In Memoriam – November 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 November of 2024. January through March were printed on Dec. 27, April through June on Dec. 30, July and August on Jan. 3, September on Jan. 8 and October on Jan. 10.

Blair Conrady

Blair was a wild child growing up, she was mischievous and very good at climbing the counters to get to the sugar mom hid in the cabinet. Blair grew up with her siblings in a small area east of Chinook, Montana. Sandra certainly had her hands full with this bunch of vibrant kids but always did her best keeping them in line and best she could while still loving them all unconditionally. The kids had a lot of fun pushing each other around and had many adventures. One story Kerry and Vern shared was where the kids were playing on the haybales out back. Blair was being a stinker so her brother Vern grabbed her by her feet and told her she “was going to get dunked in the slew pond” (he was kidding of course) … however, there was a little bit of ice on the pond and his foot broke through and Blair went up to her eyebrows in the pond. Of course, she ran to mom to tell on the kids…and just like every other day, they all got in trouble. 

Marilyn Kay Holm

Marilyn was the youngest child of Earl and Mildred Sager and was raised in Anaconda with her two brothers Earl and Robert Sager.  Marilyn graduated high school in Anaconda in 1967 and attended Western Montana College. She worked at Galen State Hospital and MCDC and retired after 32 years. Marilyn’s passion in life was her husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and her Shih Tzu Lilly. She enjoyed her community, travel and friends and emphatically enjoyed Shih Tzu dogs.

Donald “Donnie Vu” Vucasovich

Donnie, who had been blind since birth, did not let that stop him. Although there were no schools at that time to accommodate him, Donnie was homeschooled until 14 and then went to the School of the Deaf and Blind in Great Falls. He graduated from there and then went to Minneapolis and lived at a facility that taught people with disabilities how to live and function on their own, and he did just that. Donnie went on to be a DJ in Deer Lodge and a DJ in Anaconda at KANA. He was a wonderful organ and piano player and he played all over Anaconda. He was a Ham operator for many years. Donnie was involved with the Kiwanis, Toast Masters, Elks, The Blind Federation, and more. In his lifetime Donnie was a photographer, a singer, rode bicycles, bowled at Cedar Lanes, and even drove a car! He lived his best life.

William “Bill” McLean (a.k.a. Pumphandle)

Bill thought in pictures rather than in words, and his mind often was far ahead of the words he spoke. He had a quick wit and loved to turn words in ways that allowed him to express his sense of humor, play pranks, and win bets. He could picture a completed project in his head and then put it together without using a blueprint or anything written. He crafted many useful objects from metal, starting from tubular steel, strap, and flat iron. Saddle racks, a welding table, a workbench with drawers, and tool hangers are but a few. He also made puzzles out of horseshoes, chains and rings as well as from old metal clothes hangers. The Montana Department of Transportation still uses a tool Bill invented. He created an implement that could be attached to a bucket or blade to push gravel and debris out from under guardrail. That invention has saved road workers countless hours of manual labor as well as more than a few back injuries.

Mark Arthur Kline

He was a incredible man who loved to prioritize others. First and foremost, he was a family man, followed very closely by storyteller. Mark was known for his quick wit, always ready with a clever response—a trait he passed on to his family. Mark though, was the epitome of how great and unselfish it is to put those in your family first. Mark lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures: watching wrestling and football, collecting all sorts of knickknacks & photos, playing shuffleboard, chatting with family and friends, and of course, spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jack Malee Drescher

Jack worked as a union boilermaker. During his time working he worked all over the country and traveling the world. Jack was known for his craftsmanship and dedication to his work. He took pride in welding and building various projects, instilling in his family a deep appreciation for hard work and creativity. What brought Jack the most joy was his family, riding his horses, hunting, and fishing up at Fort Peck Lake with his son Brad. 

