interests but the ones that highlighted his life included his African safari hunts with his son Casey and granddaughter Rylee, and his hunt in Ireland as well as almost every part of Montana. His hunts produced many trophy mounts that adorn his home. He believed with all his heart that his greatest accomplishment was his children and grandchildren. He had a distinct ability to influence everyone around him with his endless array of stories and experiences which he loved to share with his grandchildren and friends. They gravitated towards him in hopes of a funny story or a good heckling. He found peace and tranquility and felt closest to God while in God’s great outdoors. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and adventurer. He found great joy in sharing these interests with his grandchildren and was even more proud to see them share his passion for the same things he did. His last great adventure was the construction of his and Maryann’s retirement home near Fort Peck. He designed it and did a majority of the construction himself. He is survived by Maryann, his wife of 48 years; children: Crystal Laumeyer of Nashua, Casey Klasna of Ennis, Cheryl Wanner of Dickinson, N.D., and Calli Stellmacher of Williston, ND; 11 grandchildren; and sister, Linda Anderson of Sidney. Funeral services were held Tuesday, Nov. 7, at the Richland County Event Center in Sidney, with Joe Laumeyer officiating. Burial was in the Sidney Cemetery.

Todd Michael Panasuk, 58, of Bainville died Oct. 22, 2023. He was born Dec. 1, 1964, in Williston, N.D., to Irene (Torgerson) and George Panasuk. He spent his childhood on the farm and ranch north of Bainville. After graduating from Bainville High School, he went on to college in Bozeman, graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering. He then went to work for Boeing as a tool designer and outside support for members in Washington state and California. In 1991, he met Brinda Iverson. On July 10, 1993, they were united in marriage in Enumclaw, Wash., and, in 1994, their son, Luke, was born. In 1995, they moved back to Bainville to work on the family farm and ranch. Although he loved both, he preferred ranching over farming. He served on the Rural and Bainville Fire Departments. In 2012 (Luke’s senior year), he was the high

Marjorie “Margie” Jean (Brenteson) Hanson, 83, died early Wednesday morning, Oct. 25, 2023, at Billings Clinic. She was born in Plentywood on March 10, 1940, to parents Clifford “Buster” and Erma (Boe) Brenteson. Growing up on the farm near Coalridge, she quickly developed the strength, optimism and confident, can-do spirit that characterized her throughout her life. She was a natural leader whose energy and generosity spilled over to those around her. Growing up on the farm as the middle child of three (older sister Edith and younger sister Carol), she spent many days following her dad around learning how to “figure things out.” The Brenteson girls were inseparable, playing on the farm together, sleeping in the same small bed and attending dances in Westby. That’s where Margie met her lifelong partner, Ogden “Oggie” Hanson. She graduated from Plentywood High School in the spring of 1958 and was married shortly afterward on June 5 to Oggie who was serving in the U.S. Army at the time. She and her new husband relocated to Indiana while he completed his training with the finance corps before deploying to Germany. She followed him in the winter of 1958, arriving in Germany on Christmas Eve 1958. The two spent the next 24 months living in Germany and traveling throughout western Europe before returning stateside in 1960, moving to Great Falls. They started their family in 1963. John was first, then James in 1965, Jadee and Jeffrey in 1970 and finally Jason in 1973. Shop the Classifieds!

Virginia Luise Katharina Moore, 74, passed away on Aug. 31, 2023, in Culbertson. She was born on Nov. 6, 1948, in Gilching, Germany, to Mariano and Luise Botelho. She attended Catholic school all through grade and high school. She then married Gary and joined his family of three kids on Nov. 14, 1970, and moved to Glasgow Air Force Base where Gary worked as civil servant. Later, they transferred to Tooele, Utah, where Virginia and Gary both worked at Tooele Army Depot. During that time, they helped raise Carrie, their granddaughter. In 1992, Gary and Virginia moved back to Culbertson and made this their home. For years while in Utah and after moving back to Montana, Virginia loved selling, and buying, Avon products. She was, in recent years, known for her crocheted afghans. She would spend most of her time making afghans to gift to those who were part of her life. At last count, she had made and given away over 200 afghans. She also enjoyed bingo, card games, board games and reading books. She is survived by her husband, Gary; step-children, Lynda Moore of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Steve Moore (Teresia) of Culbertson, Mont.; granddaughter, Carrie Moore of Salt Lake City, Utah; grandson, Joseph Moore (Liza) of Bainville, Mont.; granddaughter, Deb Heckmun (Randy) of Culbertson, Mont.; four great-grandchildren, Natalie and Jerome Heckmun, Tucker and Aria Moore; and cousin, Virginia Micciche of Cambridge, Mass. Preceding her in death are her parents; her sister, Lynda Blanco; and step-son, David Moore. (Paid Obituary)