A celebration of life service for Irene J. Davidson was held Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Froid Lutheran Church in Froid, Mont., with Sheri Crain officiating. A luncheon followed the service. Irene was laid to rest next to her husband at the Richland Memorial Park in Sidney, Mont. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Sidney, Mont., is assisting the family. Remembrances, condolences and pictures may be shared with the family at www.fulkersons. com. Irene Josephine Davidson was born on March 3, 1934, in Froid, Mont., to Elizabeth “Beeb” and Helmer Hanson. She peacefully passed away March 5, 2024, in Culbertson, Mont. Irene's journey began in Froid, where she attended school and embraced a strong work ethic from a young age. She was confirmed in the Froid Lutheran Church, where she found solace and community. In August 1951, Irene married Vernie L. Davidson in Seattle, Wash., marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership filled with love and shared adventures. Together, they built a life and raised their family across various communities in Montana and Washington before finally settling in Callaway, Minn., where they retired after many years of hard work. Their enduring love and commitment saw them through almost 60 years of marriage. Throughout her life, Irene was known for her unwavering dedication to her family and her community. She was a beloved figure in Callaway, where she worked in various businesses, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew her. Irene's resourcefulness and can-do attitude were evident in every aspect of her life. Whether she was cooking her famous meals, baking, tending to her garden, birdwatching or cutting a rug on the dance floor as a polka partner, Irene approached everything with enthusiasm and determination. In her later years, she found joy in the simple pleasures of life, spending countless hours immersed in the pages of her favorite books. Irene is survived by her loving children, Sheri (Bruce) Crain of Froid, Mont., Carol (David) Foltz of Detroit Lakes, Minn., Demcy (Sandi) Davidson of Callaway, Minn., and LaDonna (Brady) Finnicum of Velva, N.D.; along with 16 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Vernie; her children, Clay A. Davidson, Tammy Wangerin, and infants David and Kelly; her parents, Helmer L. Hanson and Beeb Herling; and her siblings, Ray Hanson, Randy Hanson, Darlene Berg, Joyce Boos, Mervin “Shorty” Hanson and Kae Spotted Bull; and all of her brothersand sisters-in-law and many nephews and nieces. Irene's legacy of love, resilience and kindness will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by her family, friends and the countless lives she touched throughout her remarkable journey. (Paid Obituary)

Mary Helen Tropila, 89, died Feb. 25, 2024, at Great Falls Clinic Hospital in Great Falls. She was born April 28, 1934, in Medicine Lake to Russell and Helen Evans. She graduated from Medicine Lake High School in 1952 and continued to Kinman Business University in Spokane, Washington, earning her secretarial degree. She and Joseph Tropila were united in marriage April 27, 1957, at St. Patrick Church in Medicine Lake. They made their home in Great Falls. She enjoyed Saturday evening Mass at St. Ann’s Cathedral, Gonzaga basketball, Seattle Mariners baseball, time with her children and Nestle milk chocolate chips — the small bag. Surviving are children, Mike, Cathy MacDonald, Mitch and Cecile Sorensen; sister, Joan Ator; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband; brother, Robert Evans; and sister, Jean Wirth. Graveside services were held Wednesday, March 13, at noon at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Great Falls.

Jameson Jeffrey Egemo, 24, of Buffalo, S.D., formerly of Bainville, died Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, at Sanford Health Hospital in Bismarck, N.D. He was born July 24, 1999, to Michelle Holm Egemo and Jeffrey Owen Egemo in Williston, N.D. He was raised by his mother, Michelle Holm Horob, and his bonus dad, Jay Horob on the family farm northeast of Bainville. He has two brothers, Joseph Horob and Angelo Lee Schrumpf; five sisters, Michaela Hartman, Jessica Horob, Christina Holm, Stephanie Egemo and Jaymie Horob. He attended Bainville School where he enjoyed playing basketball and football. The school co-opt with Culbertson until his senior year when the boys started the football program for Bainville School. He was also a member of FFA. He participated in the Missoula Children’s Theatre. He graduated in 2017 from Bainville School. He enjoyed hanging out with his friends, playing basketball, football, hunting, boating, fishing and camping. He was always willing to help when needed. He enjoyed helping the neighbors work cattle or anything else they needed. Growing up, he enjoyed visiting with his aunts, uncles and cousins. He was always willing to help Grandma Musette Horob with yard work and gardening. His greatest pastime was hanging out with his best friend, Brennen, coyote hunting and fishing. Those boys were inseparable. He worked as a roustabout for Kevin South and Shawn Bilquist right out of school, they taught him so much. He also sold fireworks for Torches fireworks and helped

Lorena Wilma Hekkel, 97, of Culbertson died Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, at the Roosevelt Memorial Nursing Home in Culbertson. She was born Aug. 4, 1926, to Dan and Ella (Krueger) Schledewitz near Froid. She was baptized and confirmed a Lutheran and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Culbertson. After graduation Culbertson High School in 1944, she worked as a telephone operator until her marriage to John “Pete” Hekkel on Sept. 29, 1946. To this union, two children were born, Perry and Marcia. She had one of the best smiles, a loving and caring personality and a great sense of humor. She was happiest when surrounded by friends and family drinking coffee, visiting and playing cards. Some of her hobbies were German cooking and making homemade noodles, crocheting, playing Pinochle, watching Jeopardy and many more. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church’s

Wendall Lee Walker, 70, of Culbertson died Feb. 25, 2024, in Billings. He was born Feb. 2, 1954, in Warroad, Minn. Burial will be at the Silent City Cemetery in Roosevelt, Minn., on Friday, March 8, at 10:30 a.m. A celebration of life will be held at the Stagecoach in Culbertson on Saturday, March 9 (time to be determined). A second celebration of live will be held in Helena later this summer.

