Ryke Erekson
Ryke Erekson, 56, passed away suddenly at home in Kalispell on Oct. 17, 2009, from complications of renal disease.
Ryke was born Jan. 14, 1953, to Charles and Allana Erekson in Sacramento, Calif. The family moved to Wyoming and then to Whitefish when Ryke was 10 years old. He attended Whitefish schools and graduated from high school in 1971.
He spent a few years driving a truck with his father and working oilrigs in Wyoming. In 1979, he went to work in Olney at American Timber and continued until the business closed in 2000. Ryke received a degree in Web and technology design from Flathead Valley Community College in 2004.
He was working as a forklift operator when he suffered kidney failure in 2006. Ryke loved anything that flies, especially birds of prey and World War II military aircraft. He loved photography and was rarely without his cameras and tripod. He was fortunate to go to the Le Mans race in France to photograph another love, Porsche racing cars.
In 1981, he met Maria Tapia through a mutual friend. They were married on Aug. 17, 1985. He claimed once, he was saved from a long life hermitage by Maria, but struggled mightily with a thespian and teenage drivers.
He is preceded in death by his father and his grandparents.
Ryke is survived by is wife Maria, in Kalispell; son Liam Erekson, of Kalispell, daughter Porsche Erekson, at Carroll College in Helena; mother Allana Erekson, in Whitefish; sister Kris Erekson and her daughter Kenzie Erekson; sister Kori Erekson; brother Dirk Erekson; sister Kim Erekson and her son Tyler; and numerous in-laws and friends who will miss his graphic storytelling, opinionated and vocal discussions and strategic game playing at family reunions.
Cremation has taken place and no formal services are planned as per his wishes. A celebration of his life will be planned for next summer with a joyful "need for speed" run, where his ashes will join his father's and grandparents in Glacier Park.
Memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation online at www.kidney.com.
Betty Brown
Betty F. brown, 86, a Whitefish native, died Nov. 6, 2009, in Whitefish. Services are scheduled for Nov. 28 at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Whitefish with reception following at the Moose Lodge. A complete obituary will appear later.
Richard Waldt Jr.
Richard W. Waldt Jr., 85, passed away peacefully on Nov. 3, 2009, after an extended illness.
He was born July 18, 1924, in Washington, D.C., to Richard and Ingrid Waldt. He had a twin brother, Roy, and two sisters, Ingrid and Grace.
He met his wife and lifelong true love, Lucia Stutzenberger, while serving in post-World War II Germany. They were married Aug. 30, 1948, and had three children over the years, Richard, Ralph and Robin.
Richard enlisted in the Army in 1941, and served with the Army Air Corps and later the U.S. Air Force for 30 years, ending his distinguished career in 1971. He served during the war in the Pacific Theater and in Europe. His last assignment was at Malmstrom AFB in Great Falls.
He moved the family to Whitefish in June 1972, after falling in love with the Flathead during a summer visit the previous year. He worked for the local Chevrolet dealership, Burlington Northern, and for 11 years at Plum Creek, after which he retired.
It seems that everyone who knew him well, whether through work, friends or family, loved and respected him. Richard loved his family fiercely and was happiest spending time with them. He and Lucia loved country music, and for a time were a fixture on the dance floor at the Blue Moon.
Richard had a wonderful sense of humor, and when he laughed, everyone laughed with him. Those who knew him would tell you that he was a simple, humble, quiet man of the highest integrity.
He is survived by his sons Richard and Ralph; grandchildren Suzanne Colman, Richard Waldt, Ryan Nelson, Dawn Brelje, Spring Foley and Nikki Haack; and great grandchildren Breanna, Shaya, Brandon, Ashley, Devon and Asher.
A memorial service was held Nov. 7, 2009, at the Austin Funeral Home followed by interment at Glacier Memorial Gardens, in Kalispell.
Robert Grinde
Robert Leroy Grinde, 89 of Sykesville, Md., died Nov. 4, 2009, at Fairhaven in Sykesville.
Born Sept. 4, 1920, in Whitefish, he was the son of the late Eddie and Emma Dukleth Grinde. He was the husband of Leora Marguerite Akey Grinde, of Sykesville, his wife of 66 years.
Robert had been employed by the Burlington Northern Railroad as an assistant vice president for safety and rules.
He is survived by his wife; sons John Grinde, of Kalispell, and Edward Grinde and wife Carol, of Monroe City, Mo.; daughter Christine Hughes and husband Brian, of Sykesville; grandchildren Tina, Bret, Cara and Mike Grinde, and Andrew and Elizabeth Hughes; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fairhaven Employee Appreciation Fund, c/o EMA Development Office, 576 Johnsville Road, Sykesville MD 21784.