LaVern “Vern” E. Unger, 90, of Wolf Point died Dec. 6, 2025, at Faith Home. He was born Dec. 2, 1935, to Abram and Anna (Unrau) Unger on the family farm in Lustre. From a very young age, he loved to work with all kinds of materials, knowing he could craft something unique or make something even better just by using his hands and his natural creativity. This creative spirit led him, during his high school years, to seek education and opportunities away from the farm in Hutchinson, Kansas. Amidst his second year of schooling, and living on a high schooler’s salary, he decided to enter the workforce, taking on jobs with custom cutting crews and mine work. In 1954, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving with honor as a mechanic in the 3201st Aircraft Repair Squadron at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas. He received an honorable discharge in 1956. After returning home to Montana briefly, he ventured to Washington where he co-founded V& B Design, a cabinetry business, with Bob Baerg. During this time, he met and later married Delores Dahl, warmly welcoming three stepdaughters into his life: Wendy, Devorah and Johanna. The couple later moved to California and eventually parted ways amicably. In 1972, he became a successful entrepreneur in Corian materials with his creation of Artistic Countertops in Chatsworth, Calif., which remains in operation today. Through his business, he formed lasting friendships, particularly with Darla Hernandez, his longtime Corian supplier, and Roger Galeana, who worked with him for over 35 years. Roger ultimately acquired the business upon Vern’s retirement in 2008, when he returned home to Montana. Vern was preceded in death by his brother, Ed; and sisters, Helen, Rose Friesen, Leatha Brown and LaVera Unger. He is survived by his brother, Larry Unger. A viewing was held on Thursday, Dec. 11, at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point. Cremation followed. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.

Arnold Waller, 93, of Billings died Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at Highgate Assisted Living in Billings. Born in Circle in 1932 to Theodore Waller, a cowboy and rancher in McCone County and Elizabeth Waller (Dougherty), a dedicated schoolteacher from Minnesota, he grew up in the rugged beauty of northern McCone County. His mother taught him and his siblings in a rural one-room schoolhouse, instilling in them the value of education and perseverance. He was the second eldest of five children. He was preceded in death by his brother, Alvin Waller; and sister, Margery Koltes. He is survived by his brother, Leo Waller of Circle; and sister, Eldora Berry of Billings. He graduated from Circle High School in 1950 and proudly served in the U.S. Army beginning in 1952. Stationed in Germany during the post-war rebuilding efforts, he discovered his lifelong trade as an operating engineer. After his discharge in 1954, he embarked on a career in road construction. The development of the interstate highway system took him across Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and South Dakota. Starting as a welder/mechanic, he worked his way up to operating engineer and eventually superintendent, later applying his expertise in the coal mines of Gillette, Wyo. While working in Rapid City, S.D., he met Vernice Curtis. Together, they built a family and raised five children, Genie Loghry (preceded in death), Michael Gorsuch, Raymond Gorsuch, Art Waller and James Waller. Their family grew to include 15 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. He was a devoted father and stepfather, teaching his children the importance of hard work and serving as a true example of what it means to be a dad and husband. He and Vernice eventually retired to Billings, where they enjoyed their later years together until Vernice's death in 2019. Memorial services were held Dec. 8 at Smith Downtown Funeral Chapel in Billings. Burial will be at Yellowstone National Cemetery in Laurel, alongside Vernice.

John A. Szymanski, 80, of Wolf Point died Nov. 23, 2025, at Trinity Hospital. He was born in Poplar on Nov. 5, 1945, to John L and Carol (Mohr) Szymanski. He graduated from Poplar High School in 1963. He played football, basketball and baseball. After high school, he attended Rocky Mountain College in 1964 with his degree in physical education. He played football for Rocky Mountain Bears as a half back in 1964 and baseball for the Rocky Mountain Open in 1965. He married Karen Carlsen in Poplar on May 1, 1965. From this union, they had a daughter, Lenora Kay, born in 1965, and a son, Robert John, born in 1966, in Billings. They divorced in 1967. Karen’s current husband, Kenneth Loomis, adopted Lenora and Robert. He had a child with Annette White Eagle Boxer, Craig Anthony Plummer, who was born in Miles City on April 21, 1968. He was adopted by Plummer family at birth. He married Eddy Mae Brown in Wolf Point on Aug. 26, 1968. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1968. They had their first child, Kimberly Ann, in 1970 in Wolf Point. Their second child was John Thomas, born in 1974, in Port Smith, Va. Their third child, Melissa Jean, was born in 1980, in Wolf Point. He had transferred from the U.S. Navy to the Montana National Guards. They made their home in Wolf Point and he worked various jobs as a ranch hand, farmer, butcher and at the United States Postal Service. He retired from the National

Donna Ricker, 76, died Dec. 15, 2025. Funeral services are pending at this time. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.