In Memoriam
Lary Kiser died March 1980 in Naples, Italy. Lary choked on food while eating in a restaurant. He had joined the Navy right after high school and had been through boot camp. His first assignment was to the Admiral's staff aboard the USS Albany. A tuba player, he was a member of the high school band. He was a member of the First Baptist Church. Camping and backpacking were his hobbies.


David Ketterling lost his battle with cancer on June 22, 1993.

He married Paula Nesmith in 1984 and together they owned and operated Le Croissant Restaurant in downtown Billings. David so enjoyed working with the public and living the "American Dream" of being self-employed.

David enjoyed cycling and was an avid sports fan, particularly of college basketball. His favorite pasttimes were photographing his sons, Bryce and Chase, and entertaining family and friends.

David's faith in his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and the prayers and support of his family and many friends sustained him during his struggle. We miss David so much.


Cynthia Lechner died on March 8, 1983, killed while riding her bicycle when hit by a drunk driver. The accident happened in the outskirts of Walla Walla, Washington. She was an honor student at Whitman College. Cindy was active in the high school band, orchestra, and the Bronc swim team. She attended Carroll College in Helena from 1979-1981 as a pre-med honor student receiving the Haynes Foundation Honor Scholarship. She transferred to Whitman College in the fall of 1981 with graduation slated for the spring of 1983. Cindy had planned to enter Washington State University or Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine. Cindy enjoyed working with animals, the outdoors, mountain climbing, skiing, softball, and bicycling.


Teresa Norwood Vogel fought a courageous two-year battle with cancer and passed away on March 29, 1994. She married her childhood sweetheart, Mike Vogel in 1982. The couple relocated to Phoenix, Arizona in 1986 and had two sons, Shawn and Chad. She had a passion for all animals and loved riding horses, camping, arm wrestling, motorcycles, cars and ATVs. She loved more than anything to spend time with her two young sons, her best friends, her husband Mike, and her mother Phyllis.

God saw she was getting tired
And a cure was not to be
So he put his arms around her
And whispered "Come with me"
With tearful eyes
We watched her suffer
And saw her fade away
Although we loved her dearly
We could not make her stay
A golden heart stopped beating
Laying loving hands to rest
God broke our hearts to prove to us...
He only takes the best!

Mommy, we love you and miss you

Love always
Shawn and Chad



Larry Napier died in a car accident on May 30, 1997. He lived in Shepherd with his wife, Jennifer Ross Napier, and his two daughters, Angela and Rebecca. He was employed by the William M. Kronmiller Co. in Billings.


Steven Mueller passed away on May 27, 1997 at St. Vincent's Hospital in Billings as a result of an accident.

Steve married Chrysti Smith of Bozeman in 1993 and they moved to Belgrade in 1995.

Steve worked with his hands his whole life, creating pottery and musical instruments and operating his own construction and remodeling business. He enjoyed music, football, hockey, hunting, dancing and ranch work. The ability to make and keep friends was Steve's finest attribute. He was a generous and helpful soul, and encouraged others to be the same.

Wes Zieske died in December 2000. Following a short illness, Wes, age 39, died at Billings Deaconess Hospital on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2000, surrounded by his family. Wes was born on April 26, 1961, the son of Howard and Esther (Kamerzel) Zieske in Billings. In 1979, Wes graduated from Billings Senior High School. He then attended Oklahoma State University of Technical Training, where he studied plumbing. He worked as a salesman for Familian Northwest, was a former member of Laborers Local 98 and a member of the Pryor Creek Golf Club. Wes always had a loving, caring nature towards people. His family and friends will always remember him for his perfectionism and meticulousness that was so much a part of his nature. He loved gourmet cooking and feeding his family, friends and coworkers. Recently, he took up the art of canning. Other hobbies included camping, fishing and golfing. Survivors include his loving wife, Deb Owens, forever and always and her son Trey Owens. He is also survived by his sister Florella Lackner of Oregon City, Ore.; brothers, Larry Zieske and his wife Sharon of Billings, Paul Dennis and his wife Punky of Lakewood, Colo., and Tom Dennis of Billings; sister Della Eskro of Billings; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. His parents, Howard and Esther, and brother Harold Hicks preceded him in death.