Funeral services for Alton Vernald Hillesland are Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Pella Lutheran Church in Sidney, Mont., with Pastor Barb Haugerud officiating. A luncheon will follow the service for a time of fellowship and sharing. Visitation will be Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fulkerson Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Sidney, Mont., and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Pella Lutheran Church with a celebration of life service to follow, open to the public. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Sidney, Mont., is assisting the family. Remembrances, condolences and pictures may be shared with the family at www.fulkersons.com. Alton Vernald Hillesland passed from this life on Feb. 10, 2024, at his home in Sidney, Mont., surrounded by family. He was born on July 2, 1928, to Ted and Lottie Hillesland in Calmar, Iowa, and grew up on the family farm with three brothers: Dalos, Glenn and Harvey. He married Harriet Ohnstad and they enjoyed 62 years of marriage. He later married long-time family friend Ruthann Knutson. His 95 years were filled with the love of learning and his unwavering, steadfast faith in God. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn. He served as pastor in Spring Grove, Minn.; Willow City, N.D.; country churches around Parshall, N.D.; Mondovi, Wis.; Culbertson and Bainville, Mont.; Sidney, Mont.; and Watford City, N.D. Upon retirement as pastor, he was asked to be the building inspector for the city of Sidney and Richland County and served in that role until age 89. His desire to help others and love of medicine led him to become a certified EMT. He served in that role through age 85. His list of hobbies continued to grow through the years. He taught himself to play the guitar, banjo, mandolin, violin and most recently the piano. He also taught himself Norwegian rosemaling, oil painting, wood carving, sketching, wood turning, fine woodworking and house building. He also authored daily devotions for Christ in Our Home. He made space for his ever- growing wood shop in each of their homes. His woodworking skills included building a pull-behind camper complete with a kitchen on one side and wardrobe on the other side that was used for annual summer camping vacations. One of the biggest woodworking challenges Dad tackled in his shop was his History Clock. It was a project that took him just over 20 years. It is a testament to his drive and determination. He was an active member in Kiwanis for many years. He met Monday through Friday for over 30 years with his Coffee Buddies (“the grandpas”) and was always up for a game of Pinochle. Philanthropy and giving back to the communities he lived in was something he felt very strongly about. As a result, he enjoyed supporting many different organizations in the communities where he lived, including serving as a founding member of the McKenzie County Heritage Park in Watford City. Alton is survived by his wife, Ruthann; four children, Tom (Marie), Jeff (Sally), Chris (Billie) and Sana (Ken) Keller; five stepchildren, Chad (Brad) Knelson, Joe (Jeni) Knutson, Sandra (Mark) Fetting, Marty Knutson (Jenifer Grau) and Bethany (Erick) Spiegel; 23 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. Adding to the family, reconnecting with long-lost relatives and discovering new family was a joy throughout his life. One of his greatest joys was spending time with all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers; first wife; and grandson, Jade. If desired, memorials may be made in Alton’s name to the Foundation for Community Care, Pella Lutheran Church, or Martha’s Place in Sidney. (Paid Obituary)

Joan Gouldstone, 87, of Culbertson died Sunday Jan. 28, 2024, at the Sidney Health Center. She was born in Que Que, Rhodesia, Africa, on Aug. 28, 1936, to Harry and Cathrina Knoesen. She lived in Rhodesia until moving to Atlanta, Ga., in 1979 with her husband, Murray, and son, Craig. In Africa, she worked as an administrative assistant. While living in Georgia, she had various jobs including elderly care, floral design and doing demos for “Boars Head.” In 2014, she moved to Culbertson to live closer to her son. She loved Culbertson and it quickly became her “home.” She enjoyed going to the senior citizen gatherings where she made many friends. She attended Bethel Community Church. Her unwavering faith and compassionate spirit touched the lives of many. She is survived by her son, Craig; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and sister, Leonie. She was preceded in death by her sister, Glenn; and brother, Bill. A celebration of life was held Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Bethel Community Church in Culbertson.

Gwen Eileen (Knudsen) Bolstad of Homestead, Mont., was born July 11, 1963, in Williston, N.D., to Wayne and Janice Knudsen of Bainville, Mont. She passed early Saturday morning, Feb. 3, 2024, surrounded by family. She was 60 years old. Fiercely independent and determined, she was the third of four children. Gwen was diagnosed with diabetes at age five but never let it define her. She attended Bainville Public Schools from kindergarten through 12th grade and was active in sports, band and choir. Her opponents on the basketball court often described her as a fierce competitor with sharp elbows, not unlike her eventual daughter. As a teen, she was crowned Miss Montana Angus Queen. She attended Eastern Montana College (MSU-B) in Billings, where she received her teaching degree and met her eventual husband Jon — whose attempt at a first date to a Merle Haggard concert proved fruitful, somehow. They were married in June 1985 and moved to a farm and ranch east of Homestead, where they would raise their two children — Jenna, born in 1988, and Jackson, born in 1991. A passionate, ruler-wielding educator to her many students, Gwen taught in several schools before settling at Culbertson Public Schools. She taught physical education for a while before moving to junior high math and science, where she thrived helping her young students master the order of operations and correctly read/pronounce organism. Never one to sit idle, Gwen earned her master's degree in education, coached basketball and track, enjoyed stamping cards, helped with the cows and farming and maintained a healthy garden and meticulous yard. No one was ever allowed to mow HER lawn or touch HER garden, especially after she put her husband in charge of the garden once while at Mayo Clinic. When asked about her garden, he responded, “best