The Independent-Record from Helena, Montana • 10

Page 10A Sunday, August 15, 2004 INDEPENDENT RECORD www.helenair.com DE Divide, Rob and Celeste Rogers of Helena, Jesse Rogers and Betty from Butte, Randy and his wife Russie of Louisiana, and Susan and her husband Dan Williams of Helena and his dog, Roscoe. Also surviving Bob are brothers-in-law Phil Braaten of Missoula and Bud Chef of Ronan, Dave Trusty and Sonny Trusty of Missoula; sisters-in-law Shirley Swartz and Nancy Hamilton of Missoula, Pat Norling of California, Sharon Jobe of North Carolina and Sheila Noble of Pennsylvania. Many nieces and nephews who enjoyed his company survive him. His favorite pastimes included his friends and coffee hour at the Early Bird early in the morning before opening time. Working endlessly in his shop was a favorite for not only him, he but also his friends who stopped by to help, or to have him fix or build something.

He didn't mind a little golf now and then. He has a many friends at Perkins, his favorite dinner place. Bob also maintained lifelong friendships. Many people will miss his presence. He planned an extended trip for this fall to visit family members in many states, an adventure he won't be taking to the disappointment of many.

As father, grandfather, brother and friend he leaves a legacy that is irreplaceable. Visitation will begin at noon until 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15, and continue 9 a.m. through noon on Monday, Aug.

16. A graveside service will be 1:30 p.m. Monday at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested in Bob's name to Alzheimer's Association, Montana Chapter, 3010 11th Ave. North, Billings, MT 59101, in memory of his wife Jane.

Rogers Robert Vern 'Bob' Rogers Robert Vern "Bob" Rogers passed away quietly at St. Peter's Hospital on the morning of Aug. 13, 2004, ten days following his seventy-third birthday. Bob was born Aug. 3, 1931, the sixth of seven children, to Jess Vern Rogers and Josephine Reynolds Rogers.

The family lived in Ronan and Missoula while he was growing up. He met Mary Jane Trusty in Missoula and they were married Sept. 9, 1949. Bob spent his lifetime a as a skilled ironworker, and continued welding and building in his shop at home until his death. He passed on a work ethic to his children and grandchildren, a and he took pride in his determination to always work hard and to produce the best.

He expected the same from his offspring. Bob and "Janie" spent their years enjoying their family and raising four children. Bob was always proud of the fact that he was able to see 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren in his lifetime. His parents and his siblings, Ed, Jesse, Ida Mae, Ruth, Adelle and Bill, preceded Bob in death. An infant son, William Allen, also preceded him in death.

His wife, Janie, preceded him in death on June 22, 2002. Surviving him are his children, Karen and her husband Bob Sampson of May June (McCallum) Lesofski May June (McCallum) Lesofski died Aug. 13, 2004, of cancer. She was born May 31, 1934, at Mrs. Taylor's boarding house near Hot Springs.

Her family raised sheep in northwestern Montana. June graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1952. She transferred to Great Falls while working for Western Union. She met her future husband, Larry Lesofski, at Lesofski Frenchy's in Wolf Creek. They were married Sept.

6, 1954. June and Larry had six children, Dan, Ben, Ed and Rhonda (who died at birth), and Lisa and Gary. They raised their family in the Wolf Creek and Helena areas. June worked at the Wolf Creek Post Office, the state of Montana, and then began her real estate career after battling and surviving her first bout with cancer. She worked for 22 years as a Realtor.

She earned many awards and the respect of her associates and customers. June was known for her quick wit and sense of humor. She cared deeply for people and tried to help those she knew. This combination made her a delight to be with. She was everybody's mom and friend.

She was very proud of her family. She learned to understand and enjoy football, wrestling, baseball, basketball, soccer, skiing, snowboarding, hockey, golf, bowling, jazz, tap, band, vocal music and most other spectator sports. She also participated in a few activities herself. June loved the outdoors. She taught her children and grandchildren to appreciate the simple beauties of nature.

She was known to swim or wade in the creek at any opportunity even if it was while stopping for a flat tire. Sunsets, wildflowers and creeks will always remind her family of her. June is survived by four sons, Dan, Ben (Patty), Ed, and Gary (Lisa); one daughter, Lisa Hance; nine grandchildren, Melissa Lesofski, Jake Lesofski, Joe Lesofski, Blake Hance, Tyler. Hance, Dana Hance, Lawrence Lesofski, and Matthew Lesofski, all of Helena and Kelly Anderson of Spooner one sister, Marion Kelly of Kalispell; and two brothers, George McCallum of Terry and Bob McCallum of Columbia Falls. She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry, daughter, Rhonda, sisters Sharlene Scott and Jesse Cayer, and her brother, Bill McCallum.