Jill Schultz Alden died Dec. 7, 2000, due to medical complication. Jill the daughter of Norman and Joan Schultz was born Oct. 22, 1960, in Flemington, N.J. Jill was the eight child of a family of 14 children. In October of 1973, Jill and her family packed up and moved out to Montana. She attended Billings Public Schools and graduated from Senior High School with the class of �79. Jill had made many dear friends through the years in Billings. Preceded in death by mother and father, Joan and Norman Schultz. Survivors: husband, John LeBrun of Casper, Wyo.; sons, Richard and Daniel Alden of Billings; daughters, Reachelle Alden and Lisa Mients of Denver; sisters and brothers, Jeannette Busby, Joan Winters, Norman Schultz II, Denise Owens, Deborah Buckingham, Catherine Strozzi, Alfred Schultz, David Schultz, Robert Schultz, John Schultz, Deanna Tigar, Richard Schultz and Genevieve Trollope; plus many nieces and nephews and in-laws.



Mr. Henry S. "Hank" Cox

Henry S. "Hank" Cox, 78, passed away at his Billings home early Friday, March 30, 2001, following a valiant four and half year fight against lung cancer.

He was born Francis Wilkes in Chicago, Ill. on March 24, 1923, but was adopted when he was six weeks old by Henry D. and Kathryn Cox, who named him Henry Stuart Cox. At a young age, he moved with his father to Ohio, where he was raised by a loving extended family.

While a student at North Lima, Ohio, High School, he met his future wife Doris at a county music festival. He was sitting behind me, and he had the brightest blue eyes and big smile. He was so cute! she said. Their mutual love of music and singing was one of the interests Hank and Doris shared throughout their 56-year marriage.

Hank graduated from high school in 1941 and, in the fall, entered Kent State University on a baseball and basketball scholarship. WWII interrupted his education and he promptly enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served in the Pacific on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Wasp until his discharge in August 1945. He and Doris were married during a brief leave in 1944.

After the war, Hank reentered college under the G.I. Bill. In 1951, the family by then numbering three children moved to Laramie, Wyo., where Hank finished his degree in education at the University of Wyoming, attending classes by day and working at night to support his family. He then moved the family to Basin, Wyo., where he taught several high school subjects and coached all sports, including American Legion baseball. In 1956, Hank moved the family now with five children to Billings, where he became a popular government teacher and coach at Billings Senior High School. He soon turned his love of government and politics into action when he was elected to the Billings City Council in the early 1960s. In 1966, he ran for and was elected to his first term in the Montana House of Representatives. In 1968, Hank unsuccessfully ran for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. In 1970, he was re-elected to his old seat in the Legislature, where he served two additional terms.

Hank's political career was interwoven with his love of teaching and sports, and he continued teaching full time and coaching golf until his retirement in 1985. During 32 years in education, he touched the lives of many students, parents and fellow educators. When asked later in life what he had taught, he would always say, "I taught kids!"

For 15 years, he and Doris spent their winters in Hemet, Calif., where he was a fixture in their retirement community of Golden Village, organizing and running the Snowbird Golf League and participating in many activities. Hank always returned to Billings in time for baseball season, however, serving as the Billings Mustangs public address announcer for 20 seasons until 1999.

Hank was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd. Throughout his life, he was a faithful witness for Christ in the way he interacted with people and in his approach to life. He fought his disease with the same courage and sense of humor he displayed throughout his entire life.

He is survived by his wife Doris; children Karen Rasmussen of Springfield, Va., David Cox of Scottsdale, Ariz., Jeanne House of Mandan, N.D., Mary Kimber of Wheatridge, Colo. and Danny Cox of Missoula, Mont.; eleven grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and thousands of people he loved and who loved him.

A celebration of Hank's life will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 4, at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1108 24th Street West. Memorials may be made to Big Sky Hospice, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, or the Billings Senior High Scholarship Fund.



