In Memoriam – February and March 2025

As is our tradition, we are taking a look back at the lives of the people we have lost in the past year, continuing with obituaries that appeared in February and March of 2025. For obituaries that appeared in January, see the Dec. 21 edition.

February

Jon Galt Bowman

After a frustrating semester in college, he enlisted in the Air Force, training in Career Guidance, which allowed him to place others, but also to choose placements for himself. He posted himself to several bases in the US and Germany, including Scott Air Force Base where he was assigned to the wife of the Base Commander to set up a riding stable for the officers’ wives, a role to which he was admirably suited. In 1952 he posted himself to North Africa, spending 2 years with the 34th Radio Squadron, at Wheelus AFB in Tripoli, Libya. He loved the desert and the Libyan culture, but also the easy access to Italy, often hitching a ride on the provisioning plane to enjoy Italian food and the dolce vita in Rome and the Adriatic coast. In 1954 he took an early discharge to take advantage of the GI bill, and enrolled in business school at Menlo College in California. Characteristically, his discharge included the condition that the Air Force transport all his goods back to the USA, including his Jaguar Mark V sedan, which he had purchased from a Libyan sheik.

Helen Rae Borrowman

She grew up in Opportunity, where she was raised by her grandmother, Kathleen Glasson. She graduated from Anaconda High School in 1966. She married the love of her life, Jerry Borrowman, on June 11, 1966. They raised their children Stacie and Shane in Opportunity. While living in Opportunity she was ahead of her time running a gourmet coffee and tea shop in the early 1980s. She enjoyed crafting and spending time with her family and friends.

Benjamin “Ben” Lee Benner

In Ben’s later years, he discovered a love of woodworking. He made beautiful fly rod cases, clocks, bird houses, trinket boxes, picnic tables, picture frames, shelves, beds, end tables, chairs, and cradles. He lovingly crafted matching urns for himself and Lanell, as well. Along with Lanell, Ben was also an active and involved member of the Mount Haggin Baptist Church. Ben’s garden was another joy in his life, and he once grew a cabbage so large that the newspaper featured him on the front page.

Linda Forkan

Linda grew up in Anaconda and was a proud member of the Anaconda High school class of 1970. Linda was blessed with three children whom she loved and adored. She never quit being their biggest cheerleader even in her final days. Linda married the love of her life in 2000, Jerold Forkan. They would have been celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary this year. Linda and Jerold had a wonderful relationship and were happily joined at the hip. They both had successful careers working at Anaconda Deerlodge county for most of their marriage and retired from there together.

RoseMary L. Brown

RoseMary was born in Missoula MT on March 29, 1949 and raised on a ranch between Maxville and Hall. She attended school in Lolo, then a one room school in Maxville and Granite High School. RoseMary married her high school sweet heart Samuel on April 4, 1967, and they were together for close to 58 years. During those years she lived in numerous states and once overseas in Australia.  

Edna Saltenberger

Edna graduated from Three Forks High School and went on to become a registered nurse. During nursing school, she met Jack Satlenberger while completing her clinical hours at Montana State Hospital in Warm Springs. Edna and Jack fell head over heels and were later married on September 27, 1958, in Three Forks. Together they raised their five children and operated Saltenberger Heating in Anaconda, MT. Edna ran the office and worked side by side with Jack every day; however, her passion for nursing never diminished. Once the children were older, she returned to Montana State Hospital as a Psychiatric Registered Nurse until her retirement in 2002. 

Kathy Anna Reardon (Klima)

Kathy was born on March 14th, 1952, in St. Paul, MN. She graduated from Anaconda Central High School class of 1970 and went on to earn an LPN associate’s degree from Helena College. She made many friends and connections during her time with St. Peter’s Hospital, Lewis and Clark County Health Department, and Florence Crittenton. Kathy was known for her caring nature and lively personality amongst family, friends, and strangers alike.

Margaret Theresa Holland

With her infectious passion for helping others whether she was in a small town or a big city, she drew people to her love and light. Peggy was in her 39th year of sobriety this year, and her true love and commitment was giving her time, energy and fellowship to new comers and old timers within her recovery community. Peggy was a friend of Bill W. and if you were as well, she wanted to be a supportive contact in your life. Peggy volunteered for the American Red Cross, helped with the Foundation of Our Lady of the Rockies, and looked for community gatherings that she could give a piece of herself to.

John S. Karlock

Born in 1933, dad grew up in Anaconda up on Sunnyside where his dad was the town Iceman. Dad’s stories about delivering ice to the bars in town, hunting with his dad, fishing and hiking with friends, and buying and driving an old Model T at 12 years old were some of his best. He often said he had the best childhood imaginable. 

