Dick was born in Billings on October 17, 1941 to Lena and Walter Jacobson and spent his entire life here.  Dick attended school at Broadwater, Lincoln Junior High and Senior High School.  After schooling Dick joined the National Guard.

In 1964, Dick married the true “love of his life,” Janice Marie Dassinger. They had a son, Richard Jr., and a daughter Jody Lynn Jacobson, who preceded him in death in 1996.

From his early life, Dick learned the true meaning of working hard and taking care of his family.  Dick loved the time he spent with his family outdoors in his boat.  Dick’s true passion was his grandsons, Riley and Jordan.  He never missed a baseball or football game or a wrestling meet.  His favorite place to be was watching his grandchildren ride motocross or hill climb.  Dick was a key member of Jacobson Racing and had just completed building a hillclimber for Jordan.

If you knew Dick, you would know that he was a great husband, father, brother, and grampa.  Dick was not religious, but a true Christian and a humble man.  One of his favorite sayings was, “You’ve got to stop and smell the roses, life is passing you by.” 

Dick was preceded in death by his parents Lena and Walter Jacobson; daughter Jodi Jacobson; sister Susan Ricci; and nephew Jeff McCullough.

He is survived by his wife Janice; son Richard (Rebecca); sisters Nancy (Tim)  McCullough and Lynda McRae; brother John (Linda) Jacobson; and grandchildren Jordan and Riley Jacobson.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews; and his most beloved black lab, Moto.

“Grampa, you are the best and maybe gone, but will never be forgotten.”

The family wishes to thank the nursing staff at Billings Clinic, especially the two angels on duty that helped Dick pass with dignity.

Cremation has taken place.  A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 26, 2012 at Cremation & Funeral Gallery. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are by Cremation & Funeral Gallery. 

An avid student of movie and literature, Bruce was fascinated by the natural world and loved science and technology.

Bruce was a retired meteorologist for the National Weather Service and the Bureau of Land Management in Billings. He especially enjoyed the challenges of assisting on many large forest fires and other incidents as a fire weather meteorologist.

Bruce also proudly served his country in the Air Force for nearly ten years.

He will be sadly missed by his wife Tracy, son Michael and daughter Tembre (Mark) Roller.  He is also survived by his brothers Craig (Linda) of Doylestown, OH, Douglas of Concord, NC and Russell of Canton, OH.

Bruce’s remains have been cremated and there will be a private service for the family.  The family asks that no flowers be sent.  Any donations would be gratefully accepted for Michael’s college expenses.

Arrangements are by Cremation & Funeral Gallery. 

Gaby married her husband of 34 years, Patrick Kelly, in Augsburg, Germany on December 29, 1977.  She is succeeded by Patrick and her two daughters, Monika Kelly with spouse Josh Bledsoe and children Cruz and Paxton of Billings, and Christina Edel with spouse Justin Edel and their soon to be born daughter of Denver, CO.

Gaby is also succeeded by her mother Anna Schweikart of Gersthofen, Germany and her two brothers, Harald Schweikart with wife Gaby and children Benjamin and Claudia of Augsburg, Germany, and Frank Schweikart with wife Uli and daughter Annika of Kaufering, Germany.  Gaby was preceded by her father, Alfred Schweikart. 

Gaby is loved and remembered by family and friends for her contagious laugh and generous nature.  She found cause to celebrate life every day as well as opportunities to connect with people.  She enjoyed visiting friends for lunch dates and spa treatments, but also through the internet where she positively impacted the lives of friends from New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Spain, Belize and numerous states. 

She took her greatest joy from visiting her grandchildren with whom she loved to play.  Gaby loved weekend trips on the boat with her immediate family.  She also never missed a chance to phone her mother and took annual vacations to Germany.

It was clear to everyone who knew her that Gaby prized personal connections above all else.  She was the life of every party she ever attended and would ask everybody who cared for her to raise a glass in her honor. 

Her family is hosting a gathering in her home on Saturday, May 19, 2012 from 12:00 – 4:00 pm.  Please contact any member of the family for her address if you would like to attend to share your memories of her and toast her life.

Also, for those individuals who would like to send gifts or arrangements, the family asks that you make a donation in her behalf to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

Arrangements are by Cremation & Funeral Gallery. 

Josh was born on June 23, 1985 and was, from that moment, the most devoted son to his mother, Rene Lawrence.

He enjoyed ALL time with friends, music, videogames, and fixing anything from holiday lights to computers to cars.

Josh attended Senior High, held various jobs, was a hard worker and a good friend.  He was ‘the man of the house’ in our family.  He will be missed deeply by many and left us all memories to cherish forever.

Josh was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother, Judy Eames.

He is survived by his mother Rene Lawrence; sister Vanessa; grandfather Bud; nephew Brayden; niece Mariah; aunts JoAnn & Mary; step-father Harley; brother Claire; and cousin Jimi Lee.

