Rae Kalbfleisch

Rae Virgil Kalbfleisch, 78, of Shelby, went to join his wife Ann on Sept. 8, 2008. He died of natural causes.

Rae was born Jan. 8, 1930, in Dunkirk to Norman and Virginia Kalbfleisch. He graduated from Shelby High School and received a business degree from the University of Montana.

After enlisting in the ROTC and serving in Texas, he went back to Missoula to graduate with his law degree in 1957. His degree allowed him to pursue his lifelong passion of helping people in need.

He practiced law, up until his death, for the past 51 years in his hometown of Shelby. He was known for helping anyone who walked in his door with a need for assistance. Rae spent a majority of his professional career, 30 years, serving the public as Toole County Attorney.

Rae served the community in a variety of ways. He was a member of the Elks, Jaycees, Kiwanis, Galata American Legion and St. William's Catholic Church. He also was integral in the startup of the Toole County Education Foundation, which financially assists young adults in the community achieve a higher education.

Rae also played a key role in obtaining the large veteran flag that flies at the entrance to Shelby. He was also past president of the Montana Attorney Association and a member of the Montana Heart Association.

Rae lived his life with integrity, honesty and faith. He was a devoted and loving husband to Ann. They were married for 42 years before her death in 1999. He missed her greatly after her passing, but continued their mission of instilling faith, honesty and strength in those he loved.

Family and faith were his main priorities in life, and he lived these values consistently and well. He led by example, especially to make sure that his family remembered to keep these priorities as well. Rae devoted his life to serving others, and has touched many lives in a positive way.

He was proceeded in death by his wife, Ann Kalbfleisch, sister Genore and parents Norman and Virginia Kalbfleisch.

Survivors include daughters Lauri Tokerud and husband Eric, of Shelby, and Ginia Siebenaler, of Kalispell; sons Mark Kalbfleisch and wife Donna, of Las Vegas, Nev., and John Kalbfleisch and wife Lisa, of Whitefish; grandchildren Thadd, Traci, Tressa, Alisa and Thane Tokerud, Kellie, Shannon, Kristen, Jace and Maura Kalbfleisch, Kayla, Chris and Kirk Kalbfleisch, and Makenna, Kyersten and Keegan Siebenaler; siblings and best friends Bobby Kalbfleisch and Jimmy Kalbfleisch and wife Virginia, of Shelby, Mary Kay Murphy, of Cut Bank, and twin Sally Peters, of Brentwood, Calif.

Funeral services were held at St. William's Catholic Church on Sept. 13, 2008. Burial followed at Mountain View Cemetery.

Ruth Giesy

Ruth H. Giesy, 89, passed away Sept. 12, 2008, at her home in Whitefish, after a long battle with Parkinson's.

She was born March 6, 1919, in Windham to Bert and Bea Horn. She graduated from Windham High School in 1938. Ruth earned her bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Western Montana College in Dillon, with her first teaching assignment being in Corvallis, where she met Russell Giesy, her future husband.

On Feb. 9, 1944, Ruth married Russell Giesy, of Corvallis, at Fort Meyers, Fla., just before he was shipped to the South Pacific as a fighter pilot in the Air Force. While Russ was overseas, Ruth continued her teaching career at Newport, Wash.

After returning from the war, they moved to Missoula, to continue Russ's college education, with Ruth teaching in Arlee and Missoula. Then the two of them moved to Hysham to teach for two more years before settling permanently in Whitefish in 1951.

Ruth taught elementary school for 24 years in the Whitefish School District before her retirement in 1980. She was a dedicated teacher who cared deeply about her students (her kids) and their education.

Staying after school to work with her students to ensure their success in her classroom and their future was never an imposition, but rather a reward for both herself and her students. Because of this dedication and extra effort, many of Ruth's students have contacted her through the years to thank her for her involvement in their lives.

Ruth had many hobbies that she enjoyed participating in. This included being an avid bridge and pinochle player, with other couples and her lady friends. She also enjoyed being an active member of her sewing club. Ruth and Russ also enjoyed traveling and took several overseas tours with her sisters and their husbands.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Norma Elkin and husband Blair, Colleen Wolford and husband Joe, Ruby Mannix and husband Henry; brother Atlan Horn and wife LaBurta; brothers-in-law Les Gamble and George Caldwell; and granddaughter Marissa Ann Giesy.

Ruth is survived by Russ, her husband of 64 years, at the family home; sons R.D. and wife Lee Ann, and Roger and wife Karen, all of Whitefish; grandchildren Ryan, Abreon, Tevis and Kieven Giesy, all of Whitefish; sisters Nina Diedeker and husband Don, Gladys Caldwell, Fridalee Horn, Edith Gamble, and Carol Bell and husband Warren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place at Austin Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorials to be sent to Hospice Care in Kalispell.