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Local Obituaries

Otto Sever Enkerud

Posted (Monday, October 27th 2025)

Funeral service for Sever Enkerud, 94, of Glasgow, MT will be at 11:00 am Saturday, November 1, 2025 at First Lutheran Church in Glasgow, officiated by Pastor Jim Biswell. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery in Glasgow. A luncheon will follow at the Glasgow Elks Lodge #1922.
Visitation will take place 10:00-11:00 am Saturday, November 1, 2025, at First Lutheran Church in Glasgow.
Otto Sever Enkerud, 94, passed to his heavenly home on October 19, 2025, in Ekalaka with family by his side.
Sever was born in the familiar surroundings of home on September 8, 1931. Midwife Karen Holter, who was Cap Halter's mother, assisted Kristina and Ole in welcoming their son to the world and to life on the Jensen Trail. On the 18th day of October 1931, Sever was baptized at Highland Lutheran Church by Pastor Harold Signeland. He and his older sister, Hazel Alice, spent their early years on the Enkerud homestead north of Glasgow, where the values of faith and work took root. In 1938, Ole and Kristina moved their house, off the original homestead foundation, to the Dignan place slightly east of Tampico.
Starting at age seven, Sever worked alongside his father raising hay for their cattle herd, which included a dozen Guernsey, Jersey, and Brown Swiss milk cows. It wasn't long before a small business of selling milk and cream to neighbors in the Tampico area began. The Enkerud's appreciated the support of their community and enjoyed meeting a local need. Never one to turn down work, Sever began cleaning out Marie Motzkau's chicken coop for twenty-five cents. At age eleven, he worked for John Etchart, raking hay behind John's horses, Captain and Midnight. World War II brought about major workforce shifts in the railroad industry. Although Sever was technically "too young" at age fifteen for employment, Road Master Al Rasmussen saw his potential and hired him to work with the Burlington Northern Section Crew, which he did for two years.
Sever's education began at the Tampico School, a one room country schoolhouse, where he attended grades one through eight. During high school, he rode the school bus to Glasgow, graduating with the Class of 1949. Sever often recalled a memorable day during his senior year when the bus driver became ill. With no one else available, he was asked to finish the route himself- a task he handled with calm confidence, even then.
In high school, Sever was active in FFA and found satisfaction in the challenges and triumphs of playing football as a Glasgow Scottie for four years. During football season, he stayed with Mrs. Edna Raymond in Glasgow.
With the encouragement of George Watson, Sever enrolled at Montana State College (now Montana State University) in the fall of 1949, taking agriculture classes and joining the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. Sever completed four quarters of college before returning home when his father became ill. By January of 1952, he was working full time on the ranch - stepping into greater responsibility with the same dedication that had defined him since childhood.
Sever met the love of his life, Esther Wagner, a Registered Nurse, while visiting his father on the 2nd floor of the Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital, where Esther was Ole's nurse. Their paths quickly intertwined, and on June 5, 1954, they were married at Pella Lutheran Church in Sidney, MT. Together, Sever and Esther raised four daughters, instilling in them a hardworking nature, an entrepreneurial spirit, and an appreciation for education.
In 1968, guided by a belief in contributing to something greater than himself - something that would benefit the lives of others, Sever, along with the late John Kolstad, began the negotiation process to purchase the Wittmayer Ranch. Their goal was to establish a grazing association that would serve and strengthen the community of local ranchers. Fittingly, the negotiation process began with a game of Whist between Johnny, Sever, and Bob and Howard Wittmayer. On September 24, 1970, the Wittmayer Grazing Association was officially established with 30 members. Sever served as president from 1970 to 1985. In 1974, Sever and 19 other ranchers purchased the Miller Ranch, formerly the Lewis Archambeault Ranch, and established the Silver Dollar Grazing Association. Both grazing associations continue to serve the grazing needs of area ranchers today - a lasting testament to Sever's vision for collaboration and community.
Sever remained deeply involved in the agriculture industry throughout his life and served faithfully on many community and state boards: Chairman of the Glasgow Irrigation District for 29 years; Board member of the Glasgow Area Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture. Sever was recognized in 1964 as the "Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year" by the Montana Chamber; First Lutheran Church Board Member; Member of the Tampico School Board; Lifetime Member of the Elks Lodge #1922; Member and Chairman of the Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital Board; Board Member for 45 years of the Badland Grazing District and Member of the MT Stockgrowers.
Sever's commitment to stewardship and community leadership extended beyond his local roots. His dedication and experience were recognized at the state level when he was appointed to the Resource Conservation Advisory Council by Governor Ted Schwinden, and later reappointed by Governors Stan Stephens and Marc Racicot. He also served as President of the Montana Association of State Grazing Districts, where his practical insight and steady leadership earned the respect of ranchers statewide and policymakers alike.
When he wasn't farming, ranching, or serving in some capacity, Sever enjoyed league bowling, a good game of cards or Cribbage, and keeping up with the Montana State University Bobcats football team. Each fall, he looked forward to Bobcat season, eager to see how his team would fare. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman, most happy with a rod or rifle in hand and Montana's big sky overhead. He and Esther shared a love of dancing and tradition - especially waltzing across the floor at local gatherings and attending area lutefisk dinners, where they visited with old friends and made new.
Sever lost his beloved bride, Esther, 10 years ago after 60 years of marriage. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Ole and Kristina (Syverson) Enkerud, his sister Hazel A. Halvorsen, and brother-in-law Joseph M. Halvorsen.
Sever is survived by his four daughters: Kimberly Enkerud of Glasgow; Ava (Randy) Sunnarborg of Rochester, MN; Paula Enkerud of Tampico; and Tena (Bruce) Ketchum of Ekalaka, MT. Also surviving are his five granddaughters: Kariana Sunnarborg of Billings; Avery (Zach) Lawson of Billings; Emma Sunnarborg of Rochester, MN; Cecile (Jeff) Menees of Plevna; Dr. Jaclyn Ketchum of Ekalaka, MT. Great grandchildren Blaze Scott Menees, Ember Elsie Menees, and Edmond Otto Lawson also survive.
The family wishes to thank Prairie Ridge and the Dahl Memorial Healthcare for their loving and compassionate care during Sever's time at their facilities.
For those who wish to offer a memorial gift, Sever's preferences are the First Lutheran Church Foundation or a charity of your choosing.
Arrangements by Stevenson Funeral Home. Remembrances and condolences can be shared at www.stevensonfuneralhome.com.

