The Missoulian from Missoula, Montana • 13

Missoulian, Friday, January 28, 2011 B3 MONTANA Bitterroot group tenacious about mule deer mission By PERRY BACKUS Ravalli Republic HAMILTON Back in the late 1990s, members of Montana's oldest sportsmen's group celebrated the state's decision to protect mule deer in two Bitterroot Valley hunting districts. Two decades later, members of the Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association are still hard at it. Come fall, they will fan out along backcountry roads entering Hunting District 270 to tack up signs letting hunters know they've entered the permitonly mule deer hunting area. And when hunting season begins, they'll be there watching for poachers looking to illegally kill the trophy buck deer that inhabit the area. "Our group has always put the resource first," said Tony Jones, the association's president.

"We've always been willing to give up opportunity to ensure that happens." In the past year, the association has dug deep into its pocketbook to pay for a $10,000 deer telemetry study to give state biologists a better understanding of deer movements in the southern end of the valley. And they'll pay another "It's a once-in-alifetime opportunity for sportsmen Poachers steal that opportunity from them. We need to do something about that Tony Jones, president, Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association $1,000 for the bright yellow signs they hope will deter people from shooting deer in the permit- -only hunting district. To pay for those projects and others, the association counts on its annual Benefit for Wildlife Auction and Banquet. This year's event the 29th annual will be held Saturday, Feb.

26, at St. Mary's Family Center, 333 Charlo in Stevensville. The auction preview begins at 5 p.m., the banquet follows at 6, with the auction starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 and can be obtained by calling 363- 4108 or 961-1435. "We wouldn't be able to accomplish any of this without the generosity of our local community and businesses," Jones said.

That support follows a long history of the association's membership putting its best foot forward to protect the wildlife resource in the Bitterroot. Last year, Jones said the association supported Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks' decision to reduce deer hunting pressure in Hunting District 250 by limiting permits after buck numbers dropped close to three per 100 does. The latest aerial season survey found the ratio already jumped to 11 bucks per 100 does after this year's hunting season. Association members want to do everything possible to help cut down on the amount of poaching occurring in HD 270 the state's most popular trophy mule deer hunting area. Jones said the membership knows that signs won't stop a hardcore poacher, but it may give pause to a regular hunter who happens to see a large buck in the permitonly district.

If the number of illegally taken buck deer is reduced, Jones said the state may be able to give out more permits. Last year, more than 5,400 hunters put in for the drawing of 45 permits. "It's a once-in-alifetime opportunity for sportsmen," Jones said. "Poachers steal that opportunity from them. We need to do something about that nightmare." HELENA Bat company appeals ruling in injury HELENA (AP) The maker of Louisville Slugger baseball bats is appealing a jury's verdict that found the company liable for the 2003 death of a baseball player who was struck in the temple by a batted ball during a game in Helena.

Kyle Gray, an attorney for Louisville Slugger's parent company, Hillerich Bradsby, argued the case before the Montana Supreme Court on Wednesday. The company "unreasonably dangerous" metal I bat caused his death and Louisville Slugger failed to warn the user of the dangers. Gray argued Wednesday that Patch was not using the aluminum bat when he was struck. "We're talking about a bystander warning," he said, adding that if the high court were to deem Patch the user of the bat, then the case 1 would have to be remanded and retried. But Curt Drake, an says motions were wrongly attorney representing the denied in the case and the Patch family, told the bat maker is entitled to a justices Wednesday the bat judgment or a new trial.

maker needs to warn those The parents of Brandon within "the zone of danger." Patch, a former Miles City The user needs to be American Legion baseball cautioned as well as those pitcher, sued the company who may be in harm's way, in 2006. They said an he said. COMMUNITY CALENDAR Closures Dance Center: Swingola: Plus workshop, 7 p.m., plus THE MISSOULA PUBLIC dance, 7:30 p.m. LIBRARY will be closed: for FIVE VALLEYS PACHYDERM building maintenance. Club, noon, DoubleTree Hotel.

Speaker: Aaron Flint, Government on his upcoming trip to Afghanistan. MISSOULA COUNTY DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB COMMISSIONERS: ACBL sanctioned game and Economic Outlook Seminar, novice section, 1 p.m., 7:45 a.m.-1 p.m., Hilton Welcoma Club, 3108 S. Clark Garden Inn. St. For more information, call 721-7517.

