Frontier Funeral Home

02/26/2026

Dorothy Perkins

Dorothy Marie "Doph" Bruner Perkins, 86, of Bynum, Montana, passed away peacefully in her home on February 6, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Dorothy was born on October 31, 1939 in Conrad, Montana, to Leonard Duane Bruner and Lizzie Marie Raty Bruner. Known affectionately as "Doph," she was the second of nine children and was raised on her Grandfather's Ranch near Dupuyer, Montana, where her early life was shaped by hard work, perseverance, and family. She attended Dupuyer Elementary School as the only student in her grade, reflecting her quiet independence, and later attended high school in Valier.

At a Sadie Hawkins dance, she met the love of her life, Earl Perkins of Bynum. The two were married on July 1, 1956, at the Valier Methodist Church, and began a lifelong partnership on the Perkins Ranch east of Bynum spanning almost seventy years. The union was devoted to hard work and raising a family. When visitors and friends came, they never left hungry. Her house was always clean and ready for company.

In addition to raising her children on the ranch, she stepped up wherever she was needed, operating haying and harvesting equipment, preparing meals for ranch hands, and helping with other responsibilities of ranch life. Though she ended her high school career in order to marry, she was determined to earn her GED and proudly completed it on February 4, 1969.

In 1976, Dorothy began her career with the United States Postal Service. She became a familiar and welcoming face in the Choteau Post Office, where her warm smile and kind spirit made everyone feel valued. In 2000, she became Postmaster in Bynum and retired in 2005 after 29 years of dedicated service.

Dorothy was deeply devoted to her community. She was an active member of the Bynum Civic Club, helping establish the Bynum park and cemetery kiosk, and contributing to numerous community efforts. She played a key role in organizing the 1989 Teton County Centennial Celebration and had a special gift for bringing people together. She loved organizing and hosting baby showers, bridal showers, as well as decorating for weddings, receptions, and countless gatherings-always giving her time and talents wherever she was needed. Serving others was simply who she was.

To her grandchildren, she was safety and comfort. She was bedtime snuggles, laughter-filled scavenger hunts, horseback rides on old Smoky, and jumping on the trampoline. She had a way of making each grandchild feel cherished.

Dorothy never sat still for long. Even when she was tired, she kept going - never just walking but running to the next task. Many would say that she was a whirlwind of motion. Her faith in Jesus was of utmost importance to her which brought her hope and purpose. She deeply loved her sisters and close friends and was kind to everyone she met.

Though her absence leaves an immeasurable void, her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the family she raised. She looked forward to seeing Jesus and hearing Him say - "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Dorothy is survived by her children, Vicki (Marvin) Baker of Bynum, MT and Rock (Janeil) Perkins of Pendroy, MT; her grandchildren, Stephanie (Trig) Zwerneman, Loni (Ross) Judisch, Whitney (Matt) Caldarone, Lee (Taylor) Perkins, Mary (Tyler) Youdarian, and Matt (Kara) Baker; and 17 beloved great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Myrna (Vern) Monroe, Patricia (Joe) Lewis, and Aletha (Lyle) Woelich.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Perkins; her parents, Duane and Lizzie Bruner; her granddaughter, Kelly Baker; her sisters, Linda Curtis and Sharlin (Jack) Arnst; and her brothers, Doug (Trudy), Gerald (Marla), and Rodney Bruner.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Living the Word Church in Choteau, Montana.

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02/26/2026

Some days are harder than others. Be kind to yourself today, and remember it’s okay to feel everything you're feeling.

