1921-2009
Our Dad, Grandpa and friend, Roy Martinsen, 88, of Hardin passed away Monday Oct. 12, in Dillon.
He was born March 28, 1921, in Butte, a son of Magnus and Gudren Faberland Martinsen. Roy was very proud of his Norwegian heritage, being a Butte boy, and he always had a good story to tell.
As a young man, he worked with his father in the Butte mines and was on the rope crew. He enlisted in the U.S. Army during WW II, fought in the South Pacific, clearing mine fields for the troop invasions. He was decorated for his service at Beachhead at Cebu and Leyte, receiving three Bronze Star Arrowheads, as well as the Bronze Star Medal and the Philippine Liberation Medal. In addition, he received a Good Conduct Medal and a Victory Medal.
After receiving his honorable discharge, he completed his education at the University of Montana in Missoula with a degree in education. He later received his Master’s degree in education from Eastern Montana College in Billings. He was a loyal Grizzly fan, but also a Bobcat fan.
It was in Bozeman, that he met and married Mary Elizabeth Slayton on March 15, 1947. The couple lived in Missoula and Shawmut, where he began his teaching career. He and Mary moved to St. Xavier, where he was a teacher, principal and coach. From there they moved to Hardin, where he served as principal at the Hardin Primary school for 36 years. Roy loved Hardin, Big Horn County and his wonderful friends from this community.
Roy and Mary loved to travel, buying antiques and taking a number of memorable cruises. During the summer of 2008, at his granddaughter Jamie’s wedding, he enjoyed meeting his relatives from Norway. He loved to fish and hunt and had already gotten a turkey and a grouse this hunting season with his best friend, Al Peterson.
His wife Mary of 55 years, his parents, a sister and a brother preceded Roy in death.
Survivors include his daughters Susan (Don) Turner of Cave Creek, AZ and Flathead Lake, MT; daughter Kathy McDowell of Olympia, WA; son R. Michael (Elaine) Martinsen of Hardin; daughter Patti (Tom) Holland of Dillon; and a special daughter Georgia Lee (Larry) Dorn of Hardin; 18 grandchildren, Matt and Shawn Maierle, Robert and Erin Turner, Stephen and Shawneen Turner, Travis McDowell, Troy and Lea McDowell, Jamie and Doug Holzberger, Becci Snowden, Daniel and Gabe Martinsen, Mandi and Ellis Farstvedt, Tyler and Jordan Holland; and six great-grandchildren, Darin, Breanne, Maggie, Ethan, Madison and Conner.
Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 in the Hardin First Congregational Church. Interment with military honors will follow in the Hardin Fairview Cemetery. Bullis Mortuary of Hardin has been entrusted with the arrangements. A reception at the First Congregational Church will follow the interment.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Big Horn County Historical Museum or to the charity of one’s choice.
Luther M. "Luke" Weikel
1918-2009
Luther Weikel, 91 of Helena passed away at the V.A. Hospital at Fort Harrison on Oct. 13. He was born July 18, 1918, the fourth son of Alfred and Leila (Smith) Weikel of Dillon. His parents journeyed from West Virginia to settle in Montana in 1910. They ranched in Dillon for several years, later moving to Missoula.
Luke graduated from Missoula County High School in 1936, while attending school. He excelled in basketball and track as well as his studies. Luke went on to attend Montana Western with plans to become a teacher. While attending school, United States entered WWII. Luke enlisted in the Army Air Forces. Luke served as an Aircraft mechanic in North Africa, Sicily and Italy until the war ended. He then came home to Montana
Luke did not return to Montana Western and decided to follow his father’s career into carpentry. He worked on many large projects around the state, including the Hungry Horse Dam and the Jackson Springs Spa and Resort in Wisdom, as well as numerous projects in Missoula.
In 1953, he married Alice DeRosier of Missoula; they later divorced. To his biological family, Luke was always known as “Lute” and had many fond memories of family reunions attended throughout his lifetime. He was very proud of his heritage.
Luke was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Glenn, Raymond, and Ralph. He is survived by his older brother, Bob (Mac) Weikel of Missoula, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews throughout the Dillon and Missoula area. He is also survived by his stepdaughters, Carla Tevis and Tana (Ron) Bond, both of Helena; and grandson, Michael (Kasia) Franklin of Belgrade.
Luke was a very intelligent man, kind and gentle by nature with a very dry sense of humor. He loved his family and was very beloved by his family. He will be missed by all who knew him. At his request, there will be no services.
Memorials may be made to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society, PO Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604, to any military foundations or to that of donor’s choice. Local arrangements have been entrusted to Hagler-Anderson Funeral Home.
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