Ase “Marie” Damm, 81, of Culbertson, Mont., passed away on Friday, Sept. 16, 2022, surrounded by her family at her home in Culbertson, Mont. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Williston, N.D., is assisting the family. Friends may sign the register and give their condolences at www.fulkersons.com. Her funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. (MDT) Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, at the Grace and Peace Church in Culbertson, Mont. Pastor Ross Reinhiller will officiate and interment will be in the Friedens Gemeinde Cemetery, northwest of Culbertson, Mont. Friends may call one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. The funeral service will be livestreamed. You can view Marie’s service directly on her obituary page at www. fulkersons.com. Ase Marie was born Sept. 23, 1940, to Edvard and Inger Kristiansen in Sarpsborg, Norway. In February of 1947 when Marie was six years old, her family left Norway and made the journey to America to homestead and farm outside of Savage, Mont., with her father’s uncle. She attended Larsen District 66 School through the eighth grade and then attended high school in Sidney where she graduated in 1958. Marie started working at the telephone office on the weekends while she was still in high school. This was a career she enjoyed for many years. In November of 1958, she married Robert Damm. Together, they raised three children: Brian, Robert and Shelley. In 1961, they moved to Plentywood where she continued to work as a telephone operator. In 1974, the family moved back to Culbertson to help with the family farm. In 1982, Marie and Bob purchased the Wild West Diner which is still owned and operated by her family. Marie loved visiting with the customers and, long after her retirement, she could be found sitting at the counter drinking coffee and visiting. No one was a stranger to Marie and she loved sharing stories with everyone she met. Marie was an avid reader and loved to travel. She has traveled the world visiting her son in Japan numerous times and going back to Norway to visit all her relatives who still reside there. She had an adventurous spirit and will be missed by many. She is survived by her two sons, Brian (JaeSoon) Damm of Tokyo, Japan, and Robert Damm of Culbertson; her daughter, Shelley (Steve) Baldwin of Culbertson; four grandchildren, Ashlee (Luke) Anderson, Alex (Mark) Von Wald, Jesse Damm and Elliot Damm; four great-grandchildren, Harper and Huck Anderson and Charlotte and Eleanor Von Wald; her sister, Ann (Roland) Aldinger of Glendive, Mont.; brother- in-law, Leroy (Jan) Damm of Pullman, Wash.; an aunt, Thora Kristiansen of Oslo, Norway; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Robert J. Damm; her parents, Edvard and Inger Kristiansen; and brother, Thore Kristiansen. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made the Grace and Peace Sunday School Program in Culbertson, Mont. (Paid Obituary)

Marilyn “Marty” Dillon, 69, of Brockton died Sept. 6, 2022. She was born in Louisa, Ky., on July 11, 1953, to Jesse and Nancy Bowen. She spent her early years in the hills of West Virginia with her siblings Jessy and Ricky, since she was a hillbilly and was very proud of it. She moved around various places after her schooling until she ended up in Wolf Point where she met her future husband, James, through his father, Chod. They were married in 1978 in Wolf Point and then moved to Cheney, Wash., until James finished his college education. In 1980, their first son, Chaz was born and they moved to Brockton. She then began work at A& S Tribal Industries. In 1982, daughter Kari was born and, in 1987, another daughter, Caitlin, was born. She loved to cook as her delicious southern style recipes were the favorites of many in the community and she always had an open seat at her dinner table through the years. She was an avid sports fan and loved to watch her children participate for the Brockton Warriors and was die hard fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Reds. In the 1990s, she began to manage the B& S Quick Stop where her office door was open to the community for laughs, trials and tribulations, all while harassing farmers daily with her witty sense of humor. In her later years, she cherished being a grandmother to her grandsons. She was a mother to many who were not her own children and was always willing to lend a hand to those in need. She was preceded in death by a sister, Yvonne; and adopted son, Sean Bighorn. She is survived by her husband, James; son, Chaz; daughters, Kari and Caitlin; five grandsons; sister, Jessy; brother, Ricky; and adopted sons, Joseph Chase Sr. of Newtown, N.D., and Adrian Spotted Bird Jr. of Poplar. To honor her wishes, cremation has taken place and no services are planned. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point was entrusted with the arrangements.