Mary Jane Collins

After graduating high-school in 1963, Jane crossed paths with a boy from Montana who was stationed with the Navy in San Diego. That boy, Ronald Collins, would take Jane as his beloved wife, June 8th 1963. After starting their family in San Diego, Ron and Jane moved back to Montana. They spent some time in Philipsburg before permanently laying roots in Deer Lodge. Six children would complete their family. Jane worked many years as a cook at 4B’s, as well as other restaurants before settling in at the hospital for which she would retire.

Ramona Joella Valdez

Ramona had a deep passion for music and dance, and nothing brought her more joy than singing along to her favorite songs. She was an avid card player, renowned for her skill in pinochle, and a fierce competitor in Anaconda’s women’s shuffleboard league—always ready for a challenge.

Norma Jean Indendi Tarkalson

Norma spent her childhood with her loving family; fishing, camping and enjoying Italian & Swedish meals prepared by her mother.  Her fondest memories were attending bible camp at Flathead Lake and working at her family owned “White Spot” in Anaconda, cooking burgers and enjoying soda pops with her parents and younger sisters. It was during her senior year of high school when she was offered a ride by the love of her life, Ray, in his early 1950’s Studebaker, when they began their 65 year love affair.  Although they each went their separate ways for college, it was short lived and they got married in the summer of 1960.  Soon after they expanded their family with their first son Kevin, followed by Kurt, Toni and Terri.  Their family was completed in 1991 with the adoption of their daughter Ebony.  

Kathleen “Kathy” Swanson

Kathy was also a lifelong member, and past president, of Division 1 of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH). She wore her sash with pride, attending ceilidhes and other events. Her strong values of community and service aligned perfectly with the mission of the LAOH. The members became like sisters to her, united in their shared love for all things Irish. Kathy took great pride in representing the Anaconda, Philipsburg, and Drummond areas when she ran for and won a seat in the Montana State Legislature. One of her proudest accomplishments was carrying the bill that increased the wages of state workers. She knew this salary boost would have a significant impact on the hardworking union workers in Warm Springs and at the state prison. Kathy served her community as a House Representative from 2011-2019. 

Julie Palakovich

Julie’s life journey began in her hometown of Anaconda, where she graduated from Anaconda High School, Class of 1976. Her academic pursuits led her to the University of Montana and later Montana Tech, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Technical Writing in 1981 and in 1987 she earned a master’s degree in Communications from the University of Oregon. Julie’s professional career took her to Olympia, Washington, where she worked for the Washington State Department of Energy. While there, she managed a variety of projects that included helping families improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Her work had a lasting impact on the community, and her commitment to helping others was a hallmark of her career, and her life.

March

Donald “Don” Raymond Tweedy

He met Maureen “MO” Sparrow in Great Falls and they married in May of 1993. The union was blessed with a son Donald Seamus Tweedy. The Family relocated to Anaconda Montana in 1996, where Don stayed at home with Seamus for the first year, this was his favorite job. He worked for a few computers repair businesses until purchasing the Subway in Anaconda in 1998 and five years later opened the Subway in Rocker. He was a Star Trek fan, enjoyed gaming on the computer or with miniatures acting out historical wars or fantasy. Was a founding member of the Sandbaggers Club in Great Falls. He opened a Game Room in Anaconda, so preteens had a place to hang out on Friday gaming and playing Magic the Gathering. He loved watching sports, barbequing, chilling with family and friends and in recent years gardening.

Delinda Joy LaTray

She greeted people and loved them all without judgement.  She had big, tight hugs, a beautiful, bright smile, and sparkles in her eyes.  She was the center of attention everywhere she went. Delinda loved music, especially old-time country; Loretta Lynn in particular, carrying a guitar, portable phonograph, and a stack of albums wherever she went, always ready to display her talents. Throughout the years, she held various jobs through the AWARE program, where she made many friends.  AWARE and Family Outreach kept Delinda active and engaged as long as her health allowed.

Shadd Taylor Kauffman

After his discharge from the Air Force, Shadd returned to Glendive where he went to work at The Jordan as a maintenance worker. With little persuasion, Shadd quickly became a bartender where he eventually was running the bar. He was also the architect for the 2000’s music scene helping to bring many famous bands to Glendive for concerts. It was at this time that he established a brotherhood with his lifelong friend, Ben Sportsman. One of Shadd’s biggest delights was the birth of his son, Levi, in 2006. After starting work with US Minerals in 2014, Shadd moved to Anaconda. Although he lived his life as a free spirit who never stayed in one place for too long, it was Anaconda he was always drawn to, and called his home. It was there that he met his lady love, Dani Coffey.

Mike Kopp

Mike grew up and spent his entire life in Anaconda. Mike graduated in 1977 from Anaconda High. He liked to hunt and fish and was a diehard Oakland Raiders fan. Mike was employed by Safeway until retirement in 2014. After retirement Mike enjoyed his home, loved to barbecue and loved his flowers.

