Joseph Lewellen

Joseph Francis Lewellen, 81, of Fort Belknap, passed away Aug. 8, 2005, at Colonial Manor in Whitefish, after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was 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 wood working shop. He was truly a unique man and will be missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by 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, Minn.; nine grandchildren, Jesse Lewellen, Richard Lewellen, Bill Lewellen, Ben Lewellen, Darlene Grachek, Duane B. Karlin, of Kalispell, Lisa Lewellen, of Denver, and Justin and Sarah Wiysel, of Minneapolis; five great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services were held Aug. 13, 2005, in Fort Belknap with Urn burial following at the Harlem Cemetery.