Yasuko M. Aklestad, 81

Yasuko M. Aklestad died Tuesday, September 18, 2007, at her home in Bigfork. Yasuko was born September 7, 1926, in Tokyo, Japan. Her mother passed away in 1928 when she was just two years old, and her father passed away in 1954.

Yasuko had a lifelong passion for sports as her father, a newspaper man, managed a baseball team when she was a young child. Her father, also an avid fisherman, passed on the love of fishing to Yasuko. Yasuko met her husband-to-be, Arnold, in March of 1948, and they carried on the tradition of sports and fishing during their long marriage. They raised three children who also developed a love for sports and fishing and continue to pursue those interests today.

Yasuko, Arnold, and son, Jim, arrived in Bigfork in February 1953 after Arnold completed his second tour of duty in the Army. They have continuously resided in Bigfork since that time. Yasuko was community-minded in not only sports but helped with the Girl Scout Brownie program and the Lady Lions. She helped to clean cabins for the Lady Lions as a fundraiser and worked in the Lions Club fair booth.

Many of the Bigfork Vikings athletes ate dinner at the family home prior to games. There were nearly daily visitations to the home for many years that Arnold was Scoutmaster, and the younger boys came to the house to pass Scouting requirements, especially in the Tenderfoot and Second Class stages.

From 1953-1967, Yasuko and Arnold owned and operated a fishing tackle shop in Bigfork. The shop became a second home to many of the Bigfork youngsters who liked to hang out there when they weren't fishing on the Swan River. Yasuko became well accomplished at tying flies, and she also refinished and wrapped bamboo fly rods which were still commonly used in those days. When her husband was away from home a lot of the time working for the Forest Service, she ran the business by herself.

After selling the store in 1967, Yasuko worked at the Bigfork school lunch room under three separate administrations. She helped the Lutheran Church make lefse for the annual Lutefisk dinner, learning the art of making lefse from the older ladies in the church. Yasuko and her husband attended basketball games at the district, divisional and state games all over Montana.

Yasuko's health was failing after two surgeries, but she remained an ardent fan and looked forward to watching the Bigfork Vals and Vikings basketball games. She continued to follow the Montana Grizzly football and basketball games. Even when she was not able to travel to Missoula, she listened to radio broadcasts and watched the televised games.

Yasuko was no longer able to accompany Arnold ice fishing or trolling in the boat for salmon and trout. Yasuko loved reading e-mail messages from the children and grandchildren who are all grown, finished college and have good jobs.

Yasuko is survived by her husband, Arnold, at the family home; sons, Jim (Lori) Aklestad in Great Falls, MT, Pete Aklestad in Sacramento, CA; daughter, Linda (Larry) Lockrem in Kennewick, WA. Yasuko is also survived by granddaughters Dannelle (Kevin) Dyke in Great Falls, MT, Jill Aklestad in Eatonville, WA, Lisa Lockrem in Richland, WA, Lindsey Lockrem in Oceanside, CA and one great-granddaughter, Karlie, in Great Falls, MT.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at the Little Brown Church in Bigfork with the Rev. Ron Pierce officiating. Urn burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be made in Yasuko's memory to the Bigfork Quick Response Unit, 810 Grand Avenue, ATTN: Vern Childers, Bigfork, MT 59911 or the Bigfork Volunteer Fire Department. There will be a reception following the service at the Little Brown Church.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for the family. You are invited to go to www.johnsonsmortuary.com to offer condolences and sign Yasuko's guestbook.

Robert (Bob) Staudenmayer, 45

Robert (Bob) Staudenmayer also known as "Bud" passed away at a friend's house in Bigfork on September 25, 2007. His life was taken by severe depression and alcoholism. He was born in Upland, Ca, on July 18, 1962 to Robert E. Staudenmayer and Muriel Joseph. He was the youngest of three boys. The family moved to Butte, Mt. when Bob was in his early teens. In 1984 Bob married his wife Sandy. They moved to Bigfork in 1987 to manage the Marina Cay Vacation Club that was downtown. Bob was also involved in various businesses in Montana, including owning Diamond Lil's Restaurant in Dillon, Mt. in the early 90's. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, gardening, travel, and spending time with his friends. In the spring of 1988, Bob graced the cover of the Bigfork Eagle when he caught the "Flathead Lake Monster"; the biggest bull trout caught in 100 years. As an avid hunter, his hunting collection included trophy size elk. Bob tried moving from Bigfork several times and made his home in Washington, Colorado and Texas over the years, but kept coming back home to Montana.

Bob cherished his wife and his 3 sons and was an exceptional provider for his family. He was a loving husband and father and spent as much time with his family as possible. He went out of his way to help out friends and family and has even given away his last dollar to someone less fortunate. Bob was a very straightforward person and he was known to "tell it like it is". He frequently explained that he didn't have a filter in his brain, so what went into his head came straight out of his mouth.

Bob is survived by his wife sandy Staudenmayer, sons; Michael, Robert and Skylar Staudenmayer, his mother Muriel Joseph, his brothers Joe and Jim Staudenmayer, three grandsons, various nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles and cousins. His family would like him to be remembered as the fun, down to earth, free spirited, loving and caring man that he was. We are very grateful to have had him as a part of our lives. He is missed very much. Please remember him and celebrate Bob's life.