In Memoriam – April through June 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 between April and June of 2024. For obituaries that appeared between January and March of 2024, see the Friday, Dec. 27 Anaconda Leader.

April

Francis “Frank” B. Moreni

Frank was born in Anaconda to Bette & Bimbo Moreni on August 15, 1940.  From cradle to grave, he went through the Sacramental Stations of the Catholic Church in St. Peter’s Parish.  On August 22, 1964, Frank married Peggy Stromberg in St. Peter’s Church.  This union was blessed with four children: Francis Thomas, Michael Kevin, Michele Marie and Mark Patrick. Frank taught high school in Anaconda for 32 years and always felt proud and privileged to be an educator in the local school system.  Indeed, he found something he loved to do, feeling as if he never had to work a day in his life.  

Wayne Babich

A willing kitchen companion, particularly when it came to indulging in the fruits of his labor, Wayne took pleasure in helping make smoked meats, from prosciutto and kobasica to pepperoni sticks. He also enjoyed making Višnjak, his family’s famous elixir and restorative pick-me-up for friends and family alike, spreading cheer and comfort at gatherings and putting smiles on the faces of all who visited. Wayne loved decorating for the holidays and had a special touch when it came to decorating the tree.

James (Jim) Richard Sturm

Born on May 20, 1953, in Anaconda, MT, to Jerry and Dorothy Sturm, Jim was a lifelong resident of his beloved hometown (where he enjoyed his constant visits with his family and friends). He married his love Tammy (Kish) Sturm on May 11, 1991, and their union was later blessed by the Catholic Church on March 23, 2002. Jim retired from the Department of Transportation after over 30 years of dedicated service. Outside of work, his greatest joy was spending time with his family. Jim was also an active member of the Anaconda Catholic Community.

Agnes Rose Funston

Agnes married Jerry Funston August 3rd, 1959 in Tacoma, Washington. They moved back to Anaconda in December of 1961. Agnes and Jerry had five beautiful children. She was a stay at home mom until the twins were in middle school. She then went to work at the Senior Citizens Center as a cook. When she retired she traveled with Jerry on construction for a while. They enjoyed frequently traveling to Alaska to fish and spend time with their kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. Agnes loved spending time with her family. She loved helping people and was always doing something for someone. She was famous for her amazing cooking, baking, and warm hugs.

Patricia A. “Pattie” Walrod

She met and married Charles J. Walrod in 1966. Together, they lived in various places in Montana, finally settling in Anaconda to raise their 2 children, and where they were later divorced. During that time Pat spent her time working as a Bartender in Anaconda, making many friends and telling jokes that she always remembered.  Pattie was particularly proud of serving as the President of the Bartenders Union in Anaconda for a time. She later moved to Philipsburg for work where she met her best friend and life partner Dennis “Denny” Bare. They would go on to settle in Maxville, MT, where she retired. The couple spent 25 years together with friends gardening and feeding “their birds” along with any other strays that wandered through the yard. When Denny passed away in 2022, Pattie moved in with her daughter in Great Falls where she met many more friends to share her bartending jokes with.

Mary Elizabeth Mullen

Mary taught Adult Education Courses at the Prevention of Child Abuse (PCA) Family Resource Center for many years. It was a demanding but rewarding job. Mary enjoyed going to Josh’s many sporting. Mary loved playing Adult Rec league sports in Anaconda and made a lot of friends through playing. She also coached female youth league sports and enjoyed it. Mary taught religious education at the Catholic Church for years. She had Josh in class one of those years and kicked him out a couple of times to nobody’s surprise. She became friends with Kay Heaney and Sister Eileen through the church. She really appreciated these friendships.

William Clinton Geil

In August 1943 he joined the United States Army Air Corps. After training he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and assigned to the 8th Army Air Force’s 95th Bomb Group in Horham, England as a B-17 navigator. Horham is near the English Channel between Norwich and Ipswich. Bill’s first bombing mission was to the marshalling yard at Oranienburg north of Berlin on March 15,1945. Bill later related that when the B-17 crews were being briefed early that morning after breakfast and learned that their mission was to the Berlin area, several of the more experienced crew members groaned and went outside to throw up. Despite the dangers, the mission was successful and Bill and his crew returned safely to their 8th Air Force base in England. Two days later on his second mission, on March 17, 1945, to the oil fields and refinery at Ruhland near Berlin, his B-17 lost three of its four engines, went into a spin, recovered, and went down near Leipzig. On St. Patrick’s Day, at age 20, Bill parachuted out in a snowstorm over Nazi Germany and found himself a prisoner of war.

