Bruno Alex Ostwald, 70, of Froid died at his home Dec. 17, 2019. He was born March 13, 1949, to Alexander Ostwald and Gladys Ostwald (Damm) in Williston, N.D. He and his older sister, Flora, were raised on their family farm outside of Froid, where he attended school and graduated in 1967. After graduating from Froid High School, he joined the Army and served his country honorably. His bravery during the Vietnam war earned him many medals including: Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal w/ Oak Leaf Cluster, Sharpshooter (Rifle M-14), and Expert (Rifle M-16). Upon completing his time overseas, he found himself drawn back to his roots where he had a full-time career at the National Guard unit in Culbertson. He married Michelle LaPorte Jan. 27, 1989. He helped raise her three children, Desiree, Amanda, and William and had five children of his own, Rebekah, Rachel, Josiah, Esther and Hannah before they divorced in 2006. With the dedication of 36 years in the service, he retired with honors as Sergeant First Class Bruno Ostwald. Buying and selling guns was a hobby of his. He routinely cleaned his guns every winter. Reloading bullets was very therapeutic to him and he considered it an art form. Hunting was a sport he enjoyed very much, both bow and rifle. He always made sure to iterate the agricultural connection to his German roots and found pleasure in gardening. He was a part of the block management program for over 20 years and also participated in wildlife enhancement programs. Many of his days were spent at “the bowl” on his land to tend to his garden, as well as helping the community, however he didn’t ask for recognition and remained humble throughout it all. He was a phenomenal cook, but had a hard time making anything less than required to feed an army. Reading the Bible was very important to him and he often quoted it. He was gifted when training his dogs and he shared everything with them. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Rachel; and sister, Flora. He is survived by his children Desireé Badger of Williston, N.D., Amanda Smith of Bismarck, N.D., William Ostwald of Williston, Rebekah Marquez of Williston, Josiah Ostwald of Williston, Esther Ostwald of Williston and Hannah Ostwald of Williston; five grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. Funeral services were held Monday, Dec. 23, at the Froid Lutheran Church. Burial was in the Damm Cemetery between Froid and Culbertson with military honors.

The Loftus family mourns the loss of our dear mother, Florence “Dickie” Bauer Loftus. Dickie was born in Wolf Point, Mont., Sept. 3, 1925, to Ambrose “AJ” Bauer and Hulda Marie Wendland Bauer. Upon graduation from Wolf Point High School, Dickie moved to Washington, D.C., to work for the Department of the Navy. She married Milton “Spike” Loftus in 1945 and 10 years later they moved to Great Falls until she died at Peace Hospice on Dec. 22, 2019. She was 94 years old. Dickie was everyone’s favorite due to her fun sense of humor, kindness and compassion. She was a Christian as evidenced by the fruits of the spirit listed Galatians V, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Blessed with the gift of gab, she made friends easily wherever she went. Although she will be deeply missed, her positive influence lives on in the many family and friends who enjoyed her irresistible optimism and wisdom. She is survived by her four children, Bruce, Greg (Jan), Susan (Craig Boye) and Cathy; and her grandchildren, Zachary, Jessica, Alexandria and Jake. Wolf Point nieces and nephews include the Kurokawa family of Tim, Karen, Don, Ruth, Mike and Kenny. Dickie was preceded in death by her four sisters and two brothers, one of whom was LaVone “Vonie” Kurokawa and her son, Roy, of Wolf Point Cafe. Dickie has been laid to rest at the Greenwood Cemetery in Wolf Point under direction of Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel. A graveside service is planned for summer 2020. (Paid Obituary)