Public events CELEBRATE RECOVERY, 6 p.m., Christian Assembly MISSOULA PUBLIC LIBRARY, Foursquare Church, 1001 301 E. Main. Call 721-2665: Cleveland St. For more Tiny Tales, preschool story information, call Jerry at time, 10:30 a.m.; young 240-4414. adult writers group, 3:30 NAMI (National Alliance on p.m.

Mental Illness) Support BITTERROOT PUBLIC Group for Recoverers. For LIBRARY, 306 State meeting information, call Hamilton. Call 363-1670: Geri at 549-9017. Toddler story time, 10:30 GLOBAL ISSUES and Foreign a.m. Film series YOGA, 4 p.m., Missoula Public presents, "Afshanistan: The First Library.

Rissa Time," 7 p.m., Roxy Theater, For more information, call at 718 S. Higgins. Admission, 370-2918. $5 at the door. RAFFLE to benefit Missoula AniMeals, 7:30 Maulers p.m., On game, campus Glacier Ice Rink.

For more MISSOULA SYMPHONY information, go to ORCHESTRA, 7:30 p.m., University Theater. www.animeals.com. Organizations Coming soon MISSOULA SENIOR CITIZENS' CENTER, 705 S. WOMEN ON WHEELS, Higgins Ave. Call 543-7154: Saturdays, various locations Wii games, 10 a.m.; and times.

For more Quilters, Tai Chi, 10:30 a.m.; information, call Becky pinochle, 12:15 p.m.; Jensen at 546-8184. 12:30 p.m., bridge, MISSOULA cribbage, line dancing, 1 p.m.; BUSINESSWOMEN'S pinochle, 7 p.m. Network Symposium, Jan. 29, HAMILTON SENIOR 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Hilton Garden CITIZENS' CENTER, 820 N. Inn.

Speaker: Nan Gardetto. Fourth Hamilton: Line Cost is $45 for members, $50 dancing, 9:30 a.m.; lunch, for nonmembers. For more 11:45 a.m. information or to register, go LOLO SQUARE AND ROUND to www.discovermbn.com. OBITUARIES Norman H.

Gilstad HAMILTON Norman H. Gilstad, 81, passed away from cancer on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011, at home, with his loving wife by his side. Norm was born in Watford City, N.D., to Edgar and Effie Gilstad. He was one of 13 children.

He graduated from Watford City High School before serving in the United States Air after serving in the Air Force in Spokane and marrying Janet Petroff in Bonner. In 1972, Ron purchased Gilstad Body Specialists on Furrer 1951- Knowles married Street, Force from 1951- 1955. He married the love of his life, his Lu, his wife for more than 20 years. He worked for the Great Northern Railroad out of Great Falls and built grain elevators. He came to Missoula in 1963, and was a member of the Carpenter's Union for 37 years before retiring.

He was a member of the Elks and helped move them to their new building. Norm also was a member of the Eagles Lodge and managed the Eagles' bowling alley (in Billings) for two years. He loved to bowl and fish and especially loved his little dog Catalina. Norm is preceded in death by his mother and father, four brothers and one sister. He is survived by his wife Lucille; siblings, Ida (Richard), Eleanor, Illa (Jon), Lillian and Raymond (Linda), all of North Dakota, Geneva of Columbia Falls, and Dorothy of California; niece Marie Gilstad; his son Duane (Wendy); six granddaughters; numerous nieces and nephews and all of his friends.

At Norm's request there will be no service but he wanted everyone to "go have one for him." Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary or sent in care of the mortuary at P.O. Box 557, Hamilton, MT 59840. Robert Henry Wiese Gilstad MISSOULA Robert Wiese died peacefully on Jan. 21, 2011, after a lengthy and courageous battle with multiple life-threatening conditions. He is now at peace with his Lord.

Bob was a gentle man, thoughtful and kind. He was born April 2,1928, in Lansing, the only child of Henry and Amalia Wiese. Bob was the beloved husband of Shirley Wiese. They had just celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary on Jan 11, 2011. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Craig Robert and Chris Henry.

Bob was always a devoted father to his sons. Craig died in 1984 at the age of 32. Chris and his dear wife Katherine Gillispie live in Missoula. Chris and Katherine are the parents of Bob's cherished grandchildren Emma Kate, Claudia Louise and Max Henry. There are other dear family members in Michigan and Wisconsin.