Donald Allen

He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree at the University of Montana in education using the GI Bill and taught high school courses in the natural sciences, chemistry, and biology. He coached boy’s sports at various high schools in Oregon: Ontario, Hereford, St. Francis (Baker City), Regis (Stayton), and moved to Tillamook in 1973. His teams won several State championships in Football and Basketball, and district championships in Baseball, as well as Track and Field. With the creation of Title IX, he started coaching girl’s teams and experienced continued success in that arena. After coaching he served as an official for many sports and events in the state of Oregon. 

Mary “Carole” Brebrick

Carole was known as the insurance lady and began her lifelong career working for local agencies before starting her long career with Blue Cross Blue Shield. She worked forty plus years in the insurance industry before retiring. Carole was the first female insurance agent in the state of Montana which she honored and was proud of. During her career, Carole earned various awards and top honors, meeting many friends who she continued to have until her passing. There was not a friend she didn’t treasure, support or lend her ear to. She was a very giving person to everyone, making them all feel special. Carole was extremely proud of her faith and her Italian heritage.

Laurel Scalise

She is survived by her two children John (Angie) Scalise and Sally (Kevin) Bethke. She was a beloved grandma and wonderful mother. She was born in Deer Lodge County and was a longtime resident of Anaconda. She loved reading and knitting and she loved being a grandmother. Jake and Abby Scalise and Seth and Kindall Bethke are her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed.

Ruth Ann Puccinelli

Ruth Ann grew up in Anaconda and graduated Class of 1965 from Anaconda High School where she was a cheerleader and homecoming queen.  She owned her own business, Leading Edge Fitness Center. She loved to dance, was a professional seamstress and a dare devil on the snowmobile. She loved spending time with her family and friends, especially the little kids. She loved being a Grandma and God Mother.  She also enjoyed volunteering at the Food Bank, school back pack program, Big Sister, Big Brother program and was a Brownie leader.

May

DeeAnn I. (Hekkel) Hubert

Dolly was afflicted with Charcot Marie Tooth Disease, a hereditary, neuro-muscular disease.  When the disease had advanced, Dolly and Frank moved back to Anaconda to be closer to family and friends. Dolly was truly the sweetest person!  Although she suffered from CMT most of her adult life, she maintained her keen wit and sense of humor!  Always thinking of others, Dolly so appreciated everyone’s helping hand and let us all know how much she appreciated and loved all of us! Dolly was known for her meticulous housekeeping and decorating skills, delicious, frosted sugar cookies, sharp sense of fashion and love for shopping!  But most of all, Dolly will be remembered for her kindness, perseverance, strength and loyalty to her family and friends.

Donald “Don” B. Swanson

Don attended St. Paul’s grade school where he found his love for sports. He attended Central High School and was active in baseball, basketball, and football. He was a four-year letterman in Football and Basketball. Don was a member of the 1949 State B Legion Baseball Championship, the 1951 East West Shrine Game, and the 1951 Class B Basketball Championship. After high school, Don went to work for the Anaconda Company as a carpenter where he worked for 20 plus years. He would later transfer to AFFCO where he worked as a patternmaker until his retirement. Don was married to Donna Monroe for 49 years until her passing in 2003. From this marriage sons, Don and David, and daughter, Laurie, were born. Don was always the provider for the family, often working extra jobs to make ends meet. Don instilled the value of hard work in his children.

Norman A. Rustad

On January 7, 1956, Norman married Joan Tonkin and they were fortunate to have celebrated over 68 years of marriage. Together they raised their four children, MaryAnn, David, Lori, and Diane. Norman worked at the Butte Anaconda and Pacific Railroad for over 40 years. He started as a Gandy Dancer and then, after the retirement of his father in law, became the Chief Timekeeper until his retirement in 1991. After retirement he and Joan spent many years taking bus tours around the United States. Norman’s greatest love was watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow. They lovingly referred to him as “Grandpa Great.” He spent a lot of time building and fixing homes, bikes, and cars for his grandchildren, and enjoyed watching and attending their sports and activities.

Patrick J. Kellegher

After serving as a tank driver in the Army, Pat returned to Anaconda and was hired as a Boilermaker for the Anaconda Company.  He spent 25 years working for the company.  He then was employed by Cleveland Wrecking Co. that demolished the smelter. Upon completion of that task, he then went to work for the Community Hospital of Anaconda in the maintenance department.  He worked for them for 10 years +.

