Joseph Francis 'Joe' Lewellen, 81
Joseph Francis Lewellen, 81, of Ft. Belknap, passed away Aug. 8, 2005, at Colonial Manor in Whitefish, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He as born March 18, 1924, in Harlem to Ben and Hattie (Keeney) Lewellen.
He served in the United States Army in both World War II and the Korean War. During his valiant years in the Army, he earned numerous honors and medals. He was well-liked by his fellow soldiers and was known as "Sergeant Lew." His resourcefulness and ability to appropriate supplies made him invaluable to his company.
Although he enjoyed his life in the military, he returned to Montana as his family became a priority. He then began a 50-year career in construction as a master craftsman. He and his wife, Jean, moved to Fort Belknap in 1981, where he was employed as a building inspector before retiring.
Joe was an animal lover and was happiest while working in his woodworking shop. He was truly a unique man and will be missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by a son, Jesse Lewellen; a son-in-law, Duane R. Karlin; his sisters, brother and parents.
He is survived by his wife, Emma Jean (Larsen) Lewellen, of Fort Belknap; two daughters, JoAnn Karlin of Kalispell, and Hattie Wiysel and husband, Gary, of Minneapolis; nine grandchildren, Jesse Lewellen, Richard Lewellen, Bill Lewellen, Ben Lewellen, Darlene Grachek, and Duane B. Karlin of Kalispell, Lisa Lewellen of Denver, and Justin Wiysel and Sarah Wiysel of Minneapolis; five great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, at Sacred Heart Church in Fort Belknap. Urn burial will follow at the Harlem Cemetery.
Johnson Mortuary & Crematory in Kalispell is caring for Joe's family.
Chad William Lewis, 32Chad William Lewis, 32, passed away Sunday, Aug. 7, 2005, in Chinook. He was born March 26, 1973, in Marietta, Ga., the son of Paul William and Robin Elizabeth (Pratt) Lewis.Chad was in love with his wife of six years, Kim Lewis. They were married June 5, 1999, at Chop Point, Maine. She was the girl of his dreams and the joy of his heart. Chad was an honest man who was quick to admit when he was wrong. His enthusiasm was contagious. From fire-fighting to real estate; from spending time with his Bible study friends to being outdoors and in the water, Chad enjoyed so much in this life. What ever he did, it was with passion.Funny and witty, Chad had a tender, tender heart. He was best friends with his dad, and at 32, he was still his Mom's "baby." He loved animals and kids. When something was funny, really funny, his laughter was awesome! We'd laugh at his laugh! We'll miss that so much.There is story after story of Chad's funny personality and tender heart. We wish we could share them all with you. Chad belonged to the Lord and his heart was sensitive to God. We take comfort in the fact that he is whole and laughing on heaven's side right now. He was truly a great man. "We have been changed for the better because we knew you, Chad." He is survived by his wife, Kim Lewis, of Kalispell; his parents, Paul and Robin Lewis, of Medway, Maine; and two sisters, Amy Lewis of Medway, Maine, and Jennifer Goins and husband, Brian, of Huntersville, N.C.; also his father and mother-in-law, Ken and JoAnn Strait, of Kalispell, with nieces and nephews, Hillary and Madison Lewis, and Brantley and Palmer Goins.Memorial services for Chad Lewis will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12, at the Christian Center in Kalispell with Pastor Brian Goins officiating. There is no visitation.Johnson Mortuary & Crematory is caring for Chad's family.