Dennis Martin Riedlinger, 71, of Troy
Dennis Martin Riedlinger died of natural causes on December 15, 2021 at age 71. He was born to Martin and JoAn Riedlinger on June 7, 1950. Dennis grew up and attended schools in Troy, Montana.
He is survived by his partner in crime, Karen, his wife of 37 years, and his children Misty Riedlinger (Rodney Martinez) of Aurora, Colo., Shane Riedlinger of Billings, Mont., and Danielle (Arron) Kelly, of Kalispell, Mon., his grandchildren Brianna Harper, Dreyden Martinez, Drake Martinez, Casey Riedlinger and Drea Martinez, his sisters Bonnie (Clayton) Price, Carla Riedlinger (Jim Bambino), Darla (Tim) Lindsey, numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Donna Nelson.
Dennis came from a long line of honest, hardworking people and he was well known for his high quality work. There wasn’t a piece of equipment he couldn’t run. Dennis worked in the family logging business, Riedlinger Inc. with his parents, other family members and numerous people from the community for many years. Later he started Riedlinger Excavating. He also spent 10 years working at the Troy Mine.
In his spare time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and hanging out with family and friends. He enjoyed keeping everyone on their toes with his witty and sometimes questionably appropriate comments and jokes.
At his request there will be no funeral service. A celebration of life is planned for the summer. Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby, Mont.. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.
Carol Jean Marie
Hoffman Burriss, 82, of Libby
Carol Jean Marie Hoffman Burriss, 82, of Libby, Mont. passed away Monday, December 20, 2021 at her home. Born March 4, 1939 in Crookston, Minn. to Clarence and Mary (Lizzoce) Hoffman, she attended school in Crookston and lived there until she and husband, Gay Gudmunson, moved to Montana. Carol worked at the Libby Care Center for 28 years as a nurses aide. She liked camping and fishing; was active in the bowling league; and belonged to a “57 Club” with 12 other women. Carol married William “Bill” Burriss and they enjoyed over 50 years of marriage before his passing in 2017. Carol and Bill belonged to the Good Sams and did a lot of camping and traveling with those friends. They also helped with the Sons of Norway, making lefse to sell at Nordicfest. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; daughter, Veronica Gudmonson; son, Mark Gudmunson; parents, Clarence and Mary Hoffman; stepdad, Walt Mason; sister, Barbara Didier; and brothers, Ronald Hoffman and Lee Roy (Butch) Hoffman.
Survivors include her sister, Sharon Michels (Jerry); granddaughter, Leah Gudmonson; great-grandson, Jasper Gudmonson; and many nephews and nieces, to numerous to list.
There will be a Graveside Service in the spring with date and time to be announced later.
Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.
Doreen (Dugger) Koch 83,
of Libby
Doreen (Dugger) Koch (83) passed away on Nov. 19, 2021 in The Dalles, Oregon. Doreen was born on 9-23-1938 in Bremerton, Washington to Alvin and Florence Swanstrom. In her earliest years she lived in California, New York and Maryland. By elementary school her dad had retired from the Navy and she grew up in Kenmore, Washington. During her junior high and high school years she was very active in the Girls League and Theta Rho- a girls club sponsored by the Odd fellows and Rebekahs. She played piano, organ, harmonica and loved horses. She was active at Kenmore Babtist Chapel and became a Christian in the summer of 8th grade. Doreen had always wanted to be a nurse and to pursue her dream, she joined the US Navy in October 1956. She attended Hospital Corps School and was assigned to Camp Pendleton Naval Hospital. She met, fell in love and married her first husband Bob Dugger at Camp Pendleton. They were married there in April 1958. Doreen and Bob shared 27 years of marriage. After they were both honorably discharged from the Navy, they moved to Kenmore, Washington to start a family. They also lived in Renton, Washington and Libby, Montana. She sold Beeline clothes, raised rabbits, had her own needlecraft business and and art/framing shop. She was active in 4-H leadership and loved and excelled at knitting, crocheting, quilting, counted cross stitch and gardening. Doreen and Bob had 4 children during this time.
In 1985, Doreen moved to The Dalles, Oregon. She met the love of her life- Bob Koch and they were married in February 1988. Doreen and Bob had many fun adventures and shared 33 years of marriage together. Doreen had a very busy and fulfilling life in Oregon. She worked for a wonderful physician, Dr. Fran Yuhas up until she retired and then was also privileged to work with PC: Valerie Hiveley-Blatz. Doreen was an active member of The Dalles community which included being active in Relay for Life and The Scarlet Begonias-Red Hat ladies society. Doreen and Bob were both cancer survivors and together created The Pink Project which assembles “We Care” packages to help women understand they are not alone in their battle with cancer. In her later years, Doreen continued to love and enjoy spending time with Bob. She also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, quilting, reading, antiquing, enjoying her dogs and cats, and doting on her blended family of 6 children, 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
Survivors include: Beloved husband: Robert “Bob” Koch, Children: Beth Dunn (Alan), Mike Dugger (Katie), Kevin Dugger, Val Frakes (Jack), Brian Koch (Kim), Jim Koch (Martha). Grandchildren: Jared, Janae, Rachel, Kary, Kyle, Emma, Ethan, Nathan, Kelsey and Taylor. Great grandchildren: Ory, Mila, Georgie, Paxton, Lucy, Lylah and Logan. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Doreen (Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma) is already so missed, and we would like to remember and honor her with a celebration of life that will be held in The Tri-Cities area in Spring 2022. The date, time and place will be announced at a later date. All of her friends and family are invited to join us.
Constance L. “Connie” Barfield, 79, of Libby
Constance L. “Connie” Barfield, 79, died on Monday, December 27, 2021 at her residence in Libby of natural causes. She was born on October 14, 1942 at St. Paul, Minnesota to William and Jean Hannah.
Connie worked over 40 years as a waitress. She was a foster parent for many years. She loved to play Bingo, was a Casino Player and a member of the Red Hat Group.
Survivors include her children, Kathy Robinson, Perry Rochelle, Tracy Fernen, Jeannie Guches, Brian Fernen and Leslie Wagner; and a sister Shirley Brinker and 20 grandchildren.
Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.
January 5
“In that day the deaf shall hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity and out of darkness. The humble also shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel…Jacob shall not now be ashamed, nor shall his face now grow pale but when he sees his children, the work of My hands, in his midst, they will hallow My name…these also who erred in spirit will come to understanding.”
-Isaiah 29:18-19, 22b-24a
Submitted by Ruthanne Dolezal