Shirley Budd

She was proud of her education from the Anaconda Catholic schools and especially for her registered nursing degree from Carol College. With this degree she was able to devote herself to a career of surgical and home health. Shirley and Ray Black owned and operated Black’s Jewelry. She loved co-managing and doing the accounting for the store until Ray’s death. In addition to her career path, Shirley was very active and loved socializing. She celebrated her heritage as a member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. Her passions included, Irish dancing and being an original member of the Irish Washerwomen Brigade. She was quite the outdoors woman, hiking, backpacking, fishing and skiing. She and Joe Budd enjoyed camping and socializing with friends at Georgetown Lake for many years.

Gloria June Ohman

After becoming a single mother, Gloria accepted a position at Lemoore Naval Air Station, launching her career as a Civil Service Employee, suppling Navy fighter planes with the required repair and maintenance materials. Gloria raised her two children and enjoyed her years in Lemoore, working various positions in supply chain and retired as a supervisor with over 25 years of service.  Gloria stayed in the Lemoore/Fresno area after retirement to enjoy her children and grandchildren, but she always wanted to return to her beloved Montana. She moved back to Anaconda in 2011 and lived there happily with her pets and friends. She loved Montana and all that it has to offer and thoroughly enjoyed annual visits from her brother, Robert Nelson. A deck of cards was never far from Gloria and you could often find her at Art in the Park, sharing music and good laughs with friends and family.

June

Gary Michael Jones

Gary’s proudest accomplishment was his service as a Vietnam War Veteran. He dedicated his life to serving his country and was honored for his bravery and commitment. He also cherished his late wife, Lynn, and his loyal companion, his dog, Buddy. Gary was an avid 2nd Amendment supporter, a lifetime NRA member, and FFL dealer. In his free time, Gary loved hunting, shooting coyotes, and exploring nature, with Lost Creek Falls being his favorite place in the world. He had a no-nonsense attitude that endeared him to those who knew him. Gary will be remembered by all his nieces and nephews for taking them on their first airplane rides as kids.

William Thomas Sheahan

Bill worked on the BA&P railroad in Anaconda from 1946 until 1969 when he moved with his wife and youngest daughter, Betty Jean to Portola, CA and began to work as a locomotive engineer for the Western Pacific Railroad which eventually became the Union Pacific Railroad. During that time he was privileged to have engineered the California Zepher several times. In addition to trains, Bill’s other passion was football. He was a diehard San Francisco Forty-Niners fan. He also was a football referee for many years in Anaconda and Phillipsburg along with his good friend Pat Connors. When there was a strike Pat always made sure that Bill had a job as the ice skating rink supervisor.

Dr. David Beal

In 1968, Dr. Beal brought his sense of adventure to our state becoming the Chief of Otolaryngology for the USPHS Regional Indian Center. In this role, Dr. Beal traveled extensively to villages throughout the state providing medical services and coordinating ear, nose and throat care for Alaskans. In 1970, Dr. Beal opened his own Otolaryngology private practice in Anchorage. In addition to this work, he helped organize an ENT residency program that trained hundreds of physicians from throughout the United States. He retired from his medical practice in 2022, having spent over 50 years treating thousands of Alaskans for chronic hearing loss and balance issues. 

Shirley Heaphy

Shirley worked for Anaconda Service and Montana Muffler in her early years in Anaconda. Her last career was as a Contract Administrator for ARCO/BP. Shirley met many “friends for life” there and she thoroughly enjoyed her time with the company and the valuable friendships that followed her into retirement. “Nana” Shirley had a deep love for her family. Her greatest gifts in life were undoubtedly her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved sewing pillowcases for the girl’s basketball teams and making quilts and sewing gifts for her grandchildren. Shirley had a passion for reading, sewing, and spending time with her sisters. Retirement allowed her to spend many hours in her flower beds and keeping a close eye on her Kansas City Chiefs. She will be greatly missed by her family and loving husband Larry of 56 years.

Linda Jean Guindon

Linda Jean Guindon, 76, was born December 14, 1947, to George and Jean (Johnston) Evans. She was the oldest of 7 siblings. Linda lived her whole life in Anaconda, enjoyed walking Washoe Park daily for many years, and visiting with people walking by her house. Linda loved all of her huge family very much and was very proud of all of them. Linda married Ray Boyer and they had 2 children together, Stacey and Kristie. Later in life Linda married her soulmate Don Guindon and they had 2 children together, JT and Dawn.

