David John Stickelmeyer
David John Stickelmeyer, 52, of Miles City died Thursday, July 27, 2000, in the Holy Rosary Health Center at Miles City. John, as he was known by his friends and family, was born June 29, 1948, in Jamestown, N.D. When he was three years of age, his family moved to Miles City. In his younger years, he attended Sacred Heart Grammar School and remained in Miles City after graduating from Custer County High School. For many years he was a common sight at the family-operated John's Cafe where he worked along with his mother, May, and step-father, John Stickelmeyer. Mr. Stickelmeyer had a passion for playing cards and a genuine love for animals, especially cats. He was known to take in strays and provide them with the care no one else would. His survivors include a sister, Mary Kay Borchert of Los Angeles; three nieces, Lorene Morris and Robin Bernard, both of Yakima, Wash., and Brenda Borchert of Los Angeles; five great-nieces; and one great-nephew. He was preceded in death by his mother, May Stickelmeyer, and his step-father, John Stickelmeyer. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 25, 2000, in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to a charity of one's choice.

Mark E. Kosty
Mark E. Kosty, 41, of Miles City died Saturday, Aug. 19, 2000, of injuries sustained in a car accident near Broadus. Born Jan. 1, 1959, in Miles City, he was a son of Ernest and Thelma Spear Kosty. He grew up and attended schools in Miles City. While in high school, he worked for his father at Montana Souvenir and for the Red Rock Supper Club as a cook. He was married and later divorced. In 1985, he enlisted in the United States Army and served in Grenada, receiving his Honorary Discharge in 1986. He moved to Kansas City, Kan., and attended DeVry Institute of Technology, graduating with honors. After graduation, he began work for Sprint, living in Kansas City for three years before he returned to Miles City. Mr. Kosty enjoyed golfing, traveling and fishing with his grandmother. He also enjoyed spending several winters with his mother in Arizona. He loved his children, nieces, nephews, cousins and two special ladies, his Aunt Emma Zawada and Flora Rask. His survivors include his his mother of Miles City; four children, Shawn and Melissa Kosty of Atlanta, Ga., Breanna and Caitlin Kosty of Belton, MI; and one sister, Lizz Pamulapati of Lynchburg, Va. He was preceded in death by his father; and infant daughter, Morgan Kosty; and his grandparents. Cremation has taken place in the Bullis-Graves Eastern Montana Crematory. Memorial funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28, 2000, in the First Lutheran Church. The Rev. Steven Rice will officiate. Private family burial will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Miles City First Lutheran Church or to the charity of one 's choice.

Pauline Bickel
Pauline Bickel, 77, of Billings, formerly of Miles City, died Friday, Aug. 18, 2000, in the Billings St. Vincent Hospital. Born Jan. 7, 1923, in Ismay, she was a daughter of Floyd H. and Odette Finch Walden. She grew up at the family home, moving to Miles City in 1930 where she received her education. Mrs. Bickel and William Fred Bickel were married Feb. 8, 1948, and the couple made their home in Miles City. She worked for the Miles City Saddlery and as a waitress at Woolworth 's for many years. She loved making crafts all her life. Mrs. Bickel was given an award by the United States Marine Corps for the crafts she provided to the "Toys for Tots" program. She was supportive of her husband, who was a retired World War II Marine, who received two purple hearts. Mrs. Bickel also was proud of her son, Gerald, who served in Vietnam with the United States Army, receiving three purple hearts. After 20 years in Miles City, the couple moved to Billings where they worked until their retirement. Mr. Bickel died in 1995. Mrs. Bickel's survivors include a daughter-in-law, Marguerite Bickel; one grandson, William Bickel II; and three step-grandchildren, Michael, and his wife, Lori, and Andrew Loomis, all of Miles City, and Clair Voth, and her husband, John, of Stevensville. Survivors also include two brothers, Calvin L. Walden, and his wife, Mabel, of Miles City and Floyd "Duke" L. Walden, and his wife, Joan, and one special sister, Irene W. Messer, of Washington. She was preceded in death by a son, Gerald; and four brothers, Homer, Lynn, J. Lee and George L. Walden. Funeral services will be Saturday, Aug. 26, 2000, at 2 p.m. in the Bullis-Graves Memorial Chapel. The Rev. James Mavis will officiate. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery.