To her son, Rene sends this message:  “I Love You, my first born child, and I am with you. You were my greatest joy in this life and I hold you in my heart and soul.  I have found an evening star, that appeared the night after you passed, that glows so bright.  Each evening I look up and find your star, and say, ‘I Love You My Son. We Will Hold Each Other Again and Forever.’”

Cremation has taken place.  A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday May 12, 2012 at Cremation & Funeral Gallery.

Arrangements are by Cremation & Funeral Gallery. 

Cremation has taken place at Cremation & Funeral Gallery. A graveside memorial will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday May 28, 2012 at the Roundup Cemetery.

Lois was born November 12, 1925 in Melstone, Montana. She grew up on the family ranch near Mosby, Montana and attended area schools. On March 30, 1954 she married Jadie Berg in Circle, Montana. They lived in Winnett, Montana operating a gas station until moving to Livingston, Montana in the fall of 1972. She moved to Pryor, Montana in 1998 to live with her son while recovering from breast cancer, then moved to Billings in 2006.

She enjoyed the simple things in life and enjoyed her garden and flowers as well as watching the birds at the feeder and hearing them sing. She spent many hours crocheting and always had a project going. She also enjoyed visits from her children and grandchildren or anyone who stopped by to chat. She was a very kind and generous person willing to give whatever she could to help others no matter how little she had to give. She reminded us of her favorite little saying just before she died; GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES.

Survivors include her son Jodey (Catherine) Berg of Pryor; daughter Darlene (Jon) Mann of Livingston; brother Hanley (Jane) McGiboney of Lewistown; grandchildren Crystal Berg, William Berg, Sunny Berg Williams and Paradise Berg all of Billings, Sadie and Cassie Mann of Livingston; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James F. and Leona McGiboney; brothers Donald and James McGiboney; and husband Jadie Berg in 1989.

If so desired, memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Home, 3940 Rimrock Road, Billings, MT  59101 or Yellowstone Boys & Girls Ranch, P.O. Box 80807, Billings, MT  59108-0807.

Arrangements are by Cremation & Funeral Gallery. 

He was born to Stanley and Alice Gar in Malta, MT.  Jim’s fondest memories growing up on the Missouri Breaks was his adventurous outdoor life with his siblings.  He had hilarious stories that entertained us all.  He attended school at Rock Creek Elementary at the Gar Ranch and high school in Roy.

Jim was in the Army from 1973 – 1975, after which he immediately began his passion for the rodeo.  He excelled in team roping, but truly shined in bull riding.  He was very talented and loved the sport.

Jim’s greatest stress reliever was heading to the Gravelies to go camping and hunting with his family.  He also loved fishing wherever it would be.

In 1983 Jim started his family with the birth of his daughter Tara and shortly after was the birth of his second daughter Tammy in 1984. 

In 1993 Jim met his soul mate, Lana Krull.  They started their family with the birth of their first daughter Katharine in 1994, son Jared in 1996, daughter Annie in 1999 and son Landon in 2000.  Family was his world and he had the kindest heart around.  We love and miss him tremendously.  He left us far too soon, leaving a terrible void in our lives.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, sister Lucy and brothers Dale and Jerry.

He is survived by his wife Lana; children Tara (John), Tammy (Casey), Kate, Jared, Annie, and Landon, all of Billings; siblings Connie (Everett) Campbell of Deer Park, OR, Kathy (Bob) Fink of Roy, MT, Linda (Curt) Hansen of Lavina, MT, Eilein (Art) Nelson of Lavina, MT and Dave (Shannon) Gar of Beulah, ND.  He also leaves behind five cherished grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place.  A memorial service will be held at 12:00 pm Thursday May 10, 2012 at St. Patrick’s Co-Cathedral in Billings.

Memorials to assist with funeral expenses and their children’s education can be sent to Lana Gar, PO Box 21307, Billings MT 59104.

Arrangements are by Cremation & Funeral Gallery. 

Vi was born May 18, 1922 in Burdette, Alberta to Harry and Martha Phipps, the oldest of five children. She grew up and attended schools in Alberta and British Columbia as the family moved about the provinces.  They settled in Creston, British Columbia where she attended high school.

On November 6, 1943 she married Richard “Dick” Starks, a young farmer from Bonners Ferry, ID who was farming in the Kootenai Valley near her parents. They lived in Spokane, Seattle, Bonners Ferry, where their two daughters were born; Whitefish, and Missoula, where her husband passed away in September of 1981.

During her years in Whitefish, Vi was very active in the community. She was active in the Methodist Church in Whitefish and Vista Chapter #44 OES, serving as Worthy Matron of that chapter and was Mother Advisor of the Order of Rainbow for Girls for several years in the 1970’s. She held the Grand Cross of Color honor from that organization. 

Vi will be remembered for her beautiful birthday and wedding cakes she baked for friends and neighbors in Whitefish and Missoula. Her grandchildren will remember the “money” birthday cakes and all those goodies she baked for them!