Sharon Lea Hansen Damm, 64, died Dec. 21, 2019, in Poplar. She was born to Edwin and Emma Hansen on April 28, 1955, in the old Culbertson hospital. She attended eight years of school at the McCabe Country School. Her freshman year, she began Culbertson High School. She graduated from Culbertson High School in 1973. In the fall of 1973, she went to school in Butte. Her college days did not last long however; she was homesick for the farm. She went on to hold many different jobs. A couple of her favorites were postmaster in McCabe and daycare in Culbertson. On Nov. 2, 1975, she gave birth to her daughter, Rebecca “Becky” Lea. She married Bert Damm on June 9, 1980. They later became foster parents to several children. Of these children, she later adopted Andrea Lynn, Lee Harrison, Darian Anthony and Christian Rayne. She loved nothing more than to watch her children and grandchildren play sports. The Culbertson Cowboys and Cowgirls were her ultimate favorite high school teams. However, she had an undying passion for the Minnesota Vikings. She loved rooting for the underdogs. She spent many Sunday afternoons screaming at her TV, even after several people pointed out that the Vikings couldn't hear her. She loved gardening, knitting and having coffee with friends. She enjoyed attending church and worshiping the Lord. Her faith in the Lord was an inspiration to many. She was baptized and confirmed at the Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Dane Valley. Her favorite TV show was the Price Is Right, but she also loved to cry at Hallmark and Lifetime movies. In 2016, she met Joe Rogers and she shared her last three years with him. He became an integral part of her family. She also loved spending time with her grandchildren. She had a big heart and helped anyone in need. She always put her family first and her selfless nature knew no bounds. She is survived by her sister, Marlene Bohannon of Fargo, N.D.; daughters, Becky Pederson and Andrea Damm of Culbertson; her sons, Lee Damm and Darian Damm of Culbertson and Christian Damm-Billings of Bismarck, N.D.; five grandchildren; and special friend, Joe Rogers. A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, at Bethel Community Church in Culbertson.

Richard Howard Hendrickson, 87, of Medicine Lake, died Dec. 14, 2019, in Billings. He was born May 17, 1932, on the family farm west of Medicine Lake to Eddie and Anna (Eng) Hendrickson. He attended country school until the sixth grade and finished his education in Medicine Lake, graduating in 1950. He enjoyed all sports especially his years of baseball for Medicine Lake in the Big Muddy League. He even pitched a couple no hitters. He lost his thumb in a farm incident, making it a little tough to pitch. His high school sweetheart would later become his wife. He and Betty Tronson were united in marriage June 7, 1953. They farmed west of Medicine Lake, continuing the family legacy. They moved to town in 1964. They had three children, Lori, Mike and Kathy. He was a supportive dad and enjoyed watching them excel in sports and school activities. He was a Honker fan, attending many sporting events. As member of a small town in a rural community, he became involved in many organizations and served on many boards. He served on church council at Medicine Lake Lutheran Church; school board; rural fire board, in which he had an instrumental part of getting the rural fire halls built; and various other boards. He enjoyed bowling, woodworking, fishing and especially his many trips to the farm. He enjoyed passing on the legacy of farming to his children and grandchildren. He and Betty enjoyed many trips to Spokane, Wash., enjoying their grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s activities. He is survived by his wife, Betty Hendrickson; children, Lori Hemphill of Spokane; Mike and Kathy; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth; and half-brothers, Sanford and Jim. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services were held Friday, Dec. 20, at Medicine Lake Lutheran Church with Pastor Johnette Grefe officiating. Interment at the Medicine Lake Cemetery will take place in summer 2020.

Wanda Hansen, 61, of Williston, N.D., died Dec. 18, 2019. She was born Jan. 31, 1958, in Sidney to John and Blanche (Griggs) Otterstetter, the youngest daughter of nine children. After living in Froid, the family moved to Fairview in 1962. A member of choir, rodeo club, cheerleading and other activities, she graduated from Fairview High School in 1976. Upon graduation, she began working at Super Valu where she met Doug Hansen. They married Jan. 13, 1979, at Zion Lutheran Church in Fairview. In the early years of marriage, they enjoyed bowling league and she also enjoyed ceramics with friends. As they grew older, she enjoyed gardening and spending time with friends. They moved to Williston, N.D., in the mid-1980s where they raised their three children, Douglas, Jeramy and Miranda. She worked at Country Floral before taking time off to spend with her children at home. When the children got older, she worked at Dakota Farms for nearly 20 years, eventually becoming manager. A talented interior painter, her family and friends benefited from her steady hand and eye for color. In the final years of her life, she and Doug found their dream house and spent over two years making it their home. She is survived by her husband, Doug; three children, Douglas of Moorhead, Minn., Jeramy of Williston, N.D., and Miranda Streifel of Mandan, N.D.; siblings, Fran Lagerquist of Billings, Rae Jean Koch of Billings, Bonnie Moore of Joplin and Mike Otterstetter of Fairview; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister, Linda Morrison; and brothers, Jacky, David and Kelly Otterstetter. Cremation will take place. Her memorial service will be held Friday, Dec. 27, at 2 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Williston. Pastor Brian Knutson will officiate. Inurnment will be in Hillside Cemetery in Williston.

