Jessie M. Fauske

Jessie M. Fauske of Columbia Falls passed away at age 93 on Oct. 22, 2019.

Jessie was born in Whitefish on July 27, 1926, the third child of Cecilia and Peter Fauske. She grew up on the family property, five acres north of Whitefish. Jessie attended the Lakeside School and later the Whitefish Central School, graduating from high school in 1944.

She is survived by three of her four children, Jim Hume of Columbia Falls, Connie Mares of Wexford, Pennsylvania, and Laurabeth Michels of Whitefish. A son, Dorne Michels, passed away in 1992 after a long struggle with cancer. Jessie was predeceased by her sister, Luella, and brothers Bob, Elmer, and Peter.

Jessie was a employed at various places in Whitefish before embarking on a career with Montana Power. She worked on the family farm, enjoyed snowmobiling and bowling, and was a member of the Whitefish School Board for some years. After retiring she took up golf, mostly with her local area friends. Jessie learned to line dance and taught classes in Whitefish, Columbia Falls, and in Big River, near Rio Del Sol, California, where she spent most winters.

Jessie had numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was an excellent swimmer and taught many of those kids to swim in Beaver Lake, a favorite family outdoor destination.

A memorial service will be held for Jessie at the Whitefish Community Center, 121 2nd Street, Whitefish, on Nov. 16, 2019 beginning at 11 a.m. Donations in Jessie’s name should be made to the Whitefish Community Center.