Scott Aaron "Scotty" Schumacker
Scott Aaron "Scotty" Schumacher, 38, of Post Falls, Idaho, formerly of Miles City, died Monday, Aug. 21, 2000, at the home of his mother. Mr. Schumacher was born Jan. 24, 1962, in Miles City, the son of Paul Anthony and Darlene Carol Gray Schumacher. He attended grade schools and high school in Miles City and graduated from Sentential High School in Missoula in 1980. He was employed by various oil and natural gas companies as a construction worker. Mr. Schumacher traveled extensively with his work throughout the United States, but he always longed to return to his roots. Prior to his death, he had returned to his mother 's home in Idaho. Mr. Schumacher enjoyed hunting, fishing, music and socializing with his friends and family. His survivors include his mother and step-father, Darlene and Neil Sorenson of Post Falls; his father and step-mother, Paul and Charlene Schumacher of Tempe, Ariz.; a sister, Stephani Daniels, and her husband, Galen, of Albuquerque, N.M.; a brother, Jayr Chambers, and his wife, Theresa, of Las Vegas, Nev.; his maternal grandmother, Genevieve Bernhard of Miles City; two nephews, Tyler and Devan; a niece, Kyla; and two uncles, Dan and Mike Gray, both of Billings. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Aaron Gray; and his twin brother at birth, Steven Paul Schumacher. Funeral services will be Saturday, Aug. 26, 2000, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. The Rev. Scott Bloyer will officiate. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of arrangements. Should friends desire, memorials may be made in memory of Scott Schumacher to the Hospice of North Idaho, West 280 Prairie Ave., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815.

Joyce M. Backman
Joyce M. Backman, 68, of Hayden Lake, Idaho, died Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2000, in her home. Born Sept. 16, 1931, in Miles City, she was the daughter of Al and Blanche Pikkula. She graduated from Custer County High School in Miles City in 1949 and from the University of Montana-Missoula in 1954. Mrs. Backman was involved with the Sigma Kappa Sorority in college. She taught at the Pine Hills Boys School in Miles City and also at the high school in Laurel. She moved to teach at the high school in Hawthorne, Nev., before moving to Hayden Lake and teaching at Coeur d'Alene High School in 1963. In 1957, she and Joseph M. Backman were married in New Hampshire. He died in 1980. Mrs. Backman was a member of the Avondale Golf Club and the Tennis Club. She enjoyed playing bridge, watching the Mariners' games and her many beagles. Her survivors include her mother, Blanche Dreyer; her sister and brother-in-law, Myrna and Chuck Carlson; a niece, Tracy Rush; a nephew, Chad Carlson; and a grand-niece, Makena Rush. At her request, a private family memorial will be held at a later date. The family prefers memorials to Hospice of North Idaho, 280 West Prairie Ave., Coeur d'Alene, ID, 83815.

Wilbert Kogele
Funeral services for Wilbert "Willy" Kogele, 75, of Broadus were held Monday morning, Oct. 16, 2000, in the First Baptist Church at Broadus. Interment followed in the Valley View Cemetery at Broadus. Mr. Kogele died Thursday, Oct. 12, 2000, in the Powder River Manor at Broadus. Born Sept. 22, 1925, Mr. Kogele was the son of Jakob and Christina Mueller Kogele of Watkins. He attended school at Watkins and Brockway. While managing his parents' farm, after they retired, he met and married Irene Yaeger Hope on Nov. 21, 1953. After the farm sold, they moved several times before settling in Broadus in 1956. Mr. Kogele had worked as a farmhand, town marshal, one the town maintenance crew, for the county and drove a school bus. He also was a volunteer fireman. His main interest was doing mechanic work, which he worked at for the largest share of his life in Broadus. The Cashway Buzzards, senior citizens dances, Powder River Manor Music Time and jam sessions were favorite activities of his. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and playing cards with his wife, family and friends. He was ready to lend a helping hand to those needing help and would go out of his way to help stranded travelers. His survivors include his wife of 46 years, Irene of Broadus; his daughters, Gloria Compton, and her husband, Russ, of Broadus and Julie Gatlin, and her friend, Kenny Gress, of Ashland; five grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Survivors also include four sisters, Anne Misfeldt and Martha Bradley, both of Billings, Ida Stadler, and her husband, Emil, of Palmer, Alaska, and Hodelia Lamers, and her husband, John, of Monmouth, Ore.; four brothers, Sam Kogele and Richard Kogele, and his wife, Evelyn, all of Miles City, Otto Kogele, and his wife, Kay, of Anchorage, Alaska, and Melvin Kogele, and his wife, Pat, of Omaha, Neb.; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister and a brother. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Broadus was in charge of arrangements. Should friends desire, memorials may be made for cancer research, care of the American Cancer Society, 2101 Clark St., Miles City, MT 59301 or to the Powder River Manor, 104 N. Trautman, Broadus, MT 59317.

