June 8, 1942 - April 14, 2023 Michael “Mike” T. O’Connor passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on April 14, 2023, while wintering in Emory, Texas. Born in Poplar, Mont., on June 8, 1942, Mike spent almost his entire life in the Wolf Point area. He was a 1960 graduate of Wolf Point High School. He grew up on the O’Connor Ranch on Tule Creek, northeast of town on Highway 13. His engineering mind was always at work. This led him into his intense interest in fabricating and welding. He became the premier welder/ fabricator in the area and later in his career, focused on horse racing gates. An example of his work may be found at the Kentucky Derby Museum where a two-stall horse racing gate he refurbished with his son, Shane, is on display in Louisville, Ky. In recent years, Mike had been spending his winters in Emory, Texas, with the love of his life, Sharon. His sons, Shane (Annie) and Rory (Kim) were by his side when he passed, as was Sharon. Mike was proceeded in death by his father, Daniel O’Connor; mother, Mary Griswold O’Connor; and sister, Nina Rose. He is survived by his partner in all things, Sharon Bravard; brother, Daniel “Pat” (Rita); sister, Donna Mann; his sons; his granddaughter, Barbara (Vine Grove, Ky.); and grandsons, Devon (Vine Grove, Ky.), Evan and Cian (Missoula, Mont.). He will be deeply missed by them all as well as the countless relatives and friends whose lives were touched by him and his helping hand. Cremation has taken place.

Phiona Fern Granbois, 23, died April 19, 2023, at her home in Williston, N.D. She was born March 10, 2000, in Wolf Point to Wenona Sloan and Phillip “Beasty” Granbois. She joined her brother Raven Sloan Clark and soon welcomed brothers and sister, Phillip Granbois IV, Sydney Granbois, Jake Granbois and Dillon Granbois. She was a kind soul. She was a little mother hen, always protecting, watching over and worrying about everyone, friends, siblings and relatives. She began her education in Wolf Point Elementary school and then Poplar for middle school and high school. While in high school, she was part of the Dakota language program that traveled to Minneapolis, Minn., to compete. In school, she had some great friends. As she got older, one of the funniest things was to hear her and her sister get together and share the funny things they and their friends did. In May 2018, she met Hailey Fourstar of Portland, Ore. From this meeting, she didn’t only get a partner and best friend, but her family gained a daughter and sister. The lived together in Wolf Point and Poplar until moving to Williston in 2019. Even though they decided not to continue their relationship, they remained best friends and never went too long without phone calls. In May 2019, she began working at Albertsons, where she remained employed as a frozen supervisor at the time of her death. She enjoyed her job, but what made it worth it was her coworkers. They were more like another family to her. When not working, she enjoyed playing games online. She is survived by her parents, Wenona (Angel) Sloan and Beasty Granbois III; sister, Sydney Granbois; brothers, Raven Sloan-Clark, Phillip H. Granbois IV and Dillon J. Granbois; grandparents, Darlene (David) Follette, Gary and Michelle Sloan of Vancouver, Wash., and Pauline Granbois; and great-grandparents, Dennis and Flora Follette of Helena. She was preceded in death by her brother, Jake Granbois. Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 25, at the new Wolf Point Community Hall. Interment was at St. Ann’s Cemetery in Poplar. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements.

Wilmer Francis Zeller, “Big Willie,” 76, of Glasgow died April 23, 2023. He was born in Wolf Point on March 31, 1947, to Ethel (Hartse) and Wilmer A. Zeller. He grew up in Wolf Point. After graduating high school, he then went to college in Bozeman and Billings, where he attended school and enjoyed the nightlife. He then moved in with his sister in Virginia, Minn., to continue his education. He was drafted in 1968 and spent his military time in Germany during the Vietnam War. He and Rita Stein were married in August 1971. They had two children, Willie Junior and Alicia. Rita’s father helped him get a job with the school district, where he worked as a school janitor from 1971 through 2007, a job he held with pride and dedication. He also cleaned Joe’s Bar after closing and, during tax season, he worked for an accountant for several years. At times, he had a fulltime job and two part-time ones. He believed in the value of hard work and instilled that same work ethic in his children and grandchildren. In 1981, he began a new chapter as a political figure and was elected to the Glasgow City Council. He then ran for a two-year term as mayor in 1983. In 2001, he was elected to his fifth term as Glasgow’s mayor, making him Montana’s longest-serving mayor. He served his community with distinction for 28½ years, making countless contributions to the city’s growth and prosperity. He was also a member of the St. Raphael’s Parish, Knights of Columbus, Elks Lodge, Eagle Scout and Boy Scout leader. Upon retirement, he held many positions at the Glasgow VFW and was instrumental in moving the post from Mahon Street to Highway 2. His commitment to his community and family was unwavering. His legacy of service and dedication to others will continue to inspire those who knew him. He will be forever remembered for his time as mayor, his cigars and the baby blue Chevette. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rita; baby, Mary; and sister, Sharon. He is survived by his son, Willie Junior of Glasgow; daughter, Alicia; one grandson; and sister, Nora Monson. A rosary will be held at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church on Thursday, April 27, at 6:30 p.m. with memories at the VFW after the rosary. A memorial service will be held at a later date.