All Tributes

Adelheid ‘Heidi’ Ratz age 85 was delivered into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on December 7, 2019. She was surrounded by her family and friends, as she passed away from the results of a stroke. Heidi was born October 9, 1934 in Rydzyno Poland to Eleonore and Adolf Zander. She was the youngest of six children. Her earliest memories were of growing up and surviving WWII. After the war she snuck into West Germany. She resided there until she immigrated to Whitefish Montana...

Lawrence (Larry) Schroeder   Larry passed away at his home Wednesday, the 20th of November. He was born in 1923 in Franklin, Minnesota. He grew up experiencing different jobs  as a young boy and teens, with the locals. He'd help farmers, then worked at his Dad's service station. This is where he learned his mechanic skills. He enlisted in the Marines in 1942. He deployed to the south Pacific where eventually he was wounded in action in 1945. Because of his injuries he was honorably...

Roland Joseph Newton, 80, devoted husband, father, friend, community leader, banker, and Whitefish treasure passed away at home in Whitefish on November 5, 2019, with family at his side. Roland was born on September 28, 1939 in Mead, Colorado into a remarkable and close-knit Catholic family. Roland was the first of three triplet brothers and the 15th of 20 children. Roland married his high school sweetheart, Joan Becker, in 1962. He attended Colorado State University and the Colorado School...

Donald Wade Metteer, 88 of Whitefish, passed away November 5, 2019 at his residence.  Donald was born January 15, 1931 in Fossil, Oregon to Mable Temple and Gordon Metteer.  He worked as a heavy construction carpenter until his retirement. Donald was proceeded in death by his wife Velma Metteer.  He is survived by his son Wade Metteer, daughter in law Sylvia Metteer, 3 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild. His hobbies and interests included hunting and fishing....

Caroline “Carrie” Fisher was born on February 16, 1932 in Whitefish, Montana, and left this life peacefully on October 21, 2019 with her husband Rod at her side. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, four children, 11 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, four siblings, and three generations of nieces and nephews. She enjoyed a long life rich in love and laughter and will live on in the hearts and memories of her many “fans”. Carrie was the 8th child and 2nd daughter born...

Benny Bee Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, 75, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 8th, surrounded by his family. Benny was born on July 30, 1944 in Glasgow, Montana. He was raised in Wolf Point, Montana by his mother Marie Battani and grandparents Rose and Ben Battani, whose influence and love molded the family man he was to become. Benny discovered his calling at an early age, earning his first job in radio while in high school as a disc jockey. From there, his...

Barbara Florence Collins née Lester has slipped the surly bonds of earth and joined her beloved husband in the great adventures that lie in the next life. Born September 19, 1927 in Croyden, England, Barbara lived a full and fascinating life. As a teen she endured Germany’s war against England, living through the Nazi Blitzkrieg against England, remembered terrifying night’s in their Anderson bomb shelter with her mother, brother and sister as her father worked through...

Mary Schlesinger Conway died peacefully at home on October 4, 2019. She was born in Minneapolis, MN on December 1, 1948 to Allen B. and Julie M. Schlesinger. Mary grew up in Omaha, NE and attended Creighton University. In Omaha she also met and married her husband Mike. In 1971, they moved to Denver, CO where they raised their two daughters, Julie and Katie. Mary principally was a homemaker and volunteer. As a mom, however, she returned to college and earned a degree in Art History and...

Winston Manicke, 93 of Whitefish, passed away August 28, 2019 at North Valley Hospital.  Winston is survived by his wife Rose Manicke, sons Fred Manicke, Brian Manicke, daughter Shelly Solle and granddaughter Contessa Birky.  No services are scheduled.  Austin Funeral and Cremation Services in Whitefish is caring for Winston’s family.

Marilynn Dee Harding, 75, of Whitefish, devoted sister, beloved wife, loving mother and grandmother extraordinaire passed away August 24, 2019 while at a family gathering. She had a passion for life and lived each day to the fullest. Marilynn was born June 6, 1944 (D-Day, hence her middle name) in Detroit, Michigan to Basil Meshefski and Ursula Mager. Marilynn joined her brother Ronald to complete their family. After her father’s early death, the family moved to Grafton, ND. Raised by...