02/24/2026

Georgia Gimbel

Georgia Kay Gimbel passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, at Benefis Healthcare in Great Falls following a brief illness. She passed with her granddaughter, Tiffany, and grandson-in-law, Zachary Kosse, by her side. While her family will miss their Sunday chats, visits, and her infectious smile, they take great comfort in knowing she is in her forever home with her Savior A Montana Spirit Born on March 2, 1946, in Kalispell, Montana, Georgia was the daughter of George E. and Mary Jo TenEyck. She grew up on a farm in the Flathead Valley and was a proud graduate of Flathead High School. Georgia was a true daughter of the West; she was a self-taught pianist and a remarkably accomplished horseback rider. Her grit was legendary; she was known for her ability to shoot aluminum cans in the ditches with a .22 pistol from the back of a moving horse-and she rarely ever missed. Georgia was a protector at heart. Her sister, Sandra, remembers her as the sibling who always looked out for her, a quality of fierce care that Georgia later poured into her children and grandchildren. The Rae Tradition and Family In 1965, Georgia welcomed her daughter, Melody, and sparked a cherished family tradition by choosing the middle name Rae. Georgia intended for the women of the family to be linked by this name, a tradition that has now flourished through five generations. Georgia later welcomed twins, Jodi and William Joel. Though she faced the heartbreaking loss of her infant daughter, Heather, shortly after birth, Georgia's heart only grew larger. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and was recently overjoyed to become a great-great-grandmother. A Pillar of the Community Georgia worked in customer service all her life, once stating that being among people was exactly where she wanted to be. After living for many years in Washington, where the family moved frequently, she returned to Montana and settled in Choteau in the 1990s. For over 35 years, she was a well-known and cherished member of the Choteau community. She was a familiar face at Rex's until her retirement and remained an active member of the New Song Church. Known for her vibrant spirit, Georgia had a deep love for the color purple and a lifelong fascination with fantasy creatures. Her days were often filled with the hobbies she loved: spending time with her family, cooking, reading, coloring, and photography. It was said that you couldnt go anywhere in Choteau or Great Falls without someone stopping to say how much they loved Georgia and how they missed her smile. Family Georgia is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Jim; her sister, Sharon; and her infant daughter, Heather. She is survived by: Her Children: Melody Rae Carlon (Choteau) William Joel Gimbel (Choteau) Jodi Rae Gimbel (Washington). Her Sister: Sandra Hawk of Kalispell. Her Grandchildren: Tiffany Rae Kosse (Zachary) of Great Falls Joshua Ryan Gimbel (Ashley) of Choteau. Her Great-Grandchildren: Anthony Le'Everett Carlon (Choteau), Trace Micheal Lawrence Kosse (Great Falls) Samantha Rae Kosse (Great Falls). Extended Family: Various nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

A celebration of Georgia's life will be held at stage stop inn April 26, 2026, from 12pm-4pm.

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02/16/2026

On Presidents Day, we pause to recognize the leadership and dedication that have helped shape our country. We’re grateful to serve our community with care and compassion every day.

02/14/2026

Yvonne Armstrong

Audrey Yvonne Armstrong passed away February 7th, 2026. She was known to family and friends alike as "Yvonne" and to her grandkids as "Grandma Von".

Yvonne was born May 26th, 1931 in Williston, ND to Elmer and Mable (Sonstoby) Tofte and raised in rural Williston. She graduated high school in 1949 and went on to graduate from the Minot State Teacher's College back when Teaching Certificates only took two years to complete.

In 1956, as a young, single, woman she travelled Europe but spent most of her time in Norway where she met relatives. This was a big adventure as she took a ship there, returning to the U.S. via plane and landed without a penny left to her name.

Yvonne moved to Conrad, Montana for her teaching assignment and it was there that she met Darwin "Fuzz" Armstrong. The two married on December 28th, 1957 at the Williston Lutheran Church. The couple was married for 29 years. Her teaching career took her to rural schools in Western North Dakota, Laurel, MT, Conrad, MT, Bynum, MT and Choteau, MT where she resided from 1958-2026. These teaching assignments were often in one room schoolhouses and some had her housed with families of the children she taught. While teaching in Laurel she and her roommate, Noreen, used their kitchen cabinets to store pairs of shoes-a pair for each outfit! While teaching in Conrad her average class size was 40. Substitute teaching brought her to Bynum and Choteau where she then spent 25 years tutoring students who needed a little extra help.

Yvonne was involved with the Jaycees, and all aspects of Trinity Lutheran Church. There she was a Deacon, Sunday school Superintendent, Teacher, and helped with the Lutefisk Dinners. She was affectionately known as the "N**i" who ran the funeral dinners. She was involved with Bible studies, ladies circle and was also an incredible cook and baker. Her Hershey's brownies, caramel rolls, and potato salad were the best. She made 200 caramel rolls for her granddaughter, Jill's graduation.