Juliet Smith, 96, died Sept. 4, 2022, at the Sheridan Memorial Nursing Home in Plentywood. She was born to Minnie (Olson) and Ole Ellevold on Nov. 24, 1925. She grew up on the family farm near Hanks, N.D., and graduated from the Hanks School. She obtained her teaching degree from Concordia College. Before her teaching career took off, she met Ed Smith at a dance at Brush Lake. They were married Sept. 29, 1945 — a marriage that would last for 70 years and produce four sons. They made their home south of Dagmar in the Volmer community. She was extremely proud of her sons and their families. Besides caring for her family, she was active in numerous community activities. She was a 4H leader, a member of the Volmer Helping Hands Club and the Cowbelles. She was a member of the Volmer Lutheran Church and taught Sunday school for many years. She enjoyed sewing, gardening and cooking. She could figure out how to prepare a variety of game — from sandhill crane to paddlefish or anything else that her men would bring home. She enjoyed fishing and took many family fishing trips to Canada and spent summer weekends at Blacktail Dam fishing and camping with neighbors. She would join Ed in Helena during the Legislature where she took up cross country skiing, which got her back to her Norwegian heritage. She and Ed took numerous trips with Ed's brother Art and wife Velma. Later, they would spend time in California each winter visiting Ed's sisters and brother. She enjoyed living in the Volmer community with her neighbors and friends. She looked forward to the various community events that occurred during the year. She hosted many family events and followed the activities of her children and grandchildren closely. Most recently with her stay at the Pioneer Manor and Sheridan Memorial Nursing Home, she made new friends with the residents and staff. She was preceded in death by a brother, Irving; two sisters, Mildred and Gertrude; husband, Ed; son, Bruce; granddaughter, Johanna. She is survived by three sons Gary, Douglas and Rodney, all of Dagmar; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Fulkerson Memorial Chapel in Plentywood. Interment was at the Volmer Cemetery.

Hazel L. Pickthorn Toavs, 95, died July 27, 2022. She was born April 5, 1927, to Lewis and Elsie Pickthorn in Bainville. She had three brothers, Chet, Lyle, Gayle, and one sister, Gloria. She attended grade school in Bainville, then moved to Wolf Point where she met and married Frank Toavs in 1947. They had two sons, Garry and Michael. In 1949, they moved to Saint Ignatius where they ranched

Vern Kenneth Eagleman, Eagleman Warrior stands alone, 59, died Monday, Aug. 8, 2022, at Poplar Community Hospital. He was born on Jan. 21, 1963, to Melvin Lo Eagleman and Susan Fast Horse. In his teen years, he was adopted by Delberta Seminole-Eagleman. He attended school in Brockton and Poplar. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. In his younger years, he enjoyed dancing traditional, playing basketball and hanging with friends and family. He is survived by his lifelong friend, Bernice Martin; daughters, Verna Kaye

Gwen Frerich was born in Culbertson, Mont., on March 30, 1932, to 'Nute' and Dora Anklam. She passed away on Aug. 10, 2022, at the age of 90. She was a resident at Morningstar in Billings. Gwen was the oldest of three children and spent her childhood in Culbertson, except for a brief period on the Washington coast, while her dad served in the Army during World War II. Gwen married Dick Frerich on Nov. 7, 1949. They lived in Poplar and raised three girls, along with many bushels of wheat. After a lifetime of hard work and happy memories, Dick and Gwen retired to Billings, determined to never leave Montana. Gwen was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. She described herself as 'a good cook,' and could make the perfect pie crust. Gwen loved bowling and was a lefty who enjoyed both league and tournament play. One of her favorite bowling memories was volunteering with the