Daren Lachenmaier, devoted son and beloved brother, passed away Saturday evening, Aug. 17, 2002, due to a drowning accident at Riverfront Park. Daren was born on Nov. 13, 1960, to Raymond and Edna Hessler Lachenmaier in Billings. He attended school in Billings, graduating from BSHS in 1979. He worked for Kevin Schott, installing underground sprinkler systems, at the time of his death. Daren truly enjoyed fishing and riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. He is survived by his mother, Edna of Billings; brother Dick (Pat) of Des Moines, Iowa; and nephews Kris (Becky) of Spokane, Wash., and Dustyn (Jean) of Des Moines; brother Tim of Billings; and sister Karen (Todd) Young of Belgrade. He was preceded in death by his father; and a sister, Sharon; and all four of his grandparents. We would like to offer sincere thanks to the brave young men and women who tirelessly fought to save Daren's life. Cremation has taken place. Graveside services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Following the services, the family will receive friends at the family home. Memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice. Michelotti-Sawyers has charge of arrangements.


SPOKANE, Wash. - Patrick Kopczynski, age 42, died tragically in a snowmobiling accident on Feb. 22, 2003. He was born June 26, 1960, in Huntsville, Ala. He graduated from Billings (Mont.) High School. He is survived by his wife of seven years, Amy Kopczynski, at the home; four children, Shawnee Marie Kopczynski, Scott Patrick Kopczynski, both at the home, Nicholas Saint Kopczynski, Mattie Jean Kopczynski, both of Billings; his parents, John and Tera Kopczynski, Spirit Lake, Idaho; three brothers, Eric Kopczynski, Clarkston, Paul Kopczynski, Post Falls, Idaho, Father Sean Kopczynski, Kentucky; two sisters, Marya Pongrakthia, Thailand, Megan Kopczynski, Absecon, N.J.; grandparent, John Kopczynski, Sr., Grangeville, Idaho. He was preceded in death by one brother, Ricky John Kopczynski. Patrick was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. He was a contractor at Mullen Managament. Interment will be Thursday, Feb. 27, at 11 a.m., at the Cottonwood (Idaho) Catholic Cemetery. Friends who wish may make memorial contributions to The Pat Kopczynski Family Fund at any Bank of America branch.


Elisabeth "Robins" Dowd, born Oct. 3, 1961, passed away at age 42 on Jan. 18, 2004, after a long battle with cancer.

Robin is survived by her daughter Elisabeth "Beepers" Dowd Froman, age 15; mother Victoria Brockman of Portland, Ore.; father Berkeley Dowd of Nye; grandmother Helen Thompson of Portland; sisters Mebane Elduen of Seattle and Helen Dowd of Spokane; brothers Berkeley Dowd Jr. of Sacramento, Calif., and Stephen Brockman of Portland.

Born in Portland, Robin grew up in Portland, Charlotte, N.C., and Sisters, Ore. She moved to Billings in 1977 to be with her father and stepmother, Cynthia Dowd Neath. She graduated from Billings Senior in 1979 and then attended St. Mary's College in Raleigh, N.C. After several youthful moves, Robin moved back to Billings with her daughter in 1998 and started working for the Montana Brewing Co. in early 2000. Those who were fortunate enough to have known Robin will remember her kind heart, generous personality and warm smile. The world will be a less bright community without Robin.

Memorials can be sent to 2710 Highwood in Billings, care of her daughter, Elisabeth Dowd Froman.

The family is having a private memorial service for Robin in May of 2004.




On March 24, 2005, the angels gently carried Kevin Lee Young to be with his Lord and Savior. He was surrounded at home by his wife, Donna; sons Ryan and Josh; best friend, Bill Dutcher; and brother and sister-in-law, Scott and Lyanna.

Kevin fought a most courageous battle against a very rare form of cancer. We are most thankful for the time we had to spend together. Mostly we are very thankful for the borrowed time we were graciously given. His spirit lives on in each of us as we honor his gentle soul, wonderful sense of humor, his loyalty, his guidance, his friendship and his example. Those are the gifts that he leaves each of us with.

Kevin was born in Salida, Colo., on Dec. 10, 1960, and moved with his family to Billings in 1974. He graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1979. He spent 16 years working for Heights Water District as a service man and backhoe operator. While working at the Water District, Kevin also worked part time for MetraPark. In 1996, he became a full-time employee for MetraPark as an Event Coordinator. He truly loved his profession, coworkers and all aspects of his job.

Kevin loved the outdoors, including boating, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling and camping. He enjoyed a newfound hobby of bird watching as well. He was also a die-hard Denver Broncos fan. Most importantly, Kevin loved being with his family. His sons, Ryan and Josh, were his pride and joy and he loved sharing all of his life with them. His wife, Donna, was the love of his life and best friend and gave him endless devotion.