She was a great listener and friend. You couldn't have asked for a better neighbor. Grandchildren, Great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews loved her. She was always there for them and any other child that needed a helping hand or a listening ear. Yvonne loved her friends and family, and she was loved by them. Yvonne lived for her family. She was passionate about her Norwegian heritage, Lutefisk (a disgusting dish) was her favorite. More recently in life she had become a wine connoisseur. She loved having her hair and

nails done by friends Kim and Lori. Music was something she enjoyed as she sang and played the piano. She was even a member of the family band playing along side her dad who played the fiddle while her cousins were on guitar and accordion. Her love of shoes would be unsurpassed!

She is survived by her son Mark (Lyla) Armstrong of Choteau, MT, and daughter Darla (Dave) Haller of Basin, WY. Grandchildren; Sam (Mariah) Armstrong, Jesse Armstrong, Becca Armstrong and Jillian Lorash. Great-Grandchildren; Lucy, Kohen, Jens and Aksel Armstrong, Lilly Armstrong, and P.J. Lorash along with many nieces and nephews and Sister-in-law Marcella Rodriguez.

She is proceeded in death by husband Fuzz Armstrong, parents; Elmer and Mable Tofte; brothers Odeane and Wyatt Tofte; Mother and Father-in-law Florence and Noble Armstrong; brothers-in-law Leonard and Walt Armstrong; sisters-in-law Maxine Schlosser and Pat Giard.

A memorial is planned for late May.

Donations may be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church in Choteau in lieu of flowers.

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02/13/2026

As Valentine’s Day approaches, we’re especially mindful of those who may be carrying extra weight in their hearts particularly those remembering a spouse or loved one. Love doesn’t end with loss; memories remain close and meaningful.

02/05/2026

01/27/2026

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01/23/2026

Kathleen Arensmeyer

Kay V. Arensmeyer, 87, passed away peacefully-but determined to go out on her own terms-on January 17, 2026, in Choteau, Montana, with her daughter, Carla, at her side. Most likely, she spent her last moments giving gentle (or not-so-gentle) advice on how someone should really do something the "right way."

Kay was born on November 25, 1938, in Buffalo, Wyoming, to Everett "Bud" Strauser and Alma Williams. She grew up in the Sun River Valley of Montana, where she learned that horses could be trusted but teenagers... maybe not. She spent many hours riding with her good friend, Ida Sauke Johnson, and worked as a cook at 13 and later as a telephone operator in high school. She graduated from Fairfield High School in 1956.

After high school, Kay worked as a waitress in Great Falls, then moved to Fairfield to be closer to her sister, Betty, and family. In her early twenties, she helped raise her younger siblings while caring for her own three children, demonstrating remarkable resilience and multitasking skills. Kay had a gift for friendship-she could make friends with complete strangers, new neighbors, and even those who didn't know her but had heard the town gossip.

On August 18, 1967, Kay married Richard "Dick" Arensmeyer, becoming a farmer's wife and a second mother to many children from the Farmington Bench and surrounding towns-nieces and nephews, and even a few stray dogs and cats. She continued her devotion to family while babysitting neighbors' children, supporting her own, and cheering on her favorites: the Denver Broncos, Seattle Mariners, MSU Bobcats, and UM Grizzlies. Kay loved bowling, flower gardening, camping, listening to country music, and reading.

She volunteered extensively with St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Teton County 4-H, Red Cross Blood Donation Services, and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, showing that generosity and grit can coexist beautifully.

Kay was preceded in death by her husband, Richard "Dick" Arensmeyer; her son, Rod Arensmeyer; her parents, Everett "Bud" Strauser and Alma Williams; her brother, Scot Strauser; her sisters, Candye Miller and Margaret "W**d" Strauser; her brother-in-law, Duane Mellinger; and her sister-in-law, Julie Strauser.

She is survived by her children: Keith (Kay Lawhon) of Great Falls, Montana; Kathy Umpleby of Choteau, Montana; Carla Palacio (Tommy) of Stockett, Montana; Keri Yoder (Kirk) of East Helena, Montana; and her beloved bonus daughter, Mari Shore of Choteau, Montana.

Surviving grandchildren: Ryan Meek (Alicia), Nathan Williams, Joe (Angie) Arensmeyer, Samantha Jo Arensmeyer, Morgan (Colton) LaPointe, Quaid (Brittany) McCracken, Bailey McCracken, Kyler Lawhon, Kellan Lawhon (Aaliyah), and Kristopher Yoder; and her great-grandchildren: Tyson Rae, Amie Arensmeyer, Matthew Anding, Kinley Ably, Emil Arensmeyer, and Carson and Lily LaPointe.