Pat Drescher was born in Longmont, Colo., on Jan. 11, 1931, to Paul Lynn and Jessie Mae Drescher. Shortly after birth, Pat moved to Arizona where his parents farmed in Oak Creek Canyon near the town of Cottonwood. During grade school, Pat attended Oak Creek School, which was a two-room country school near the ranch. At age 16, Pat moved to Reno, Nev., where he graduated from Reno High School in 1949. He attended the University of Nevada Reno for two years pursuing a pre-legal degree before entering the Air Force to become a fighter pilot on Feb. 9, 1954. Upon completion of pilot training, he returned to the Nevada Air National Guard and served as a F-86 fighter pilot assigned to the Air Defense Command until his discharge on May 31, 1956. After separation from the military, he became owner/ operator of a small antique and pawn shop until 1962 when he was employed by the City of Sparks Fire Department where he served for 28 years. Pat’s primary assignment was fire prevention and investigation. He attended the Western Nevada Community College for two years and graduated with an associate of arts degree in fire science. After retiring from the fire service on April 15, 1990, at the rank of Fire Marshal/Battalion Chief, he spent approximately 10 years as a private investigator specializing in fire investigation. In February of 2000, Pat moved to Amidon, N.D., where he operated “Firehouse Antiques” for three years and, then in 2003, moved to Sidney, Mont., where he married Mavis Schledewitz and enjoyed total retirement. Pat was very active in scouting throughout his lifetime. He spent many years as a scoutmaster, serving on Woodbadge training staff while in Nevada. He was also active in Kiwanis for over 30 years and served as club president in Sparks, Nev., and Lt. Governor of Division 23 of the Nevada-California-Hawaii District. After serving his term as Kiwanis Lt. Governor, he received the Distinguished Lt. Governor Award for his exceptional leadership and devoted service. He brought his passion for serving children with him to Sidney where he has served as Lt. Governor of Division 5 of Montana District Commissioner for the Badlands District of the Boy Scouts of America. In 2013, Pat was awarded the Montana District Scouting Award of Merit. Pat and Mavis moved into the Lodge in September of 2018. In September of 2021, Pat and Mavis moved to Culbertson to live by family. He passed away on Saturday, July 30, 2022. Pat is survived by his wife, Mavis; and their many family and friends. Pat’s memorial service was held at 10 a.m. (MDT) on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, at the Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home Chapel in Sidney, Mont. Pastor Alton Hillesland officiated. A luncheon immediately followed the service. Pat was laid to rest at 2 p.m. at Hillside Cemetery in Culbertson, Mont. Fulkerson-Stevenson Funeral Home of Sidney is assisting the family. Friends may sign the on-line register and give their condolences at www.fulkersons.com. (Paid Obituary)

Bernie W. “Butch” Finnicum, loving brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend, peacefully left this world on Aug. 3, 2022. Butch was born on Jan. 14, 1945, to Bernie and Montana Finnicum. Throughout his years growing up in Culbertson, he kept his parents on their toes; however, he always looked out for his younger siblings. After graduating from Culbertson High School, he met the love of his life, Christina Vallejo. They married on July 4, 1969. After a short stint in the Army, Butch and Chris returned to Culbertson to work in the family businesses, where Butch remained until he retired. They raised two daughters, Monika and KayCee. Butch loved cars … admiring them, driving them (preferably very fast), buying them and selling them. He also loved playing cards with the guys, playing dominos with his family and eating all the healthy foods like cheeseburgers, ice cream, popcorn and candy. However, his greatest love was his family. Everything Butch did was wrapped up in family, whether it be his job or his hobbies. He was an amazing son, brother, husband, father and grandfather, forever taking care of all of us in his own quiet way. He had a great love of the Lord. Nothing made him happier than spending time with his grandkids. He would often initiate and partake in many a trip to the pumpkin patch, go carts, water park or wherever a fun time could be had with his grandkids. He spent lots of time watching all the sports his grandkids played. He was incredibly proud of his daughters and his grandkids, never missing an opportunity to brag about them. Butch was preceded in death by his parents and his grandparents. He is survived by his wife, Chris; daughters, Monika (Ward) Feldmann and KayCee (Scott) Murray; six grandchildren, McKenzie, Bridger, Braxton, Collin, Kayson and Maecyn; brothers, Paul (Lynne) Finnicum and Bill (Vicki) Finnicum; sisters, Diane (Steve) Hampton, LaVonne (Scotty) Scotson, Nancy (Tom) Hansen, Susan Finnicum and Bonnie (Jack) Hellweg; his Aunt Effie; Uncle Glen (Patty); and several cousins, nieces, nephews, Larry Birch and the guys and numerous friends. Butch was laid to rest at the Hillside Cemetery in Culbertson. A celebration of life is being planned for a later date. The family would like to thank all of the staff at St. Vincent’s in Billings who provided such great care for both him and his family. Anyone who wishes to honor Butch is requested to make a contribution to Ike’s Fishing Pond. Donations can be mailed to Culbertson Lions Club, PO Box 425, Culbertson, MT 59218. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Sidney, Mont., is assisting the family. Friends may sign the online register and give their condolences at www.fulkersons.com. (Paid Obituary)