Kevin is survived by his wife of 20 years, Donna; sons, Ryan and Joshua; parents Ed and Donna Young of Casper, Wyo.; brother Scott (Lyanna) Young of Graham, Wash.; brother Keith Young of Billings; sister Cindy (Greg) Becker of Casper; and sister Cherie Redman of Casper; also many cousins, nieces, nephews and cherished friends.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Corrine Schell, Edna Young and Chester Young; his father-in-law Robert C. Smith; and brother-in-law David Smith.

Kevin touched so many lives and it was evident by the outpour of love and support our family has received over the past several years. You will never meet a more graceful man and Kevin will be missed greatly by all who knew and loved him. "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you." Philippians 1:3

"Until the angels close my eyes, I can't imagine seeing life without you." Kalli Kucharyski

Bear, I will love you forever and a day. Donna

In lieu of flowers, donations may be mailed to Stockman Bank c/o: Kevin Young Education Trust, PO Box 50850, Billings, MT 59105-0850 or to The Alliance Against Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma (or TAAASPS), 141-08 Coolidge Ave, Briarwood, NY 11435.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, March 28, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Services will be held at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, 226 Wicks Lane at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 29. Kevin will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery following the service. All are invited to a luncheon at the church immediately following the burial.

Published in the Billings Gazette on 3/26/2005.





From Billings Gazette, 3/21/04 Paul Halpin, Music Teacher

On Wednesday evening, March 17, 2004, Heaven welcomed its new choir director. Paul was born March 20, 1933, in Acequia, Idaho, as one of 10 children to Estil and Geneve Halpin. He attended schools in Pocatello and graduated from Pocatello High in 1951.

Upon graduation he went to work for the Union Pacific railroad until 1954 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army. After completing basic training at Fort Ord, Calif., he was stationed in Heidelberg, Germany, where he met the love of his life, Elisabeth Stech. They were married May 19, 1956.

He was honorably discharged in 1961 as Sergeant 1st class E-6.

After returning to the states they settled in Pocatello where he returned to work at the railroad and enrolled at Idaho State University. There he discovered his God-given talent and the second love of his life, music. He sang in the schools choirs and was a member m the barbershop quartet, the Collegians. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in education, majoring in music and minoring in English.

His first teaching job was in Middleton, Idaho where taught kindergarten through 12th grade music, junior high and high school English and was the assistant high school basketball and track coach. In the summer of 1965 he began working towards his Masters degree at the University of Montana in Missoula. While there he was offered and accepted the position of music teacher and choir director at Fergus County High School in Lewistown, Montana. While in Lewistown he rekindled his love for Barbershop music and formed "The Outdoorsmen", a barbershop chorus. In 1975, he was offered what he considered to be the ultimate choir directing job in the state of Montana as music teacher and choir director at Billings Senior High School.

In a career that spanned 30 years, Paul influenced thousands of lives through the teaching of Choral music. As a choir director in Idaho and Montana he inspired his students to love music and to pursue excellence in their lives through the performance of music. He had a gift for understanding the individual needs of each singer in his choir. He made an effort to make everyone feel welcome and special in the choir, and every rehearsal was dominated by his unique sense of humor. He never took himself too seriously. For Paul, rehearsal was always focused on having a good time. He loved to give his singers a hard time and enjoyed it even more when they gave it back. Teaching for Paul was not a job, it was a true calling.

Paul was comfortable teaching all styles of music, Whether he was conducting Handel's Messiah with full orchestra and choir, or "Coney Island Baby" with a group of freshmen high school boys, he paid close attention to the musical style of each song. His groups performed everything from standard choral literature, vocal jazz, and barbershop, to Broadway musicals. He was particularly fond of the 19th century, especially Brahms and Bruckner.

His demand for excellence took Paul's choirs to select performances in many festivals at the state level. The Varsity choirs under his direction were invited to perform for several northwest regional conventions, and his Swing Choirs, Choralaires, and Expressions were invited to perform for many community groups throughout south central Montana. He also directed the Big Sky Barbershop Chorus, the First Congregational United Church of Christ choir, and sang bass with the Billings Symphony Chorale.