Lori Nugent

One of the many blessings in her life were connections with the Irish ladies of the AOH. She formed lifelong friendships that sustained her through many difficult days. St Patrick’s Day was a grand event as she marched in the parade and joined the festivities with the Irish washerwomen. She was Irish for certain, including her red hair. Lori was a keen observer, but hard to read and didn’t often share her thoughts. She was also gifted with artistic talents.

Timothy Allen Lofing Sr.

He worked for the smelter in Anaconda, Montana until 1980 and became pipefitter and welder until retirement.  He was well respected as a master welder in his trade and as an artist in his own right. Tim (aka LOF) thrived in the wilderness, taking the entire family on outdoor adventures including hunting elk, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, deer, turkeys, birds, as well as fishing, and morel mushroom hunting.  He loved spending quality time with his children and grandchildren, they brought great joy to his heart.  He was a significant member of Hope Lutheran Church and built community though tying flies every Tuesday, with other members.

Clifford Leiss Sr.

He was born to Valentine and Isabelle Leiss.  He was the second youngest util his father passed away.  His mother remarried to a man named Thomas, at which time there were six more siblings that joined the family. When Cliff turned 18 he joined the US Army and was stationed in Panama.  After he got out of the Army he met the love of his life, Nicki, in the 1970’s.  They had three children, Tina, and twins, Cliff Jr., and Perry. He enjoyed living in the West Valley with his family.  Cliff worked at the smelter until it was said “he couldn’t any longer”.  

Margaret Mae “Sally” Loranger

Sally worked for several years at a grocery store in Anaconda, clerking, stocking, and taking delivery orders. While she was working there, she met her soon-to-be husband, Harry. In 1951 they dated while he was on leave from the service. This courtship changed their lives forever. After returning to his post in New Jersey, Harry and Sally began a mutual correspondence. Several months later, while Harry was again on leave in Anaconda and on his way to a duty station in Alaska, they were engaged to be married. From August 1952 until his discharge from the Army in February 1953, they wrote to one another every single day. Harry and Sally were married in May 1953 at St. Paul’s Church in Anaconda.

Benjamin James Wigert

Ben attended local schools and graduated from Anaconda Senior High School.  After his graduation he was employed as a School Bus Driver and over the road trucking.  When he was no longer able to do this, he bartended at several local establishments.  Ben enjoyed socializing, cooking, collecting, and helping anybody out that needed a hand.  Ben was a man of many stories, and he loved working at Thompsons Bar where many of his close friends frequented.  His childhood friends from Sunnyside have many fond memories of their shenanigans and fun.  He made friends with everyone he met.  If Ben wasn’t home he was taking the elderly ladies out for their appointments, shopping, or dining.  Ben will be sadly missed by all that knew him.

Robert Louis Nelson “Bobby”

He enlisted in the United States Army in September of 1964. He was stationed in Fort Knox, Kentucky US Army Training Center, Armor. Bobby became part of the Army Reservist and led his squad 387th ENGR Co (Pl Const. Spt). Sergeant Nelson was named the outstanding member of the US Army Reserve of the year for New Mexico-West Texas area in 1969. After his service to his country, he went on to proudly work for Del’s Carpet Sales and Service helping his dad install carpet. They made a great team. Bobby then met and Married April Tucker. He became a happy step in Father to Brett and they had two beautiful daughters Nicole “Niki” and Jennifer “Jenny”. Bobby was a proud Grandpa of 3 and loved talking with them.

Terry Joe Hoenstine

Terry was born in Anaconda on October 16, 1942 but spent most of his youth in Seattle, Washington.  After high school he joined the military and served 2 1/2 years in Germany wondering why they couldn’t serve him a cold beer.  He was honorably discharged and came back to Anaconda.  This is when he met his soulmate Lynda Blotkamp and swept her off her feet.  They were married in 1967.  For most of his adult years Terry was a carpenter.   Moreover, he was a proud union carpenter.  His hard work and skill provided a wonderful life for his family.  He also used his talents to service his friends and neighbors.  Terry always had a project going and he blessed everyone he knew with his abilities.