Jeffrey Dean Stump, 60, of Fort Kipp died Dec. 11, 2019, in Poplar. He was born in Fort Kipp to Rocky Stump and Corrine Long Hair on June 10, 1959. He spent his life in Fort Kipp and went to Brockton High School, graduating in 1978. He attended college at UND in Williston, N.D., but finished his career at Fort Peck Community College in carpentry. He married Margie Buckles in 1979. They had two children, Cory Dean and Samantha Corrine. His hobbies were hunting, fishing and playing pool. Funeral services were held Thursday, Dec. 19, at the James Black Dog Center. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.

William Fast Horse, 43, of Brockton died Friday, Dec. 13, 2019, in Poplar. He was born in Poplar Nov. 24, 1976, to Keva Spotted Bird Ramsey and Edwin Fast Horse Sr. He was active in basketball. Survivors include daughter, Shania Dahlberg; sisters, Almyra Gray Hawk of Brockton and Amber White Bear of Fargo, N.D.; brothers, Lawrence, Edwin “Chief” Fast Horse of Poplar and Troy Fast Horse of Brockton; and numerous grandchildren. A funeral service was held Saturday, Dec. 21, at the Brockton Cultural Center. Interment was at the Riverside Presbyterian Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point was entrusted with the arrangements.

John Edward Atchico, 60, died Dec. 15, 2019, in Billings. He was known for his quick wit, his infectious smile, his kind and compassionate spirit and especially his love for the Lord. He was born May 29, 1949, in Harrah, Okla., to Jenny Wiles and Edward John Atchico. He graduated from Harrah High School in 1967. He went to the American Indian Arts Institute in Santa Fe, N.M., for one year. He also went to Haskell Institute where he received his heating and air-conditioning certificate in 1970. He worked his whole life, starting at age 14. He worked two summers at the Grand Canyon, on and off during college years. Taking the BIA relocation program to Denver, Colo., in 1970, where he began his career in heating and air-conditioning. He moved to Poplar in 1972 and began working for CNM Construction. He then moved on to Service Soft Water Conditioning. From there, he went to the Fort Peck Tribes, working with furnaces, moving to the position of HIP director and Enterprise director. Leaving the tribes, he went to work at Dody Culbertson Plumbing. From there, he went to MDU, starting in 1985 and retiring in 2009 after spending 24 years as MDU serviceman. He also spent time volunteering on the Poplar ambulance crew in the 1970s. He enjoyed retirement. His highlights were his travels to Hawaii in 2016 and attending the NBA Playoffs Oklahoma Thunder vs. Portland Trailblazers In October 1968, he met Linda Red Thunder at Haskell. They married May 26, 1970, in Lawrence, Kansas, on the campus of Haskell in a little Baptist mission church, in front of their close friends and family. They just celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary this year. Together, they raised two daughters, Leslie and Jennifer, and one son, Lee Aron. His passions in life were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His family was everything to him. He looked forward to his Atchico family reunions every June in Oklahoma. He loved working and building things for his children to play. He loved old cars and his ‘60s music. He always put others before himself. He met the Lord in 1968 and was always willing to stop and pray for anyone who requested. He was a humble and selfless man. He was preceded in death by his son, Lee Aron Atchico; four older brothers; three older sisters; and granddaughter, Ashlee Ann Atchico. He is survived by his wife, Linda Atchico; two daughters, Leslie Todd and Jennifer Shrestha; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Monday, Dec. 23, at the Assembly of God Church in Poplar. Cremation will follow. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements. in 2019.

Thomas Joseph “TJ” Payne Sr., “Wamni Wagan Hokshina,” High Eagle Boy, 39, died Dec. 12, 2019, at his home in Wolf Point. He was born Nov. 21, 1980, to Thomas Franklin Payne and Darla Jackson. He grew up in Oswego and Wolf Point area. He attended school in Wolf Point and Frazer. He worked for A& S Industries as a machine operator and as a ranch/farm hand for the Fort Peck Tribal Ranch and along with other farmers on the river bottom including his uncle Carl. He moved to Louisiana and returned back to his home where he spent time with his daughter, Kaelyn, and his nephew, Jaxon. He played baseball youth sports in Wolf Point and was a fan of the Chicago Bears. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He grew up with his siblings and cousins. He enjoyed hanging out with his cousin Carl “Kid” Payne. He was always laughing and had a great sense of humor. He is survived by his children, Tommy Payne, Kaelyn Payne and Dakota Payne. He took good care of his nephew, Jaxon. He is also survived by his father, Thomas Franklin Payne; and siblings, Olyn Payne and Jeanette Payne. Funeral services were held Friday, Dec. 20, at the new Community Hall in Wolf Point. Interment was at the Oswego Presbyterian Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point was entrusted with arrangements.