Elizabeth “Liza” M. Dyrdahl

Posted (Sunday, October 26th 2025)

Elizabeth “Liza” M. Dyrdahl, 74 of Glasgow, Montana, passed away on Monday, September 22, 2025, at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow.

Elizabeth Marie Simpson was born on April 27, 1951, in Rochester, Minnesota. She grew up in Minnesota and Montana, living in various places, including Turner, Zortman, and Loring. Liza graduated from Whitewater High School.

On February 28, 1970, Liza married Larry Dyrdahl of Loring, Montana. Together, they made their home on the family farm north of Loring, where they raised their son, Steve. Life on the ranch brought both joy and challenges. Memories of family activities, such as playing The Farming Game, were balanced by long, arduous work days, complete with swarms of flying ants on the combine. Liza was also active in community life, serving in the Montana Women’s Club.

In 1986, the ranch was sold to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the family moved to Malta. After Steve’s high school graduation in 1989, Liza began pursuing a lifelong dream: higher education. She moved to Missoula to complete her undergraduate studies, building on correspondence coursework she had started at the Phillips County Library. She earned her undergraduate degree and, in 1995, proudly received her Master’s Degree from Montana State University.

On July 20, 1998, Liz began her career with the Eastern Montana Community Mental Health Center (EMCMHC). Over nearly 24 years, she worked in Sidney, Wolf Point, Plentywood, and Glasgow, serving clients with compassion and dedication. Known for her deep care and meticulous paperwork, she was a trusted and respected advocate for her clients. Liza retired from EMCMHC on March 31, 2022. Retirement didn’t last long, however, as she soon found a new purpose working with Sheriff Tom at the Valley County Detention Facility. This second Career gave her a renewed sense of meaning in her last years.

