Gary Morken, 81

It is with great sadness that we announce Gary Ernest Morken, 81, passed away from dementia at the Montana Veteran’s Home in Columbia Falls on April 30, 2023.

Born in Conrad to Archie and Mollie (Island) Morken on June 2, 1941, Gary grew up in Cut Bank and Polson. He spent summers farming with cousins Vernon and Gerald Burger in Cut Bank and went to school and helped at the family owned Grandview Grocery Store in Polson.

Gary enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1961 and was honorably discharged due to family hardships. His father had MS and died at a young age. Gary returned home to help take care of his family. While serving, he received the Marksman (rifle M-1) and Expert (pistol .45) badges. Gary was PVE-1.

Gary’s mother married his stepfather, William Winter, in 1965. Gary married Janice Anderson in 1965 and they had two sons, Garrett and Gavin. He later married Karen Harshman/Oehmcke on Sept. 26, 1998.

Gary was kind, caring and generous, all the while being a humble man. You could feel Gary’s good nature and positive energy wherever he went. He had many talents and interests: fishing, boating, skiing, bowling, hunting, scuba diving, golf and avid bike riding (early morning rides with buddies). He loved the outdoors! There was never a job too big for him to tackle: electrical, construction, etc., all the way to a professional jeweler.

He was partner/owner of John Stockhill Jewelers in Sidney and Miles City for 54 years. He was dedicated, loyal and thankful to all of his costumers; absolutely loved his profession! His whistling talents were beyond belief; you could hear his happiness. He had an awesome singing voice as well.

Gary earned profound respect from his community and family which was recognized by his many achievements and awards:

*Gemologist Institute of America Education (interestingly enough, Gary’s initials are “GEM,” a reflection of his lifelong profession).

*Heavy Equipment Operator Certificate of Proficiency Award

Kiwanis Club of Sidney 30-year Distinguished Service Award, Outstanding Service to our Club Award, Top Apple Sales Award… “Selling 150+ cases of apples is pretty well Gary’s standard.” You could say Gary was the apple of our eye. Member of Board of Directors and Kiwanis International Award. Of all the relationships he formed in Kiwanis, one stands out among them all. In 1968, Gary and fellow Kiwanian, Jacque Best, teamed up to form a lifelong friendship. Gary and Jacque served on numerous committees and projects through the years. They remained close personal friends; their families shared many activities together.”

*Grand Master Masons Masonic Lodge of Montana Award

*Jaycees Boss of the Year Award and Distinguished Service Award

*Member of National Rifle Association

*Chamber of Commerce – Board of Directors & Outstanding/Dedicated Service Award and Chairman of Publicity and Public Relations

*Outstanding Young Men of America Award (a President Nixon recognition of service to community)

*Member of the Elks and Moose clubs

*Advisor to the Rainbow Girls

*Hole-in-one at the Miles City 2006 golf tournament

Gary worked hard every day of his life and was honest and fair. He had a deep respect for his fellow man and profound gratitude to GOD!

The family deeply appreciates the excellent service, support and loving care given to Gary these past few months. A sincere thank you to the nurses and all the staff of our Montana Veteran’s Home. You are all Heaven-sent. Thank you!

He is preceded in death by parents, Mollie and Archie Morken, and Bill Winter (stepfather); sister, Marilyn Morken (interestingly, also died on April 30, five years ago to the day); nephew, Kevin Baker; several uncles and cousins.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Morken of Kalispell; brother, Earvin (Beverly) Morken of Kalispell; sons, Garrett Morken (Angie Frost) of Glasgow (grandson, Grant), Gavin (Jennifer) Morken of Sidney {grandchildren, Ryan and Addison); stepchildren, Shane Oehmcke (April West) of Great Falls (granddaughter, Hope), Michelle (Jeff) Carda of Lambert/Richey (grandchildren, Colter and Paige), Paul Oehmcke (Abby) of Lolo (grandson, Riplee).

Gary always carried this poem in his shirt pocket:

“The clock of life is wound but once

and no man has the power

to tell just when the hands will stop,

at late or early hour.

Now is the time you own; live, love

toil with a will.

Place no faith in tomorrow, for the

hands may then be still.”

-author unknown

Cremation has taken place under the care of Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. A celebration of life to be held at a later date.