Oscar Carlson Jr.

Oscar was born in Anaconda to Mamie and Oscar Carlson on February 6th, 1934 in the family home on Maple Street and lived there until he was a young adult.   He was raised in that small two bedroom home with four brothers and two sisters Hubert, Charlie, Ray, Eddie, Lily and Jean.  He loved everything mechanical and could literally fix anything regardless of how much experience he had.  He loved motorcycles and owned many of them in his youth.  One of his favorites was a motor scooter he had as a young boy.  He would charge a penny a ride until he had enough to fill it with gas and then he was off on his own until the street light came on.  His other favorite, a 1937 WL45 Harley Davidson, was his summer entertainment for several years.  His dog Tuffy was frequently seen riding on the bike with him.  Occasionally he would be asked by his friends “who was the blond you had on the bike last night”.  Oscar attended school in Anaconda but had to leave early to find work and help support his mom.  He later completed his education earning a GED.  He also completed a post high school education program in Hotel Management.

James Francis “Jim” Garvey

While in Great Falls he met and then married Marguerite Kay “Gete” Stout in July 1971. They lived on Smelter Hill in company housing, which brought at extended family. When the operation closed he moved his family to Foster City, CA, where he worked for Fluor Corporation Consulting. They later moved to Globe, AZ where he was a department superintendent for Inspiration Copper and ultimately landed in Casa Grande, AZ, working for Phelps Dodge, later Freeport-McMoran. He retired in 2002 after being diagnosed with valley fever meningitis. He was very social, devoting his time and conversations to sports, especially Gonzaga basketball, and any and all things Montana and mining related. He attended the West Coast Conference basketball tournaments to cheer on the Zags with his cronies when he was able. 

Roxie Kay Boschee Whaley

Roxie lived a full life in Alaska, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana and called Missoula her home. She graduated from Anaconda High School in 1963. She retired from the Community Hospital of Missoula Food Service. She loved to cook, can, read books, cheer on the Montana Grizzly Football Team, bowl and was on a local bowling team for years with her sister-in-law, Sandy. She enjoyed traveling to Idaho to see friends, traveling with her brother Gary and his wife, and was always available for a barbeque with family.

Joseph Anthony Pipinich

Joe was known for his sense of humor, kindness, and willingness to always lend a helping hand to others. Most of all, Joe taught us all that true happiness comes from living in the moment. Joe had a passion for education, finding a rewarding career in being a computer educator and later working with students at the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind. He used his clever wit to write radio jingles for a time. Joe also dedicated countless hours to coaching and mentoring youth soccer players in Great Falls.

Patty Ungaretti

Patty stayed at home to raise her family and volunteer at the schools.  In 1975 she started her nursing career at Warm Springs State Hospital.  After 25 years of nursing, she retired as the Nurses’ Manager.  After retirement Patty gave back to the community she came to love.  She worked at Hearst Free Library, volunteered at the Catholic Church, Project Care Food Bank and the Anaconda Garden Club. A dream came true in 2004, Patty traveled to Ireland to explore her Irish heritage.  She was a 40-year member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and served as president from 2007-2010. Patty was honored when she was selected as the Grand Marshal of the 2019 St Patrick’s Day Parade. She was an original member of the Irish Washerwoman’s Brigade and Irish dancing group the Ashlings.

Editor's note: The "In Memoriam" section for January that was printed on Friday, Dec. 27 should have included an excerpt from following obituary at the top, but was missed by accident as it was originally printed on a page where obituaries don't normally appear. The editor sincerely regrets this oversight. It has also been added to the online version of that article.

January

Martin “Marty” Mavrinac

Marty served in Vietnam as a member of the United States Marine Corp.  He took great pride in being a member of this elite group.  He was a very patriotic individual and was a lifetime member of the Marine Corp League, Pvt Mike Detachment. Marty had a heart as large as our Montana Big Sky.  He loved his country (flying the United States Flag and Marine Corp Flag at his home).  He cherished his family.  He volunteered hundreds of hours for the Anaconda Ambulance Service for many years, and he was always searching for ways to increase his knowledge. Also, Marty spent over 40 plus years along with his wife Susan, volunteering for Anaconda Pintler Search and Rescue.  He was instrumental in promoting a permanent County levy for the Search and Rescue for equipment improvements and training.