Gladys Oja
Gladys K. Oja, 79, of Buffalo, S.D., mother of Dorothy Mayberry of Miles City, died Saturday morning, Oct. 14, 2000, in the Holy Rosary Health Center at Miles City. Gladys Stensland was born Dec. 3, 1920, in Ludlow, S.D., the daughter of Owen and Nina Giannonatti Stensland. She was raised on the family ranch east of Ludlow and attended rural Lincoln School through the eighth grade. She attended high school at Lily, S.D., Leadville, Colo., and graduated from Buffalo High School in 1940. On July 28, 1941, she and Nielo Oja were married in Baker. They ranched six miles west of Buffalo. In 1973, she moved into Buffalo and worked as a teachers aid in the Harding County School systems. She also worked for many years as a waitress in local cafes, The Oasis, The Russell House, The Clarkson Steak House and The Feedlot Cafe. Mrs. Oja was a member of the Grand River Lutheran Church, the Buffalo Senior Citizens, Order of Eastern Star, Lioness Club, the American Legion Auxiliary, Whist Club and Birthday Club. She was very active in her community and enjoyed working with other people. Mrs. Oja also enjoyed playing cards and attending rummage sales. In addition to her daughter and son-in-law, Dorothy and Buck Mayberry of Miles City, her other survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Dean and Lola Oja of Buffalo and Larry and Kathy Oja of Aledo, Texas; two other daughters and sons-in-law, Del and John Sexton of Belle Fourche, S.D., and Lynn (Lenise) and Randy Gilbert of Mitchell, S.D.; and two brothers, Mial Stensland of Buffalo and Gene Stensland of Ludlow. Survivors also include 12 grandchildren, Shane Mayberry, Corina Berry, Zelda Stairs, Terri Mayberry, Brandon Gilbert, Brent Gilbert, Kelly Oja, Jason Sexton, Joni Sexton, Brittany Gilbert, Cheri DeCock and Tami Davies; 10 great-grandchildren, Ace Berry, Trista Berry, Laramie Davies, Westin Davies, Randa DeCock, Raven Mayberry, Shay Bender, Amy Bender, Ashlee Stairs and Matt Stairs. Funeral services will be Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2000, at 2 p.m. in the Harding County High School gymnasium at Buffalo. The Rev. Tom Martin will officiate. Burial will follow in the Buffalo Cemetery.

Ira Ristoff
Ira Jane Ristoff, 77, of Kansas City, Mo., died Sunday, Oct. 15, 2000, in the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Kansas City. Mrs. Ristoff was born June 19, 1923, in Lubbock, Texas. She served in the United States Navy as a gunnery instructor. Mrs. Ristoff enjoyed bird watching and observing nature. Her survivors include her husband of 51 years, Louie Ristoff of Kansas City; her children, John Ristoff, Florence Johnson, Bette Cautrell, Virginia Koontz, Jim Ristoff and Jeanette Powell; four grandsons; two granddaughters; and her brother, Jim Herridge. She was preceded in death by her sister, Erna Barnett; and her brother, Lee Herridge. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, 2000, at Mt. Moriah Terr. Park Chapel, 801 Highway 108th in Kansas City. Burial will follow in the Mt. Moriah Terr. Park Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Gladys Henry
Gladys Cridland Henry, 77, of Miles City, formerly of Belle Fourche, S.D., died Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2000, in the Friendship Villa Care Center. Mrs. Henry was born Aug. 11, 1923, near Camp Crook, S.D., the daughter of Cyril and Maude Staley Cridland. She attended country schools in Camp Crook and graduated from high school in Ekalaka. Following graduation, she attended the Rapid City Business College. She then moved to Vancouver, Wash., where she worked for the shipyards as a bookkeeper. On Sept. 2, 1943, she and Forest Henry were married in Vancouver. They made their home in Belle Fourche, S.D. Through the years, she worked off and on for area businesses in Belle Fourche. She was an active member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church and the Women for Missions Group in Belle Fourche. Mrs. Henry enjoyed gardening, working in her yard, fishing and being outdoors. Her survivors include her husband of Miles City; a son, Robert Lee Henry of Jasper, Texas; a brother, Clarence Cridland of Miles City; three sisters, Margaret Stevens of Yuma, Ariz., Violet Smith of Sacramento, Calif., and Edith Brewer of Forsyth; five grandchildren, Keith, Kristy, Renae, Rob and Lee; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Leonard Cridland and Arnold Cridland. Prayer services will be Thursday, Oct. 19, 2000, at 7 p.m. in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. The Rev. Jerry Coon will officiate. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 20, 2000, in the Emmanuel Baptist Church at Belle Fourche. The Rev. Andy Anderson will officiate. Interment will follow in the Pine Slope Cemetery in Belle Fourche. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Josephine Lawrenz
Josephine "Jo" Ann Lawrenz, 85, longtime resident of Laurel and mother of Marty Lawrenz, former Miles City resident, died late Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 11, 2000, following a long battle with cancer. Born March 9, 1915, at Ballantine, she was the daughter of Joseph and Frances Kozeluh. She was raised in the rural Pompeys Pillar area and attended Project schools, graduating from Huntley Project High School at Worden. Mrs. Lawrenz attended the St. Vincent School of Nursing, graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1935. She worked several years in nursing before her marriage to Mayo J. Lawrenz on Jan. 11, 1942, in Pompeys Pillar. Mrs. Lawrenz remained in Pompeys Pillar while her husband was in the Air Force during World War II. After the war, they moved to Laurel. Her interests were her nursing career over the years before and after raising her family; playing bridge with her different bridge groups; the many hours of golfing with her husband and ladies golf league; her church, St. Anthony; various church organizations such as Council of Catholic Women, St. Margaret's Council and the Legion of Mary; teaching catechism classes to the youth of her church; and playing the church organ in her retired years. She also enjoyed cooking. In addition to her son, Marty, and his wife, Shirley Lawrenz, of Laurel, formerly of Miles City, her survivors include another son, Mayo, and his wife, Patty, of Spanaway, Wash.; three sisters, Virginia Sontag of Missoula, Mary Kessner, and her husband, Corky, of Helena, and Frances Williams of Victorville, Calif.; three grandsons, Mayo J., Mark and Matthew; a granddaughter, Christi; three great-grandchildren, Austin, Sebastian and Kaitlyn; and her dog, Buddy. She was preceded in death by her husband in November 1999; a sister, Adeline Moore; and a brother, Frank Kozeluh. Vigil and Rosary services will be Sunday, Oct. 15, 2000, at 7 p.m. in the Smith Funeral Chapel at Laurel. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 16, 2000, in St. Anthony Catholic Church at Laurel with Rite of Committal in St. Anthony Cemetery.