Liza is survived by her son Steve (Kimberley) Dyrdahl of Helena, three grandsons, Christopher, Matthew, and Shane and one great-grandson, Noah. She is also survived by her brother, Fred, and sister, Lowrie. She is preceded in death by her brother, Art.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Bell Mortuary in Glasgow, Montana, with Pastor Bonnie Novak officiating. Online condolences may be left for the family at bellmortuarymt.com.

James Ancil Bailey

Posted (Tuesday, October 21st 2025)

James “Jim” Ancil Bailey, age 91, of Opheim, Montana, passed away on October 15, 2025, at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital—one day after celebrating 69 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Janet.

Jim was born August 3, 1934, in Glasgow, Montana, the seventh child of Frank W. and Ethel Bailey. He was raised on the family farm northeast of Opheim. Jim attended Colony School in Canada for first and second grade, and then continued his education at Happy Valley School and Opheim High School.

From a young age, Jim had a deep love for horses. As a teenager, he broke horses for friends and neighbors for $5 apiece.

Throughout his early years, Jim worked various jobs: setting telephone poles west of Opheim, doing seismograph work near Wolf Point, and installing water and sewer lines in Opheim and area farms.

In 1956, Jim married Janet Bergstrom. The couple moved several times early in their marriage, including to Vern Solberg’s farm, before settling back on the family farm in 1958, where Jim worked alongside his father. To support his growing family, he also measured land and grain bins for the Farm Service Agency. Together, Jim and Janet farmed and ranched until 1972, when Mayor Don Potter convinced him to take a “temporary” job as Opheim’s Police Chief. That one-year plan turned into a 24-year career. Over the years, Jim also served as the town’s Water, Sewer, and Maintenance Manager, Fire Chief, and Valley County Deputy Sheriff.

He served as Opheim’s Fire Chief for 40 years and continued supporting the town and surrounding area even after his retirement, working in his garage and spending four seasons hauling fertilizer for Pro-Co-op.

Jim and Janet raised four children: Donald James, David Larry, Debra Ethel, and Douglas Frank.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Donnie; brothers Elmo and Lewis Bailey; sisters Eva Siefert, Pauline Nelson, and Eleanor Robinson; brothers-in-law Earl Vinson, Bob Dillard, Bub Siefert, Eugene Nelson, and Clayton Robinson; sisters-in-law Inez and Dorine Bailey, and Marlene Vinson; and many nieces and nephews.

Jim is survived by his wife, Janet; his children David (Cathy) Bailey and Doug Bailey, and daughter Debra Bailey, all of Opheim; his grandchildren Kieren Bailey (Cassidy Huscka) of Dickinson, North Dakota, J.D. Bailey of Opheim, and Stephanie (Tigh) Fuhrman of Richland, Montana. He is also survived by his brother Quannah Bailey of Chester, Montana; brothers-in-law Bob and Larry Bergstrom; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services are Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Opheim Community Church, Opheim, Montana. Luncheon to follow at Holy Family Parish Glentana Hall, Glentana, Montana.

Patricia LaVerne Hallett

Posted (Monday, October 20th 2025)

Patricia “Pat” Hallett
August 9, 1941-October 13, 2025

Patricia “Pat” Hallett passed away on Monday, October 13, 2025 at Valley View nursing home after a 3 ½ year battle with bone marrow cancer.

Pat was born in Cummings, Iowa to Harold and Mildred (Snyder) Miller. Harold was working on his uncle’s farm and had moved the family there. When her grandma Delilah Snyder found out that she was born, she brought her and Mom, Mildred, back to Nashua because she didn’t want to be so far away from her precious “Patsy.”

Pat attended all of her school years in Nashua, graduating valedictorian of her class of 1959. Pat married Lloyd Hallett on June 8, 1958 in Nashua. They added four children, Nanci, Bonnie, Doug and Sue, to their family before divorcing in 1972.

Pat was a stay-at-home Mom for a lot of her life, babysitting many kids so she could stay home with her kids. There was never a shortage of homemade popsicles and fudgesicles for all the kids in the neighborhood to enjoy. She made such an amazing home for us to grow up in. Our birthdays were amazing and special with cakes she made for us and for the parties we got to have.

Pat was known for her pie baking. Her most popular became her peach blueberry pie.

