William Joseph Williams Jr., 41, died Oct. 19, 2026. He was born in Poplar on July 9, 1985, to Leona Snell and William Williams Sr. He was an enrolled member of the Fort Belknap Assiniboine Tribe. He loved to travel and make new friends. He had a free spirit and never liked staying in one place for too long, but he always made sure to leave a part of himself wherever he went. No matter where he ended up, he always made his way back to wherever his mother was. He was never afraid to find work wherever life led him. Whether it was an odd job here or there, or a new place to explore, he always seemed to find his way. He lived life on his own terms, taking each day as it came and making connections along the way. He will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, the many friendships he made, the places he explored and the memories he left behind. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and his playful, joking personality. He could be stubborn at times, had personality all his own and was truly a little bit of everything. He had a way of making people laugh, creating memories and leaving an impression on those he met. He met Megan Williamson in Havre and, together, they share twin boys, Zesiro and Yadiel Piapot. While he was living in Great Falls, he met Jill Cosby and they had a daughter, Jinelly. One of the most meaningful parts of his life was his love for his children. Although life circumstances made it diffi cult for him to raise his children on his own, he carried a deep appreciation and gratitude for the Piapot (Duane and Joyce) and Hohnberger families, who stepped in to give them the love, stability and opportunities they deserved. He is survived by his mother, Leona Snell; his three children; sisters, Lucinda Sears, April Williams, Sunshine and Season Eagleman; brothers Dustin Snell, Joseph Williams and Chad Eagleman; and grandmothers, Yvonne Martin and Rose Sullivan. His funeral service was held Saturday, Oct. 31, at the Fort Belknap Community Center in Fort Belknap.

Jesse Wilbur Johnson, born Aug. 26, 1989, in Wolf Point, Mont., passed away on Oct. 25, 2026. He was a man of faith, quick wit and a tender heart, and his loss leaves a space that cannot be filled. He was 37 years old and made his final home at Fort Peck Lake, a place he loved with his whole heart. Jesse got his start at his family’s restaurant, Old Town Grill, where he became an excellent cook and server. He had a gift for making people feel welcome, and he took real pride in giving customers a good dining experience. It was there that he met Echo Clark, with whom he had his daughter, Jamari. A few years later, he welcomed his son, Arrec, with Cerra Pipe. Jesse was endlessly proud of his children and loved them deeply, delighting in every chance to play with them. Jesse’s life was not without struggle. He fought bravely against addiction and depression, going to rehab four times. It was at UTurn 4 Christ that he found the Lord and was saved, and his sobriety because one of his greatest sources of pride. He credited that victory to Jesus, whom he loved deeply. That faith carried him into meaningful work, first at NE Montana Mental Health, where he met Courtney Gagne, the love of his life, and where he became a state-licensed peer support specialist, helping others battle addiction. He later worked for Cornerstone, caring for the elderly in their homes. Those who knew Jesse remember his gift for turning his own life experiences into stories that left everyone laughing. He loved music and would entertain his family with his dance moves, loved skateboarding with friends, wakeboarding and tubing with the kids and walking his beloved dog, Covi. Nothing made him happier than family reunions at the lake. Jesse is survived by his daughter, Jamari Johnson; his son, Arrec Pipe; his parents, Jim and Linda Johnson; his sisters, Loni Johnson and Carly Hibl; his nephew, Walter Hibl; and his niece, Ayla Paulson. We should all be aware of the dangers of depression. It was one of those dark times when we lost Jesse. While we grieve the heavy burdens he carried in silence, we find profound peace knowing he never walked alone. He loved the Lord deeply, and we hold fast to the promise of Hebrews 13:5, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Even in his darkest moments, Jesse was held securely by a Savior whose love never lets go, and now he is resting in perfect eternal peace. A small family gathering has been held at Fort Peck Lake. (Paid Obituary)

Heather Radue, 35, of Poplar died Oct. 19, 2026. She was born in Williston, N.D., on Jan. 20, 1991, to Michelle Radue and Irvin Olson Sr. Her siblings are Raymond, Victoria, Cameo, Wayne, Erica, Merciline and Maggie. She grew up in Poplar and attended the Poplar School District. She lived with her aunt Julia Young for a bit. She was a kind, carefree and loving soul. She loved to laugh and goof off with her family and friends. She was always at her mother’s side, whether they were hanging out with friends, going shopping, going to powwows, family events or even just staying home to snack and watch movies together. Over the course of her life, she made many friends. One of her biggest joys in life was being an aunt. She is survived by her sons, Eric Cash Radue, Tristan Radue and Raymond Radue; father, Irvin Olson Sr.; siblings, Raymond, Victoria, Cameo, Wayne, Erica and Merciline; and grandmothers, Margaret Hapa, Yvette Todd, Wilma Snell, Eloise Youngman, Donna Black Dog, Anne Lester, Vivian D. Jones, Rose Morsette, Lulu Douglas and Donna Youngman. She was preceded in death by her sister, Margaret “Maggie” Radue. A funeral service was held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, at the Poplar Cultural Center. Interment will follow at the Box Elder Cemetery in Poplar.