Robert was educated in Michigan. After receiving his business degree, he was controller of Dudley Paper Co. for a dozen years. He then studied and acquired his CLU and entered the life insurance business. Bob retired after 30 years of caring service to his many clients.

He had been very active in numerous professional and fraternal organizations while living in Lansing. Bob also was active in his sons' growing up years: PTA, scouting and sports. The family traveled camping extensively throughout the United States and Canada. Bob and Shirley moved to Missoula in April 1993 to be near family. As Bob wished, cremation has taken place.

His ashes will be buried in the family plot in Michigan at a future date. There will be a private memorial service in Missoula and also in Michigan. The family expresses. sincere thanks to the staff at the Village Health Care Center for their loving care. Those desiring may make contributions to a charity of their choosing in memory of Mr.

Wiese. Ronald W. Furrer MISSOULA Ronald W. Furrer, "Big Ron" to those who knew him, passed away on Monday, Jan. 24, 2011, as a result of accidental hypothermia after getting stuck in the snow near Ninemile.

Big Ron was born on Dec. 12, 1933, in Providence, R.I., but he settled in Missoula Furrer working with his wife Janet and son Ron. He worked 12 hours a day six days a week until retiring at 65. When he retired, no one thought he would enjoy it, but enjoy it he did. He spent many months at his beloved cabin at Lake Inez puttering, boating, fishing and just enjoying nature.

When he was in town, he enjoyed spending time with his wife, beating her at Rummikub, watching Westerns on television, enjoying his cat, Tigger and dog, Sonny, both of which he spoiled rotten as well spending time with his children and grandchildren. Big Ron is survived by his wife Janet. Feb. 28, 2011, would have been their 60th wedding anniversary. Big Ron is also survived by his children, Ron Furrer, Lynn Pasqualetti (Laura), Debbie Shepard, Charles Furrer (Jodi), and Tamie Furrer (Doug); and the following grandchildren, Matthew (Dawn), Perry, April (Scott), Kella, Bobby, Veronica, Janna, Nathan, Mercedes, Tascha (Janine), Daniel, Jason, Jaylene, Jordon (Pam), Sharona (Jay) and Marrio.

He also has 13 greatgrandchildren. When Big Ron was younger, he loved to race stock cars and was forever rolling his car over, just for the fun of it (and that free case of beer). He, Janet and the kids spent many weekends out at the track in Miller Creek when they were a young family. Big Ron just loved the sights and sounds of racing. When he no longer raced stock cars he became an avid NASCAR fan.

Even at 77 he still loved to drive fast. The Furrer family thanks everyone who was involved in trying to locate Big Ron while he was missing including all the family, friends, clergy, law enforcement agencies, KPAX and the Missoulian. Visitation will be 11 a.m. -1 p.m. Friday, Jan.

28, at the Garden City Funeral Home, 1705 W. Broadway, Missoula. The Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at the LDS Church, 3201 Bancroft Missoula.

Donations can be made in Big Ron's memory to Life Flight, St. Patrick Hospital, 500 W. Broadway, Missoula, Terry G. Hansel MISSOULA Terry G. Hansel, 62, passed away on Wednesday, Jan.

26, 2011, at St. Patrick Hospital. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 28, at the Faith Evangelical Free Church, with a reception to follow at the church.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Anton 'Tony' Meuchel MISSOULA Funeral Mass for Anton "Tony" Meuchel will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 31, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, with burial to follow at St.

Mary's Cemetery. A reception will follow back at church in Reidy Hall. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30, during viewing, at Garden City Funeral Home.

Tony passed away Wednesday, Jan. 26, at the age of 81, at Riverside Health Care Center. A complete obituary will follow. GUIDELINES The Missoulian publishes obituaries of western Montana residents and people with significant ties to the region. Obituaries are paid notices, billed by column -inch of published copy.

The first three inches of any obituary are free; additional inches cost $13.50 per inch. Obituaries are limited to a maximum of 1,200 words. Half-column photographs cost an additional $10. There is no charge for one publication if the deceased is younger than 18 years old. Del Key Del Key, 70, passed away on Friday, Jan.