She will be missed. Visitation will be noon to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 16, at Retz Funeral Home. Funeral liturgy will be 1 p.m.

Tuesday at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. The family asks that donations in June's memory be invested within your family while spending time together. East Helena City Council meets Tuesday The regular East Helena City Council meeting will be held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 17, in the City Council Chambers at 306 East Main the old Main Street School. Public comments for and against a proposed traffic change will be heard and are invited at this meeting.

It is proposed by the East Helena safety committee that Kalispell Street be changed to -bound one way traffic from the Main Street intersection to the Dudley Street intersection. The purpose of this proposed change is better traffic flow to the East Valley Middle School, reduction of the congestion at the present intersection of Main and Kalispell and redirection of new south-bound traffic from the KR subdivision. Michael Eugene Scharf PHOENIX Michael Eugene Scharf, of Phoenix, died Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2004, after a brief and valiant fight with cancer. Mike was born in Butte on Sept.

27, 1954, to Gene and Joan Scharf. Mike was raised and attended school in Butte. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1972, and retired after 25 years of service Sept. 27 1995.

He had a very distinguished career in the Navy and was commissioned an officer on Feb. 16, 1985. He married Nancy Jo Murray of Helena Dec. 6, 1976. Mike was preceded in death by his parents; all of his grandparents, Ernie and Corinne Scharf, Lorin and Byron Frazel Jr.

Helena lost a true "Smile Maker" on Wednesday, Aug. 11. Byron Frazel owner of Capital Dental Laboratory at 734 Helena Ave. for 25 years, was taken suddenly from his family and friends at the age of 59, a follow- Frazel day ing his birthday. Byron, a Vietnam veteran, was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He leaves behind his father, Byron Frazel three sisters, Edie (Bill) Barham, Barb (Bill) Brehm and Gerry (Jim) Lee; one brother, Michael (Jill) Frazel; his for 17 years, Mary Mondloch; his nephew, Timothy Michael Mandic; and cousins Jo Ellen Williams and Rodney Scharf. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughters, Shilo and MacKenzie; brothers, John and Andy Scharf; sisters, Teri Bellusci, Jeanne Bartscher, Joan Scharf and Mary Schonsberg; numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins. Mass of the resurrection will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17, at St.

Timothy's Catholic Church in Mesa, Ariz. A memorial celebration and mass in Helena will be held in late September. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. Joanne Frazel; four children, Rhonda Gerleman (Ron White), Anita (Jesse) Gomes, Brian (Farrell) LaMetterey and Denise (Matt) Anderson; eight grandchildren, Doug Baertsch, Michael Bakke, Sean Gomes, Whitney and Chase Gerleman, Aubrey, Dale and Kaitlyn LaMetterey; and one great-grandchild, Mason Baertsch.

Also surviving are associates Bill Schauer and Tom Ditchey, Dan Snarr; and special friends Loren Kovich and Carl Spencer. Byron loved traveling, golf, singing, dancing, being with family and especially the wildlife in his own backyard. A memorial service will be held at Retz Funeral Home 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 16.

Please help us celebrate Byron's life with stories and memories. Peace of RETZ FUNERAL HOME Mind. FUNERAL NOTICES MONDAY FRAZEL, M. Byron, age 59, of Helena. Memorial services will be 11 a.m.

Monday, Aug. 16, at Retz Funeral Home. Please help us celebrate Byron's life with stories and memories. ROGERS, Robert age 73, of Helena. Visitation will be from noon until 8 p.m.

today, Aug. 15, and continue 9 a.m. through noon Monday, Aug. 16. A graveside service will be 1:30 p.m.

Monday at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Memorials are suggested in Robert's name to Alzheimer's Association, Montana Chapter, 3010 11th Ave. North, Billings, MT 59101. TUESDAY LESOFSKI, May "June," age 70, of Clancy. Visitation will be from noon to 8 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 16, at Retz Funeral Home. Funeral liturgy will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. The family asks that donations in June's memory be invested within your family while spending time together.

Retz Funeral Home 442-1550 Dr. Rich Hopkins would like to thank all of the well wishers regarding his recent illness. Many thanks for all the prayers, professional expertise of my fellow physicians and surgeons and also for the great care provided by the staff of St. Peters Hospital. Dr.