She was busy with the Senior Center while in Whitefish, volunteering her time and working as the director of it for a few years in the late 1990’s. She was named Flathead County Senior Citizen of the Year in 2001.  She enjoyed her back yard along the Whitefish River, spending many hours taking care of it and feeding the ducks, geese and birds that came to the yard. We know they all missed her when she moved away!

Nine years ago, Vi made the move to Billings to be near her daughter and family. She cut back on her volunteer time with that move, but did enjoy the Senior Center and the ladies group in Hope Methodist Church. She still baked plenty of cookies and made sure all the “old” folks and neighbors were supplied with them.

Vi is survived by her daughters, Cheryl Grantham of Billings, and Donna Rae (Larry) Stollfuss of Marion, MT; five grandchildren, Kelli Grantham and Justin Grantham of Billings, Joshua (Fiona) Stollfuss of Dearborn, MI, Jacob (Linda) Stollfuss of Cleveland, OH, Jamin Grantham of Bath, ME; three great-grandchildren, Eli and Julian Stollfuss of Cleveland and Jordan Stollfuss of Dearborn. She is also survived by her three sisters, Marble Gray, Lois Price and Nina Nesbitt, all of Creston, British Columbia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Her husband Dick; her parents Harry and Martha Phipps; and her brother Ray Phipps preceded her in death.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Vi’s life will be held at a later date.  Memorials can be sent to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are by Cremation & Funeral Gallery. 

Nevaeh Rose Tyler, 4 months.   Born January 1, 2012 in Billings MT.  Our precious angel passed sometime in her sleep May 4, 2012.  She will be greatly missed and remembered always.  She is survived by her mother Maria Nilsen of Ballantine, father Andrew Tyler of California, Sister Destiny, Niece Leigha Dee Nilsen of Ballantine, MT Grandparents Patricia Mayfield of Youngtown AZ,  and Andrew Tyler Sr. of Memphis TN, Teresa Cox of Billings, Larry Nilsen Lewistown MT,  One Aunt and Uncle of Billings, and numerous cousins.  Funeral service will be 3PM Tuesday May 8, 2012 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church 5515 Shepherd Acton Road in Shepherd, MT with interment following at Shepherd Cemetery. 

Fritz was born on March 21, 1933 in Billings, MT to Conrad and Eugennia (Ruppel) Mehling, the ninth of fourteen children.  The family moved to Park City where they ran a farm.  He graduated from Park City High School in 1951.

On December 5, 1962, Fritz married Dorothy Wendy Parsons.  Together in this 49 year union they raised five children.

Fritz was in upholstery for over half of his life.  He was an avid grandpa and great-grandpa.  He loved fishing and camping and spending time with family and friends.  With his music he and his brothers helped create life long memories for many wedding receptions and other occasions.

He is survived by his wife Wendy; children Gail (TL) Demaree, Fern (Dan) Griffin, Susan (Mark) Becker, Lisa Mehling Hancock of Texas, and Fritz II (Julie) Mehling, all of Billings; 13 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.  He is also survived by sisters Jo Meccage and Dorothy Hilzendeger.

Fritz was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Anna Ochs, Emil Mehling, Clara Kober, Ruth Rueb, Ralph Mehling, Donny Mehling, Betty Lenhardt, Martha Schodt, Harold Mehling, Conrad Mehling, Hulda Weil; and granddaughter Alexis Landwehr.

Cremation has taken place.  A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday May 4, 2012 at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 2336 St. Johns Ave. A light lunch will follow the service.  Rite of Committal will take place at the Park City Cemetery after the luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mount Olive Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are by Cremation & Funeral Gallery. 

Rosella was born in Dunn Center, ND on May 30, 1920 to Sunnie Johnson and Addie Dargie.  She married Henry Dorn Jr. on November 29, 1941.  They had five children.  They farmed in the North Valley area until 1972, when they moved to Worden, MT. 

Rosella took pride in working hard.  She enjoyed bowling, painting, and ironing, but mostly time spent with her beloved family. 

She was preceded in death by her husband Henry; brothers Art and George; sister Violet; grandsons L. Michael Dorn, Darren Sjostrom, and William Schuman. 

Rosella is survived by her children, Loretta (Richard) Flack of Billings, Alice (John) Sjostrom of Custer, Larry (Georgia) Dorn of Hardin, Charlotte Schuman of Ballantine, and Gary Dorn of Billings; two sister-in-laws, Adoline and Hazel Johnson of Spokane, WA; half-sister Maryann; and half-brother Jimmy. Rosella is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces, nephes and other family members.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 to 4:00 pm on Wednesday April 2, 2012.  Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Thursday May 3, 2012 at Cremation & Funeral Gallery. Interment will follow at Pleasantview cemetery in Ballantine.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Montana Chapter, 3010 11th Avenue North, Billings, MT 59101 or the Big Horn County Museum, 1163 3^rd St., Hardin, MT 59034.

Arrangements are by Cremation & Funeral Gallery.