All Tributes - Whitefish, MT

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...

Jane Marie Capozzi Jane Marie (Saltsman) Capozzi, 84, passed from this earthly world into the arms of the Lord on August 15, 2019, with her son by her side, following a brief stay at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish, Montana. She was born in St. Johnsville, NY, on June 26, 1935, the oldest of three children, to Caroline (Frank) and George Saltsman, Jane was raised on the family dairy farm in St. Johnsville until she attended Business College in Amsterdam, NY. Upon graduating, she was hired...

Myrtle Lillian (Kramer) Hutchens, 94, peacefully passed into the arms of the Lord on Friday, August 9, 2019 as a result of a heart attack. She was born May 8, 1925 to Otillia Lauretta (Truhe) and Edward Clayton Kramer in McGregor, MN, the third of four children. At the age of 4, she moved with her family to the Flathead Valley in Montana, where they settled in the West Valley area later moving to the Bissell community. She attended the Sparks and Bissell schools and Whitefish High...

Bertha R. Watson, 84 passed away August 5, 2019 surrounded by family at the home of her daughter Barbara “Bobbie” Franson in Olney. Bertha was born November 3, 1934 in Shelby, Montana. Bertha was the oldest of eight children and was raised in the West Valley area. Bertha and Bob Watson raised their children at their home in Olney. They ran the Watson Logging & Saw Mill Co. for many years. She was a member of the Moose Lodge for 50 years. She will be missed by everyone. Bertha was...

Tracie Jill Wilhelm passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2019 due to complications after surgery. Tracie was born December 19, 1963 in Billings, MT to William (Bud) and Marilyn Wilhelm. She was the third daughter. After the fourth daughter was born the family moved to the Flathead Valley. Tracie graduated from Whitefish High School in the class of 1982. After several years of living and working in different areas, she returned to Whitefish to make her home  and be near her family. She is...