Because of his gift for relating to young people, Paul was also a popular guest clinician and adjudicator. As a guest clinician, he adjucated or conducted in nearly every Montana High School Association music district in the state. Always in high demand, it was not unusual for Paul to be booked a year in advance by districts in Montana and Wyoming.

Over the years Paul has trained many young choral directors. It was not uncommon for him to have one or two student teachers each year, and students could always count on getting a real "hands on" experience from Paul. He was adamant about the need for experienced teachers to share their experiences by mentoring beginning teachers.

In the same spirit of mentoring Paul was also dedicated to music teachers' professional organizations. He served as the treasurer of the Montana Choral Director's Association and received their Distinguished Service Award. The Montana Music Educators also recognized him for his years of service.

Paul was also a loving, sharing husband and father. He spent his summer months coaching his sons little league, driving his sons and daughters to their swim meets or taking the family out camping. He always made sure the family had their yearly vacation to see somewhere new and different. He loved to hunt and fish, especially hunting pheasants behind his special dog "Patch" or getting the family out in the boat where there was no escaping his stories.

Paul is survived by his wife, Elisabeth; his mother, Geneve; his brothers, Bob and Pat; sisters, Helen, Ruth, Dorothy, and Trudy; sons Gary of Las Vegas, N. M., Bryan, his wife, Tammy and their daughter, Brianna, of Billings; daughters, Kathy Lindell, her husband, Rod, son, Morgan, and daughters, Erin and Emily of Park City, and Lisa, her daughter, Bekah, and son, Theo, of Billings. He is preceded in death by his father Estil; brother, Jack; and sisters, Elizabeth and Caroline.

Memorial services will be held at the First Congregational United Church of Christ at 310 N. 27th Street in Billings on Saturday, March 27 at 11:00 a.m. One of Paul's last wishes was that anyone who sang with him or under his direction please join in and sing together one last time. We have chosen "A Mighty Fortress".

Memorials may be made to the National Marphan Foundation, 382 Main Street Port Washington, New York 11050, or to a Shriners organization of their choice.





James F. Duecker

1917 - 2005

I still tell people that I had only one great teacher in high school: Mr. Duecker. For those of you in our World History class at Senior, I'm sure the memory of him and what he taught us brings a smile to your face.

James Duecker, age 88, died on Saturday morning, Sept. 24, 2005, at his home. He was born to Emma and Edward Duecker in Kiel, Wis., on June 29, 1917, and resided in Billings for the last 47 years. He served his country as a bombardier in World War II. For more than 20 years he was a history teacher at Billings Senior High School, and no finer teacher ever graced the halls of a school. He was an avid reader, golfer and fisherman. He will be remembered as a wonderful grandfather to his two grandchildren and the kids of his close friends.

James is survived by Mary, his loving wife of 51 years; two sons, Kevin Duecker of Billings and Kurt Duecker of San Francisco: a daughter,Kelley Nelson of St. Louis, Mo.; Kurt's wife Tedi; Kelley's husband Jim; and two grandchildren, Jimmy and Tori. According to Jim's wishes, no memorial service will be held. For those who want to pay their respects, a short gathering of friends and family will be held at the Dueckers' home, 2503 Burlington Ave., from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 26. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to a charity of your choice.

Published in the Billings Gazette on 9/25/2005.




Michael Thomas Brown Michael Thomas Brown, age 47, of Billings, died Saturday, July 19, 2008, from a tragic car fire south of Ryegate. He was an honors graduate of Eastern Montana College in 1991. He was a painter by trade and was in the construction industry in one form or another for many years. His passions were family and friends, hunting, fishing, Montana and his Country (USA)! He was a great cook, especially loved to bake birthday cakes for his nieces and nephews; he also made great pancakes. Michael was the youngest of eight children, born on Jan. 11, 1961, in Billings. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Opal Brown. He is survived by his brothers, Doug, Tim (Lucy) Brown; sisters Judy (Tom) Collins, Joan O'Fallon (Brad Condon), Chris Hudson, Patricia (Fred) Tellez, Pam (Albert) Contreras; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many lifelong friends. Memorial services are Thursday, July 24, at 3 p.m., at Smith Funeral Chapel, 925 S. 27th St. Cremation has taken place. Memorials may be made to Fallen Soldiers (for information, FallenSoldiers.Com).