21, 2011, at St. Patrick Hospital. Del Key was a wonderful man who enjoyed his life, his family and his community. He and his wife Karren moved to Missoula six years ago to be near their daughter, son-inlaw and grandchildren. A very short time after arriving, Del started volunteering for Missoula Aging Services, the Missoula Food Bank and for a homework Key club at Russell School.

He was honored as the Mentor of the Year for Montana in 2010. He also contributed time and expertise to the Target Range Homeowners Association. He thoroughly enjoyed all these different opportunities to support his new community. Del believed in the rightness of giving his time to others as a way of sharing some of what he had in his own good life. Del was born in Merced, in 1940 and spent all his life in California prior to coming to Missoula.

He was a principal construction inspector with the city of Los Angeles for 34 years. A recent highlight of Del's life was attending his 50th high school reunion in Anaheim, in 2009. Del is survived by his wife Karren; son Jason and his wife Heather; daughter Jennifer and her husband Don; and two grandsons Jackson and Oliver. We will be celebrating Del's life at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb.

1, at the University Congregational Church, 405 University in Missoula. A reception will follow. Garden City Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Kurt David Rehder BILLINGS Kurt Rehder, 41, died on Dec. 27, 2010, in a cardiac event.

A celebration of Kurt's gathering will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. David unexpectedly Billings, of Key The Independent Record reports the high court has not ruled on the case. In October 2009, a jury sided with the Patches and awarded them $850,000. The jury said the bat was not defective in design, but the ordinary user was not properly warned of its dangers.

Hillerich Bradsby was ordered to pay $792,000 to Patch's estate. Those funds were to cover the lost earnings of Patch had he lived and the pain the 18- year -old suffered from the injury before he died about four hours after being struck by the ball. The family also was awarded $58,000 in damages and for their pain and suffering. DEATH NOTICES Donald F. Tunnell VICTOR Donald F.

Tunnell, 85, of Victor, died on Thursday, Jan. 27, at his home. Arrangements will be announced by the Daly-Leach Chapel. Phil L. Corbin Missoula- -Phil L.

Corbin, 75, died of natural causes, at the Beehive Homes on Wednesday, Jan. 26. Cremation is being handled by Cremation Burial Society of the Rockies. Lydia Hirning MISSOULA Lydia Hirning, 96, of Missoula, died on Thursday, Jan. 27, at Missoula Health Rehab Center of natural causes.

Arrangements will be announced by Garden City Funeral Home Crematory. Lorraine Shaw MISSOULA Lorraine Shaw, 91, of Missoula, died on Thursday, Jan. 27, at the Springs of Missoula of natural causes. Arrangements will be announced by Garden City Funeral Home Crematory. Lloyd George Hunter DEER LODGE Lloyd George Hunter, 87, passed away on Wednesday, Jan.

26, at his home in Deer Lodge. Arrangements will be announced by KT Riddle Funeral Home. Rehder Rehder 29, at Bayern Brewery, 1507 Montana Missoula. Memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, are appreciated to: Wells Fargo Bank, "Account for the Benefit of Darian and Kallista Rehder," for Kurt's daughters' college education. Jeff Anderson MISSOULA Jeff Anderson, 43, of Missoula, passed away on Tuesday, Jan.

25, 2011. Jeff was born in Spokane on Oct. 12, 1967, to Earl and Patricia Anderson. Jeff grew up in Superior and graduated from Montana State University in 1992, with a Bachelor of Arts in architecture. In December Anderson 1996, he married Ruth Brennan of Missoula.

He loved outdoor sports, including hunting, fishing and rafting, and coaching his children in softball. Jeff is survived by his wife, Ruth; his children, Rory, Maiti and Aidan, all of Missoula; sisters, Sue Miller and Collette Anderson, of Spokane; and brother, Jason Anderson of Bozeman. A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 31, at Christ the King Catholic Church, with The Rev.

Jeff Flemming Officiating. In lieu of flowers, an account has been set up: Jeff A. Anderson Memorial Fund; Treasure State Bank, 3660 Mullan Road, 1. Missoula, MT 59808. Garden City Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Obituaries will be edited for newspaper style, spelling and proper punctuation. Obituaries may be submitted by e-mail to or fax to 523-5294, or placed via funeral homes or in person. Deadline is 4:30 p.m. for the next day's edition. If you wish to know the cost of an obituary before it is published, please include a phone number.

For more information, call 523-5267 or 1-800-366-7186, Ext. 267..