Stewart Eugene Kienow, 61

Stewart Eugene Kienow, 61, of Somers, passed away July 8, 2005.

Stewart was born June 13, 1944, in Aberdeen, S.D., to Ferdinand and Florence Kienow. He graduated from high school in 1962, in Ipswich, S.D.

After attending college he ventured to Montana, where he became employed with the Fish, Wildlife and Parks at the Somers Fish Hatchery. There, he learned the ins and outs of the management of wild fish, specializing in kokanee salmon. In the early 1980s he was appointed manager of the Flathead Lake Salmon Hatchery. He took great pride in his employment with the state, which was evident in the time he spent "baby-sitting his fish" and maintaining the hatchery grounds. He enjoyed hosting hatchery tours and sharing his knowledge with students from local schools and visitors to Flathead Valley.

In 1969 he married Carol Andrew, and from this union his only child Rox Ann was born.

Stewart was an avid hunter and spent many memorable seasons with his late father-in-law in the Bitterroot Valley.

Upon the birth of his first grandchild, McCaela, Stewart embraced life in a whole new way. As he had with his nieces and nephews, he became her mentor.

Kaleb Stewart was born in 1998 and became the "apple of his grandpa's eye." Grandpa never turned down an opportunity to spend time with his grandkids, and would often be seen with one or both trailing along with him. Words cannot describe how greatly missed he will be by McCaela and Kaleb, and all who shared his days with him.

He loved to travel with Ann, visiting places all over Europe. His most special times were spent with his mother and brother in "The Old Country" back home on the farm in South Dakota, and with Ann at their beloved Nine Mile.

Stewart was preceded in death by his father, Ferdinand Kienow, and his brother, Allan Kienow.

Stewart leaves behind many friends and family beginning with his best friend and loving companion, Ann Daley, of Somers; daughter, Rox Ann Frame; son-in-law, Jim Frame; grandchildren, 10 year-old McCaela and 7 year-old Kaleb Frame; his mother, Florence Kienow; brother, Ronnie Kienow, both of Ipswich, S.D.; and sister, Shan O' Lea Jeschke of Kalispell. Stewart is also survived locally by nephews, Jody and Wendy Jeschke, Chancy and Sarah Jeschke, and niece, Dena Jeschke. He is also survived by nephews, John, Matt, Sam and Allen Kienow, and niece, Bridgette Nelson.

The family and friends of Stewart invite all who knew and loved him to join them at 4 p.m. Friday, July 15, at the pavilion at Vista Linda, 240 Boon Road in Somers to celebrate his well-lived life. Cremation has taken place and his ashes will be taken home to the farm in South Dakota.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made to The Rolling Dog Ranch, (a sanctuary for disabled and abused animals) 400 Rolling Dog Ranch Lane, Ovando, MT 59854.