Hopkins will be returning to part-time practice August 16, 2004. 301 Saddle Drive, Helena 443-4040 WE INVITE YOU TO COMPARE CREMATION. Ralph Filcher A choice that's as simple or as elaborate as you wish. If you've decided on cremation, you probably have a multitude of questions. We're available to answer your questions, big or small.

Feel free to call you will be glad you did. Big Sky Cremations 2 West Main, East Helena 227-2241 The Cremation Specialists Guru: Manpower, money in question continued from 9A to improve the state's public education system. Stunof Public Education, the ningly, it decided not to Montana School Boards take Sherlock's decision Association and MEA-MFT, into consideration. the state's largest 1 union of "It's not that we couldn't school and government consider the decision," said employees, maintain that Lt. Gov.

Karl Ohs, a memthe Legislature and its fis- ber of the School Renewal cal analyst don't have the Commission. "We felt there education expertise to were so many variables. It undertake the study. was always a moving don't want the Leg- get." islature doing this," said At the same time, Gov. Steve Meloy, executive sec- Judy Martz and her execuretary of the state Board of tive staff are rounding the Public Education.

"And now backstretch of her lone we have a staff of the Leg- term, and whatever she islature wanting to do this. recommends the 2007 LegI don't know how they can islature spend on education do this." is likely to be changed by Contrarily, the chairman her replacement. of the Legislative Finance And downstairs from Committee which over- Martz's second floor Capisees and manages the day tol office sits Schenck, still to day doings of Schenck's in limbo over whether to office said the legisla- move forward with the ture will never spend the massive financial analysis sis hundreds of thousands of of the state's accreditation dollars needed to commis- standards. He wonders if sion an "expert" study. his staff has the money or "It is increasingly evi- the manpower to even dent to me that the educa- begin, or finish, such a tion groups wants an inde- study.

pendent study," said Rep. "I'm scared to death of Gary Forrester, D- Billings the resources necessary to "But people I've talked to do this," Schenk told law- 7 said the Legislative Fiscal makers during a conferDivision is going to do the ence call in July. "This is study, be it now or in the certainly extraordinary in session. The division is terms of its requirements." going to do the study one But before lawmakers go way or the other." barking up the proverbial Meanwhile, the state's money tree, they need to interim School Renewal know how and how much Commission has been toil- to try and shake out of it ing away for nearly a year, for schools come January. crafting recommendations And that's a problem.

UNDERSON Lasts Funeral Home Funeral Notices Forever BRATLIEN, Gerald "Jerry" Charles, age 62, of Helena. The family invites friends to a celebration of Jerry's life at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 16, at 4850 Arrowhead Drive. Memorial contribution are suggested to the Jerry Bratlien Memorial Fund, First Interstate Bank, 3401 N.

Montana Nancy Fuller. The Funds will go to: Montana Reining Horse Association for a Rookie of the Year Award; the City Babe Ruth League and Lewis Clark 4-H Program, representing his lifelong involvement with youth. PENDING WALBERT, "Bud" Melvin age 68, of Helena, formerly of the Three Forks area. His remains have been forwarded to the Mortuary in Three Forks with interment to be in the Mountain View Cemetery in Willow Creek, MT. Hagler-Anderson Funeral Home 442-8520 MONDAY Heartfelt Thanks from the Family of Freda Toner To Dr.

Tom Weiner, the Cancer Center staff, and the nursing staff of St. Peter's Hospital for the compassionate care of our mother, Freda Special thanks to Mary Thomas, RN, for the healing gift of her beautiful voice at Freda's funeral. Friends are Treasured Gifts To the very dear friends of Freda who have been so helpful and kind to our family during this time of loss. Special acknowledgment to Hattie Christiansen, Sharon Brown, Leona Williams, Marge Crennan and the Sanders Street neighbors for their kindness and generosity. The McGee Family Sincerely expresses our heartfelt appreciation to all who prayed tor and us, visited, phoned, sent canids, emails, food, donations, flanal, memorials and masses.

Own profound appreciation for the care given bu Doctors Frank Wily, John Calt and James Bunkholder. We ave especially thank fat to Randy d. Tom at Retz for Special Thank You" to Rev. Neill of St. Helena, staff and Beautiful personal mass and luncheon.

the military honors accorded Bob by the Veterans bestowed, by Lewis Clank Veteran's Council Post and Fort Harisons tremendous live crew salute. Thanks to "special angels" Blanche Drew Rautzahn, Margaret Heating and Shan Skinner and many others. Gad Bless all of you for your kindness. Betty Matson Ernie Lees Doris Watson Melody John Harris Bill Sandra McGee Mehaila Staggen Martha McGee 1,8 'iN 838 Seal.