She is also survived by her brother, Bim (Janas) Strauser of Havre, Montana, and her sister, Betty Mellinger of Ulm, Montana.

A celebration of Kay's life will be held on Sunday, August 23rd at 11:00 a.m. at the Choteau Pavilion, with burial following at Choteau Cemetery. Frontier Funeral Home is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Montana 4-H Foundation.

Kay will be missed by all who knew and loved her here on earth, but we know she's giving Dick an earful right now-because that was their love language.

View Kathleen Arensmeyer's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/20/2026

Dianne Fellers

Dianne Lyn Fellers, age 79, passed away peacefully in her home on January 11, 2026.

Dianne was born on August 20, 1946, in Malta, Montana, to her parents, Dan Jones and Inez Flom. She was raised in Malta and always considered it her true home.

In 1989, Dianne moved to Choteau, where she met Abe Fellers. The two were later married in the mountains of Teton Canyon-a place they dearly loved and where they enjoyed spending time together, come rain or shine.

For eighteen years, Dianne worked at the Teton Nursing Home before retiring. She was known for her caring nature and dedication to those around her.

Dianne enjoyed visiting with friends, loving and caring for her countless pets, and spending time in nature.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ida and Gunder Flom; her parents; and her husband, Abe Fellers. She is survived by her daughter, Jamie (Joe) Dupuis; two grandchildren, Shelby Hogle and Connor Dupuis; her sister, Sharon Hendrickson Brown; nephew, Michael Brown; niece, Misty Francis; and a host of loving cousins and extended family members.

It was Dianne's wish to be cremated and to have her ashes buried with her mother in Malta.

Condolences to the family may be shared at www.frontierfuneralhome.com.

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01/19/2026

This was sent to us and we just wanted to share with the community.

01/19/2026

Karen Frey

Obituary for Karen Ann (Rudy) Rudolph Frey

Karen was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 16, 1961. She was raised in Eagan, Minnesota. Her father was Wayne Harlan Rudolph (Rudy) and mother is Botella (Bo) Mae Halvorson Lorenzen Rudolph. She had a brother Karl August Rudolph (Rudy) that was two years older and he died the end of June 2024 in Prior Lake, Minnesota. Both Karl and Karen were 64 years old when they died. Wayne died in 2013.

She attended Burnsvile High school and graduated in 1979.

Upon graduation she joined the Air Force in Aug. 1979 and was stationed at Carswell, A.F.B. in Fort Worth, Texas. She was one of the first women to be a B-52 bomber jet engine mechanic and she worked flight-line. Unheard of for a woman's job in 1979. She looked like a model not a jet engine mechanic. She had no trouble after her co-workers found out she knew her job and wasn't a crybaby. Then she was one of the guys.

Her rank was Sgt. and pay grade was E4. She was on the 7 FMS Strategic Air Command. She received the Maintenance Person of the Month, Air Force Training Ribbon, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and the Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon.

She got multiple sclerosis while in the military and after 5 years and 10 months she was honorably discharged and placed on temporary disability retired list.

After the military she attended the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. She had a bachelor's degree as a Recreational Therapist. Sadly, she never got to use it.

She was divorced twice. For a short time, she was married to Larry Hanson in Pendroy. Later she married Maurice Frey from Havre, and they were married for almost 20 years when they divorced. Karen remained good friends with the Frey family.

She and Maurice have a son named Zail. He is special needs and lives with the other grandparents, Paulette and Robert Frey, in Great Falls. He is 28 years old. He stays with his Dad quite often too.

She lived in many places including: Eagan, Minn., Fort Worth, Texas, Grand Forks N.D., Pendroy, Choteau, and Great Falls, Montana.

Karen was an avid Green Bay Packers fan. She had a lot of Packers paraphernalia.

Although in Minnesota she lived near several Viking players.

Memorials can be sent to Eagle Mount or Special Olympics in Great Falls. Karen's son, Zail is active in both.

A small grave-side military service will be held Thursday, January 29 at 2:00 p.m. in the Military section in the Choteau Cemetery.

Frontier Funeral Home in Choteau are overseeing the arrangements.

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