Central Montana Obituaries

In memory of those we've lived with,

loved with,

and learned with.

Our finest regards.

Charles Roy Gaugler 70 of Garneill died Sunday afternoon at his home of natural causes.  He was born September 9, 1949 in Lewistown, Montana the son of Bill and Faith (Stone) Gaugler.  He was proud of his birth date: 9-9-49. He lived his entire life at his ranch headquarters in Garneill, Montana.  Charles will be remembered by his generosity, sense of humor, and laugh.

Agriculture was in Charles' blood and he developed a passion for farming and ranching early in life.  He enjoyed nothing more than spending time on the ranch with his cattle, sheep, equipment, and dogs. At the age of five he could be found herding sheep to “mow the grass” around the shop.  Charles' love of Black Angus cattle began when he won Grand Champion Black Angus heifer and Best Breeding project with his Hampshire ram lamb at the Harlowton youth fair. Together Charles and his wife, Pauline, developed one of the most reputable Black Angus herds in Montana.  He was proud of the fact that he sold many Hereford breeders their first Black Angus bull.  

He looked up to and loved working alongside his brothers Frank and Bill. Whom he credited for teaching him everything he knew about agriculture. 

Charles also loved sports and is remembered as an outstanding high school athlete. He was recognized as an All-Conference player for multiple years in both basketball and football. As a defensive end he led the district in tackles, in basketball he frequently scored 40 points in a game, and as a senior in track he scored 27.5 points at the district track meet. 

Charles attended Northern Montana College playing football until his father became ill, at which time he returned to the ranch in Garneill.  He served in the National Guard for six years and developed many lifelong friendships.  

In 1976, Charles married the love of his life, Pauline Keegan.  They had four children: Sarah, Daniel, Mark, and Laura. Charles loved kids and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.  

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Pauline of Garneill; children Sarah (Brad) Walters of Riggins, ID, Daniel (Kelly) Gaugler of Bozeman, MT, Mark (Laurie) Gaugler of Judith Gap, MT, and Laura (Gus) Mundt of Belt, MT; siblings Marlene Uglum of Glendora, CA and Elloise (Kirk) Warner of Carrollton, GA; six grandchildren, Raney, Rylee, Tanner, Quinn, Dylan, and Libby; and loyal Labrador, Sweetheart. 

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Frank and William and sister Mary.  

Funeral Services for Charles R. Gaugler will be held Friday November 29th at 11 a.m. in the Judith Gap School Gymnasium with committal to follow in the Judith Gap Cemetery.  The Cloyd Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Klara Elgestad Coffey Bedard 94 of Lewistown passed away early Friday morning, November 22nd, 2019 at her home, where she wanted to be of natural causes.   Although her presence will leave an emptiness for all those who loved her as well as those that knew her, she was ready to join all her loved ones in heaven.  Be prepared she is bringing her cards and will be ready to deal.

Kay was born January 4, 1925 to Gustav and Esther (Skoe) Elgestad in the Madoc community.  She graduated from Scobey High School and after one year of business college she went to work for Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, WA.  While in Spokane she was also the office Manager at Cummins Diesel.  

In 1952 she married Robert (Pete) Coffey in Wolf Point, he was the owner of KVCK Radio.  Together they raised 4 children John, Cathryn, Patricia and Robert Jr. Pete passed away much too soon in 1972.  In 1975 Kay moved to Whitefish Lake where the family has spent many summers. In 1988 she married Robert (Bob) Bedard.  They spent much of their time traveling, visiting 49 countries and spending many winters in Hawaii.

Bob died in 2004 at which time Kay moved to Lewistown to be near family.  Moving to Lewistown brought back many of her favorite pastimes. She could be found playing cards and bingo at the Senior Center as well as gathering with her many friends playing that mean game of pinochle.  One of her favorite places was sitting on her deck in the sunshine among the birds and flowers. On occasion you would see her at a Redbirds or Fergus Eagles game. 

She was a member of St. Leo’s Catholic Church and the Senior Citizens Club.

She is survived by her 4 children, John Coffey of Kalispell, MT Cathy Coffey Bartel of Lewistown, MT, Patricia Coffey of Boise, ID and Robert Coffey, Jr. of Pullman, WA; one sisters Ellen Fossen of Flaxville, MT; four grandchildren Monica Clinton, Willis Coffey, Kaine Coffey and Alex Whitsell; two great grandsons Jacob and Luke Clinton and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her two husbands she was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and four sisters.

Celebration of Life for Klara Bedard will be Saturday, November 30, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in the Cloyd Chapel, cremation has taken place as per her wishes.  The Cloyd Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Friends are asked to make memorials to Hospice of Central Montana or the charity of their choice and they may be left with the Cloyd Funeral Home.  Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com.

Donna Rae (Hess) Kalcso, 78 of Denton passed away at her home in Denton over the weekend. She born June 16, 1941 in Denton, MT to Ivan and Agnes (Pospisil) Hess.  Donna always missed living in Denton and after moving to Idaho in 1971, was able to move back in 2007 and remain until her passing.  

Although later divorced, Donna married Ronald Kalcso in 1960 and was blessed with three children from this marriage, Teri, Traci and Tad.  

Donna served as the Corporate Treasurer of Idaho AAA for the majority of her career as an accountant/bookkeeper.  This was a great source of pride for her and she excelled in the position.

Donna was an avid knitter, crocheter and lover of all crafts, a gift she shared with her daughters.  Donna loved the outdoors, camping and fishing, as well as building puzzles and playing games.

Donna was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.  She will be missed by all who loved her so much. 

She is survived by her children Teri (Ken) Lloyd of McCall, ID, Traci (Jim) Drew of Portland, OR and Tad Kalcso of El Cajon, CA; her sister Joyce (Ron) Malcolm of Wyoming, MI; her brother Laurence Hess of Denton, MT. Donna enjoyed her grandchildren Jessica (DeWayne Riedman) Drew, Sean (Samantha) Kaldhusdal, Trevor (Taylor Fast) Drew, Ryan (Janae) Kaldhusdal and Jordan Drew; one great-grandson, Tyson Kaldhusdal; three nieces, Sheila (Malcolm) Domina, Laura (Malcolm) Gorkowski and Carol (Malcolm) Glanville in addition to great-nieces and nephews.

Donna is preceded in death by her parents.

The family wishes to thank the community of Denton for their love and support, not only during this difficult time but for all the love and kindness shown over the years.

The family is planning a memorial in Spring 2020 and to lay her to rest in Hillcrest Cemetery in Denton at that time.  Cremation has taken place with the Cloyd Funeral Home assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Denton Endowment Fund or to the charity of their choice and they may be left with the Cloyd Funeral Home.  Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com.