Stephen A. Blaskovich

He grew up in the family home on Oak Street, attending St. Paul’s Catholic school, and graduating from Anaconda Senior High in 1977. He obtained his Bachelor’s of Science in Metallurgical Engineering from Montana Tech in 1981, and continued on to receive his Master of Science in 1982. In 1993, he was awarded a US Patent for developing an improved process of the refining of bismuth. Steve began his 40 year Metallurgical Engineering career at Asarco, Inc. in Tacoma Washington, and was quickly transferred to El Paso, TX. In 1983, he married the love of his life, Patti Walund Blaskovich in the stunning setting of St. Timothy’s Chapel at Georgetown Lake. 

Patricia Marie Martin

he graduated from Central High School in 1963 and moved to Seattle to pursue a career in nursing. It was working at the hospital there that she met her friend and mentor Sister Mary Margaret. From Seattle, Pat moved to Los Angeles where she would meet her future husband, Robert “Pete” Martin. Fate seemed to have a hand in their relationship because they realized Pat’s mentor in Seattle was the sister of Pat’s future mother-in-law! Pat and Pete married on February 26, 1966.

James L. Kujala

Jim’s physical assets made him a standout in wildlife conservation volunteer circles. Like his Montana brothers, he was strong enough to fill a sled with a bull elk and drag it out of the mountains.  He thrived on getting up in the wee hours of the morning and was on-time or more likely early for every mission. He could walk circles around just about anybody, except his daughters who backpacked with him in the Beartooths. He knew his way around tools big and small and could fix just about anything – contributing to his survival in more than a few backcountry breakdowns. In recognition of his decades of extraordinary service in a wide range of wildlife conservation projects, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife employees renamed their annual top assistance honor the “Jim Kujala Volunteer of the Year Award.”  A model sportsman/conservationist, Jim was a regular in projects ranging from removing barbed wire at state wildlife areas to trapping and tagging deer for research. 

Elmer Lester Peterson (“Buzzy”)

One of his life’s greatest passions and joys during the last 50+ years was spending his summers camping and fishing on the Big Hole River/Sportsman’s Campground with his family, as well as several close friends who became a forever part of his family. During the 1970s, he worked for the Hearst Free County Library and later, during that same decade, he became the Public Works Director for Anaconda and Deer Lodge County until the latter 1980s (it was during this time that he also served as the Civil Defense Director for the State of Montana). Buzzy officially retired in 2004.

Lois J. Klemann

Lois was a homemaker while her kids were young, and later went to work at JC Penneys. She was a 4-H Leader for many years, spending much time at the Tri-County Fair.  She bowled for many, many years, played in a hand bell choir for over 20 years, was a Pythian Sister, and was very involved at the First Presbyterian Church – singing in the choir, serving as a Deacon, and participating in PW (Presbyterian Women).  Lois loved to play games, especially cards.  She and her sister Ruth were ingenious Scrabble players.  They could create words that no one else has ever heard of.  She was still playing pinochle with a group of friends at the time of her passing.

Leo Jense

Leo graduated from Anaconda High School in 1956. His love of cars led him to a career in autobody work. He won several awards over the years for his meticulous work as a body shop foreman for multiple garages in the area. Leo met his wife Joanne Sconfienza in 1964, and they were married in 1965. Leo and Joanne were blessed with three children, four grandchildren, and one great granddaughter. Leo was kind, loving, and a family man through and through. When not with his family you could find him outdoors. He enjoyed cruising in one of his classic cars, hunting, fishing, or spending time in his world class garden. Leo was a phenomenal gardener and truly enjoyed sharing his bounty with friends, neighbors, and family.

Margaret “Peggy” Lee Hareland

Peggy was born on May 13, 1940 to Jim and Mary Alice (Andreoli) Young in Anaconda, MT. She attended St Pauls elementary school and Anaconda Central High School. Growing up, Peggy was the eldest of four daughters. Her sisters all agree that she held the title strong of being the oldest and was “the boss”. While she was in high school, she worked at the local creamery where she met her future husband, Red Hareland. Rumor has it that Red locked Peggy in the walk in cooler at the creamery as a way to “flirt” with her; a tactic that proved to be successful. Peggy and Red were married on September 10, 1960 in Anaconda, MT. They were inseparable and spent 63 amazing years happily married.

Mary Irwin

Mary was known for her strong will, unwavering determination, and love and support for her family and community. Mary worked for many years in accounts receivable at Wells Fargo before retiring in 2008. After retiring, she worked as a Senior companion here in Anaconda and then did Volunteer work at the Senior center from 2019 thru March of 2024. Mary was a devout Christian.

Linda Schneider

Linda’s family was the cornerstone of her life. A constant attendee at the Church of Christ, Linda’s faith was a testament to her strength and resilience throughout life and during times of sorrow. Her loss leaves an irreplaceable void in our lives.