Claude Slater
Claude "Bob" Slater, 79, of West Covina, Calif., former Miles City resident, died Saturday, Oct. 7, 2000, at 8:35 p.m. in West Covina. Mr. Slater was born Jan. 18, 1921, in Miles City. Along with his brothers, he was raised in the badlands of Montana and like his father, his primary interests were the outdoors and horses. He left Montana in early 1941 to join the Air Force and was stationed at Wheeler Field, Hawaii. Mr. Slater survived the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. By the conclusion of World War II, he had been awarded two bronze stars. After the war, he returned to the continental United States where he met his wife, Mary, and they soon married. They recently celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary. Mr. Slater worked for more than 30 years with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power as a plumber. He retired in 1976. Enjoying his retirement years, he worked actively at a number of jobs and still found time to tend his garden and become an avid golfer. His survivors include his wife; his daughter, Claudia English, and her husband, Walt; his two sons, Tom, and wife, Debbie, and Scott and wife, Margaret; and his grandchildren, Jennifer, John, Cyndi, Kelsey, Carli and Tracy. He was preceded in death by his sister, Madeline, and his brothers, Donald, Leroy and Kermit, all of Miles City. A graveside memorial service will be held Thursday, Oct. 12, 2000, at 3 p.m. in the Rose Hills Cemetery, 3888 South Workman Mill Road, in Whittier, Calif. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society, East San Gabriel Chapter, 339 East Rowland Ave., Covina, CA 91723.

Francisca Vera
Francisca Hernandez Vera, 74, of Miles City died Monday, Oct. 9, 2000, at the Holy Rosary Health Center in Miles City. Born July 26, 1926, in Agujita Coah, Mexico, she was the daughter of Esteban and Eloisa Arroyo Hernandez. When she was a baby, her family moved to Crystal City, Texas, where she grew up and attended school. In 1950, she and Rafael Vera Sr. were married. They moved to Horton and in 1967 they moved to Miles City where she had resided since. Mrs. Vera worked at the Red Rock Motel, the Custer County Rest Home and the Olive Hotel before retiring. She enjoyed crocheting, cooking, sewing and Spanish music. Her survivors include three sons, Mike, Joe and J.R. Vera, all of Miles City; two daughters, Anita and Rose Vera, both of Miles City; a daughter-in-law, Joyce Vera of Miles City; and three grandchildren, Maria French, Mallorey Vera and Elais Vera. Survivors also include a brother, Emilio, and his wife, Dominga Hernandez, of Jefferson, Ore.; two sisters, Herlinda Gallegos of Crystal City and Lupe Lopez, and her husband, Tony, of Lake Jackson, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Maria Vera; a son, Modesto Vera; and a sister, Trinidad Serquina. Vigil services will be Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2000, at 6 p.m. in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, 2000, in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Calvary Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Health Services Corporation, 2600 Wilson St., Miles City, MT 59301.