Obituaries

ELMO — Wain Alexander Lefthand was born to Alexander Lefthand and Josephine (Caye) Lefthand on Nov. 3, 1958, in Hot Springs. He was the last living child of nine. Wain passed away peacefully at his home in Elmo on Feb. 18, 2024. Once Wain’s brother Pat returned from the military, he moved Wain in with his family. Pat raised Wain with his sons, Oskie and Josh. Wain lived in the mountains, Libby, Elmo, and Hot Springs with his brother. While living in Hot Springs, Wain became best friends with Ned Winebrenner. Wain attended school in Elmo, Hot Springs, and Polson. However, he later moved to Oklahoma and graduated from Riverside High School. Wain had a strong admiration for h...

POLSON — Garnet Crusch Stuerke was born on April 15, 1949, in Williston, North Dakota. She was the first child to Cecil and Geraldine (Egosque) Crusch. When she was young, she was often teased that she was mom and dad’s tax deduction because she was born on the day their taxes were due. She gr...

MISSOULA — Toby James Kovarik, 34, passed away on Jan. 24, 2024, at St. Patrick Hospital. Toby was born on Dec. 15, 1989, to Curtis and Sandee Kovarik. He was the youngest of seven children. He joined Melanie, Kelly, Jade, Cawin, Angela, and Ruby. Later he gained a step- mother, Christy, and three more...

ST. IGNATIUS — Thomas H. Tingle passed away peacefully on Saturday, Jan. 20. 2024. He was born in Challis, Idaho, on Oct. 14, 1933, to Howard and June Tingle. He spent his life as a rancher and a school administrator.  A celebration of his life will be held this summer. More information will be...

POLSON — Kenneth Alan Feiler, age 69, passed away on Jan.14, 2024, at his residence. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Feb. 4, 1954, to mother and father, Erwin and Madelyn (Koch) Feiler. Ken graduated from Peter’s Township High School, McMurray, Pennsylvania, in 1972. He excelled in...

POLSON – Albert James Knutson, age 91, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, at St. Luke Extended Care in Ronan. Memorial services for Albert will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.  

POLSON — Adam was born and raised in Southern California. He moved to Montana to attend SKC Nursing Program in the fall of 2021. He was full of life, joy and had a gentle heart. He always had the biggest smile and the best laugh. He leaves behind loyal friends and a loving family.  A memorial w...

POLSON — Lila G. (Pajari) Larsen Fenske, age 102, fell asleep in death peacefully at her home on Jan. 6, 2024. Lila was born Aug. 16, 1921, in Becker County, Minnesota, to John and Alina Pajari. She was the sixth of 11 children. On Oct. 12, 1940, Lila married Jack Larsen. They had five children: Dwi...

POLSON — Duane Snyder, a 25-year veteran of United States Marine Corp and longtime resident of Polson, passed away on Nov. 18, 2023, surrounded by family and friends. Duane, as he was known to many in the area, was born June 5, 1952, to Wayne and Melva Snyder and attended Ronan High School before enlis...

TAMPA, FLORIDA — Marli was born  on Oct. 11, 1989, in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and passed on Jan. 2, 2024, in Tampa, Florida. She moved with her family to Polson in the spring of 1993 and graduated from Polson High and the University of Montana. In high school, she enjoyed speech and debate, j...