Mom’s life was a life of service. For thirty years she worked for the State of Montana in the welfare department, first as a secretary and then as an eligibility technician, helping two generations of families. She was an active volunteer with the Blessing Tree project making sure that kids and adults received things that they needed and at least one thing they wanted. “Everyone should get at least one thing they want for Christmas” was what she always said. She was an active volunteer with the Glasgow Food Bank for many years; filling the bags of food that were given out, making the orders, getting people to unload the trucks that would come with the food, and of course volunteering her family to serve as well.

Mom loved her community of Nashua. She served on the Nashua City Council for six years and mayor for six years. She was actively involved in working with the State of Montana to get the overpass project to come to Nashua. This was a vital and necessary project which gave access to the south side of town when the only other route was blocked by a train sitting on the tracks. She was so happy to see Dry Prairie Rural water come to Nashua and was delighted to turn the hydrant on to get the water flowing into the town. Mom’s favorite community event was the All School Reunion. She worked on the reunion from the very first committee in 1966 until 2021. She enjoyed all the planning that went into bringing the reunion to Nashua and visiting with all the alumni who came back for the reunion.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Mildred Miller, her sisters, Susan “Tootie” Poling and Barbara Laroque, her Grandmother Delilah Synder and her favorite aunt and uncle Dottie and Spud Snyder.

Pat is survived by her four children: Nanci Schoenfelder of Glasgow, Bonnie (Leroy) Novak of North Nashua, Doug (Sonia) Hallett of Glasgow, and Sue (Shane) Hoyer of Fort Peck, and her sister Char (Mark) Arneson, and three cousins Gerry (Sharon) Snyder, Paul (Mary Kay) Snyder, and Nina (Tom) Ringo.

She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Joel (Jody) Novak, Jenna (Lee) McCafferty, Alison (Randy) Moyer, Sean (Shannon) Schoenfelder, Cassidy (Zak) Thompson, Kellen (Madyson) Hallett, Kaiden Hallett and Michael Hoyer. Six great-grandchildren: Travis Novak, Mara Schoenfelder, August Moyer, Rowan Moyer, Rhett Thompson, and Hayze Hallett. She is also survived by her good friends Laurie Koessl, and Ron and EJ Nixdorf. Also surviving Pat are numerous nieces and nephews.

Services for Pat will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 10:30a.m., at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Nashua. A time of fellowship will be held in the social hall following the service. A private family burial will follow at the Nashua Cemetery. Online condolences may be left for the family at bellmortuarymt.com.

Robert Molvig

Posted (Thursday, October 16th 2025)

A Celebration of a Life Well Lived
Please join us as we celebrate the life of Robert Molvig, who lived 88 years in Glasgow, Montana, tending the land, loving his family, and sharing his own brand of humor with everyone he met.
On October 18th at 3:00, we’ll gather at Elks to share stories, laughter, and a few tears — just the way he would have wanted it. Bring your memories, your smiles, and maybe your best farm story.
Services will precede the celebration at the Glasgow Highland Cemetery at 2:00 by the grave site. You are welcome to attend.
Come help us honor a true Montana life — lived with hard work, generosity, and heart.
Casual attire and cowboy boots welcome.

Shirley Mae (Jensen) Grimsrud Nail

Posted (Monday, October 6th 2025)

Shirley Mae (Jensen) Grimsrud Nail, 90, of Middleton, Idaho and Nashua, Montana, passed away September 27, 2025 in Middleton, Idaho.

Shirley was born to George and Mildred (Kimmel) Jensen on May 8, 1935 in Wolf Point, Montana. She joined her three brothers: Leonard ‘Bud’, Larry and Arlie. She attended school in Wolf Point.

After graduation, Shirley, married Master Sargent Don Grimsrud and moved to California. They moved back to Wolf Point in 1954. Upon their return they bought a farm north of Nashua, where they built their life together and lived for roughly 30 years before moving to Nashua. They were married for 53 years, until Don’s passing in 2006.

In addition to her work on the farm, Shirley spent 18 years with the Nashua School District where she was a dedicated and familiar face to many. After Don’s passing, Shirley remained in Nashua until reconnecting with Robert ‘Ed” Nail at a class reunion in 2008. They were married later that year and shared almost 17 years of marriage, splitting their time between Idaho and her beloved Montana.

Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, Don; sons, Trace and Ron Grimsrud; daughter, Lori Grimsrud; her parents, George and Mildred Jensen and brothers: Leonard, Larry and Arlie.

Shirley is survived by her husband Robert ‘Ed’ Nail; daughter-in-law, Karen Grimsrud; five grandchildren: Andrea (Nate) McClenning, Cody (Jeanette) Grimsrud, Kylie (Isaac) Eufrauzino, Talisha (Justin) Johns, and Dylan (Gracie) Grimsrud; along with eight great-grandchildren and Ed’s daughters: Valerie and family, Arlis and family, and son: Rusty and family.

Shirley was a loving, caring wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter and the feeling of belonging – a place where family and friends knew they were cared for. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered in the hearts of those who loved her.

Family will receive friends Friday, October 10, 2025 at Bell Mortuary from 5-7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 11, 2025 at Bell Mortuary at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Lane Vanatta officiating. Burial will take place in Nashua Cemetery. Online condolences for the family may be left at bellmortuarymt.com.

Monte Joyce Olsen

Posted (Friday, October 3rd 2025)

Monte Joyce Olsen, 53, of Missoula, Montana, passed away unexpectedly on September 18, 2025.

She was born on August 19, 1972, in Wolf Point, Montana, to Linda and Gary Frazer, weighing just 3 pounds 12 ounces. From her very first breath, she showed the strength of a fighter.

She grew up in Glasgow, Montana, and graduated from Glasgow High School. Over the years, she worked as a cook at numerous establishments in Glasgow, where she shared her passion for food with others. Her love for the mountains eventually led her to Missoula, where she attended the University of Montana for two years and built a life she loved. At the time of her passing, she was the Produce Manager at Albertsons, a role she cherished.

She had the biggest heart and always put others before herself. She loved music, singing, baking, and cooking. Family was at the center of her life, and she adored her nieces and nephews, especially. She also treasured the many special friendships she built throughout her life. Most importantly, she was a devoted Christian who loved the Lord with deep passion, and her faith was the foundation of her life. She touched countless lives with her love and light-often never realizing the impact she had on those around her.

She is survived by her mother, Linda, and stepfather, Robert; her brothers Marty (Lori) of Great Falls, MT, and Travis (Maggie) of Glasgow, MT; her sister Shanda (Kip) of Belfield, ND; five nieces, three nephews, and two great-nephews; along with aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends who will miss her dearly.

No funeral services are currently planned. The family invites those who knew and loved her to remember her in their own special way and celebrate the kindness and love she shared so freely.

Archie D. Castle

Posted (Friday, October 3rd 2025)

Archie D. Castle, aged 77, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 28, 2025, in Great Falls, Montana, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on May 16, 1948, in Glasgow, Montana, to Archie and Sophie Castle.

Archie, a retired custodian, was a member of the LDS church. He was very outgoing and well-liked. His favorite hobby was fishing; he couldn’t wait to be back on the Milk River.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Lillian, Alfred and William.

He is survived by many family and friends all over this great country.

A small celebration of life will be held at Austin Hall, 1622 3rd Ave N, Great Falls, Montana. It will be on the first floor of the building on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

Michael “Mike” J. Zimmer

Posted (Monday, September 29th 2025)

Michael “Mike” J. Zimmer, 73, of Glasgow, Montana, passed away on Monday, September 22, 2025, at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow, Montana.

He was born on February 13, 1952, in Glasgow, Montana, only weighing three pounds, to Joe and Aundre (Mortimer) Zimmer. He attended school in Opheim and graduated from Opheim High School.
Michael worked for the Opheim School, at the Mint Bar and helped out local farmers and ranchers with chores.

Mike is survived by his sister Carol Zimmer, nephews: Jason, Seth and Mike from Syracuse, New York, His brother Dave Zimmer of Fort Worth, Texas and nephews: Kris and Dallas and niece Melissa.

There will be a Celebration of Life at Nemont Manor on Monday, September 29, 2025, from 2-4:00 p.m. Online condolences may be left at bellmortuarymt.com.