In Memoriam – October 2024

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 September and October of 2024. For January through March, see the Friday, Dec. 27 Anaconda Leader. For April through June, see the Monday, Dec. 30 edition. For July and August, see the Friday, Jan. 3, 2025 edition. For September, see the Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 edition.

October

Nancy Ruth McCollom

Nancy lived her entire life in Anaconda and worked at Warm Springs State Hospital for over 50 years. The state of Montana and Governor Steve Bullock honored those many years of service by opening The McCollom House on March 25, 2014. The house would serve those who were preparing to assimilate back into society. Some of Nancy’s great loves included cooking and baking. Many of Nancy’s friends and neighbors were the lucky recipients of her labor in the kitchen. 

Frank Devine

He often said that he has loved Anaconda his whole life and would never live anywhere else. He served in the Armed Forces and attended basic training in Biloxi, MS. He served as a Reserve member of the 631st Chemical Company for many years. He was an E5 with a Sharpshooter certification. He was proud of his service to the United States. He spent his young adult years hiking, fishing and enjoying the outdoors. Throughout his life he pursued wildlife photography and was in a bowling league and he loved to watch wrestling/WWE on TV. He built his beloved parents Anne and Patrick a lovely house at Georgetown Lake and cared for them until death. While caring for his parents he worked alongside his dad at the Anaconda Tin Shop. Frank spoke of this time often; it was a consistent, cherished time throughout his life. He spoke fondly of his years as an Electrician at ‘The Smelter’ and then later completing his varied career as a Corrections Officer at Montana State Prison.

Kay Ann Kiewatt

An employment opportunity took the Kiewatt family St. Cloud Minnesota then to Butte, Montana.  Mel and Kay raised their family in Butte and now are proud grandparents to 12 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren. Kay enjoyed her flower garden, music, and training her dog, Roxy. She also enjoyed fishing and was an excellent horse rider. For many years, Mel and Kay played music semi-professionally in St. Cloud, Minnesota and the Butte area.

Robert Dean Mann (Robbie)

Robbie’s true passion was music. Throughout school, he nurtured and grew his love for music, learning as many musical instruments as possible. He had an endless love for all genres, and his musical talent was nothing short of remarkable. Robbie’s music was a reflection of his soul—expressive, dynamic, and full of heart. He found joy in sharing his gift with others, whether at a gathering with friends or around a campfire, always encouraging those around him to join in. Robbie graduated from Anaconda High School in 2006 and entered the workforce as a Jack of all trades. His work ethic was unmatched.

Leo Scholler

Leo was known for his kindness and his ability to make others smile, often using humor to lighten any situation he found himself in. He was hilarious, witty, and downright charismatic. He enjoyed the outdoors and was happiest camping with his loved ones or taking a four-wheeler or “side-by-side” ride. He loved music and was a very talented musician. He also enjoyed card games, sweets, and a good western. More than anything he loved people. He loved telling stories of his life and had the best memory – often recalling the smallest detail, which only added to the quality of these stories that we will now all hold close to our hearts. 

Mary Sue (“Sue”) Ehman

Sue was a dedicated homemaker, supporting her daughter Jennifer’s endeavors and enjoying her daughter’s sporting events. She never missed a single game of Jennifer’s in grade school through high school, and could always be heard cheering loudly from the stands.  She was always up for travel and she and Jennifer enjoyed many adventures over the years, including four trips to New York City.  Her role as “Nana” to her grandson Carson was truly her most cherished. She relished her trips to Portland to visit him, watching him play soccer and other sports, and always being a willing participant in any game he chose.  When she wasn’t in Portland, she and Carson enjoyed daily video chats for many years.

Daniel Lee Klemann

He was born on Christmas Day, 1958, to Donna Lee and Alfred Klemann, and raised in Opportunity, MT. He is survived by his sons, Jim (Amy) Klemann, and Joe (Kari) Klemann; his daughter, Olivia Klemann; mother, Donna Lee Klemann; sisters, Kathleen (Edward) Koon, and Kris (Barry) Alcorn; brothers, Tom (Kim) Klemann, and Lee (Darla) Klemann; and his grandchildren, Cal, Evelynn and Cooper Klemann. He is preceded in death by his father, Alfred.

Mitchell Anthony Solan 

He was a natural athlete and was involved in many different sports during his youth with a huge passion for football. He graduated from Anaconda High School in 2012. After high school, he spent time living in Missoula, Anaconda, Butte, and Helena. In 2018, Mitchell moved to Huntington Beach, California to live with his brother Derek. This is when he began his construction career. He was a fast learner and fell in love with the trade. Mitchell quickly rose to management becoming a project manager, overseeing multi-million-dollar home remodels and new construction. He spent his last couple years working as a maintenance supervisor at Rancho Milagro Recovery Center in Temecula, California. He was also an independent contractor, recently receiving his Class A General Contractor License and starting his own construction business, MAS Construction. His goal was to build affordable housing for middle class families in Southern California.

Michael E. Pecarich

In 1961 Mike started his career with the US Post Office in Missoula where he worked until his retirement in 1988. During those years he finally met the love of his life, Vivian Ash. They were married in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho August 20,1983 and later had their marriage blessed by the Catholic Church in a private ceremony. And it was blessed. Mike and Vivian led an active life, traveling to Italy and Croatia with family, spending winters in Arizona. They were avid Grizzly fans and loved spending time together and with friends. Mike greatly enjoyed golfing with the ’Geritol’ league at the University Golf course. But one of his greatest talents lie in woodworking. He crafted many beautiful pieces of furniture and other items which are cherished by his family.

John Nicholas Palakovich Jr.

On June 1, 1957, he married Janice Higgins of Anaconda. They were married for 60 years, until Janice’s passing in 2017. They had two children, Julie and Jim, and together they were affectionately known as the “Four J’s”. The family spent their summers at their cabin at Georgetown lake, typically having large family gatherings for Independence Day and Labor Day. John was also active in the Army National Guard, and was a master marksman who participated in rifle matches that took him to all of the 48 continental states. He achieved the honor of being named to the President’s 100 list of elite marksmen. After retirement, his life became the envy of any outdoor sportsman. He spent his summers fishing in Alaska, returning to Anaconda in the fall in time for hunting season, followed by ice fishing on Georgetown lake in the winter. He also spent several weeks during the holidays every year baking “povitica”, making as many as 60 per year, which he sent to family and friends. To celebrate his 80th birthday, he traveled to Hawaii with the family, accomplishing the step of visiting all 50 states.

Michael Geary McMahon

Mike taught school in Anaconda, Montana for 33 years, starting with sixth grade at Lincoln Elementary School and teaching Art at the Junior and Senior High levels.  He was an active member of the Anaconda Teachers Union.  Mike loved the outdoors and enjoyed working for the US Forest Service and the Anaconda Company during the summer months, fighting forest fires and performing trail and campground maintenance.  Mike and Betty retired to Lander, Wyoming, in 1995 and lived there for 26 years before moving to Utah in 2021.