Richard "Hog Dick" Fliehler, 56
Richard "Hog Dick" Fliehler, 56, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2009 near Bigfork, Montana as the result of a Motor Vehicle Accident. He was born on March 5, 1953 in Arlington, Iowa to Donald and Dorothy (Astor) Fliehler.
Dick received his early education in Arlington, graduating from the Starmont High School in 1971. He joined the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1973. Dick went right into trade school and worked as a machinist in Fayetteville, North Carolina until moving back to Iowa in 1979. There he attended a welding trade school before moving to the Flathead Valley in 1981. Dick worked at various jobs around the valley and mastered every profession or hobby he under took. He worked to support the style of life he chose. Dick met Helen Bushby in 1983 and they became companions in 1996. He would often talk about the "3 – H's' that were the love of his life; Horses, Harley's and Helen.
Dick had a tremendous love of life and he had the ability to focus on what was important at the moment. If it was hunting season, he hunted; if it was mushroom season, he was harvesting mushrooms. He was a member of the United Veterans, the American Legion, and the Montana Legends. He loved all of his family, whether related by blood or not.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents and a sister: Linda Vanek. He is survived by the love of his life: Helen Bushby of Kalispell; four brothers: Doug (Julie) Fliehler of Winthrop, IA; Larry (Brenda) Fliehler of Arlington, IA; Bruce (Robin) Fliehler of Arlington, IA; and Terry (Joan) Fliehler of Allison, IA; one sister: Brenda (Mike) Sullivan of Marion, IA; as well as numerous nieces and nephews; especially Abby Fliehler and Jessi (Al) Mart. Dick is also survived by Helen's family; mother: Ruth Bushby of Kalispell; daughter: Kodi (Mat) Sohl of New Jersey; two sons: Kyle (Katie) Nace of Kalispell, MT and Ross (Serena) Holcomb of Bigfork, MT.
Memorial services for Dick were held in conjunction with those of Mitchell Kopczyk on Friday, May 29, 2009 at the Crossroad Christian Fellowship in Bigfork at 2 p.m. Friends and family were invited to the Rocky Mountain Road House for pot luck gathering at 4 p.m. Dick's family suggests memorial gifts be given to the Richard Fliehler Memorial Fund; C/O Flathead Bank, 800 Grand Ave. Bigfork, MT.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Dick's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Dick's guest book.
Mitchell Allen Kopczyk, 50
Mitchell Allen Kopczyk, 50, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2009 near Bigfork, Montana as the result of a motor vehicle accident. He was born on November 4, 1958 in Elyria, Ohio to John and Carmela (DiMichele) Kopczyk.
Mitchell received his early education in Elyria but graduated from Midview High School in Grafton, Ohio. He went right to work for Harshaw Chemical Company shortly after high school. He met and married Carolyn Kolodey in February 1979 in Fairview Park, Ohio, they later divorced. Mitchell eventually moved to Charlo, Montana where he started a farm implements company. He made his way to Bigfork in 2001 and opened the Montana Artisans Center where he created custom Southwestern style furniture that was sold all over the world.
Mitchell was a self made man, working for himself and making his own. His passions included fast cars, motorcycles and the friends he made all over the country. He was a member of the Montana Legends and had many brothers at heart.
Mitchell was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his son: Bradley John Kopczyk; as well as two brothers: Jaime and Robert Kopczyk.
Memorial services for Mitchell were held in conjunction with those of Richard Fliehler on Friday, May 29, 2009 at the Crossroad Christian Fellowship in Bigfork at 2 p.m. Friends and family were invited to the Rocky Mountain Road House for a pot luck gathering at 4 p.m. A benevolent fund has been set up in Mitchell's name at Flathead Bank; 800 Grand Ave., Bigfork, MT 59911.
Johnson – Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Mitchell's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Mitchell's guest book.
William Kenneth "Bill" Colvin, 81
William Kenneth "Bill" Colvin, age 81, died, March 13, 2009 in Liberal, KS.
He was the owner of High Plains Pizza. He opened the 18th Pizza Hut in the country in Liberal, KS. The business continued to grow to its current status of 76 restaurants in 5 states.
Survivors include his wife-Virginia Colvin, 4 sons – Kent, Mike, Greg and Tracy Colvin,
12 Grandchildren, 4 Great-Grandchildren and a sister - Ann Minnich,.
A Memorial Service will be held 2:00 pm Saturday, June 13, 2009 at the Rollins Community Building / Country Club in Rollins, MT with fellowship with the family immediately following the service.
Shawnan R. Moriarty, 44
Shawnan R. Moriarty, 44, formerly of Bigfork, died Thursday, May 28, at her home in Davis, California.
She is survived by her children Alyssa Hands of Kalispell, Chelsea Hands of Austen, Texas, and Robert Coyle of Bigfork, and also by her mother Luann Moriarty of Bigfork and her father Bob Moriarty of Bigfork.
Services are pending.