Frontier Funeral Home

06/21/2026

A father’s impact is often measured not by grand gestures, but by the countless everyday moments that shape who we become. This Father’s Day, we honor the dads, grandfathers, and father figures who taught us through their actions—showing us the value of hard work, kindness, resilience, and love. Their influence becomes part of our stories and continues to guide us throughout our lives.

For those missing their father today, we hope you find comfort in the memories you hold close and the legacy that lives on through family, traditions, and cherished moments. Wishing everyone a meaningful and peaceful Father’s Day. 💙

06/19/2026

William Preston Brickey

William Preston Brickey, "Bill", passed away on May 26th, 2026. Bill was born to Tracy Ray Brickey and Jetty Webb Brickey on April 3rd,1936 in Ashland, Kentucky. He was raised in Beaver, Ohio and attended and graduated from Stockdale High School. Bill met Oleta "Beth" Mace in Columbus, Ohio they married in Richmond, Indiana on April 21st, 1962. The couple was married for 50 years.

The couple moved to Rexford, Montana in 1962 and then resided in the communities of Libby, Eureka, and Choteau, MT. Bill worked as a mechanic and gas station co-owner with his brother James Brickey in Rexford and Libby where he also drove a logging truck. It was in Eureka, MT that he owned and operated his own logging business. He spent time in Eureka and Choteau as a Pastor for many years.

Bill served in the United States Army with basic training in Fort Knox, KY. He was later stationed in Fort Hood, TX as a radio mechanic, mostly aboard Army tanks. He served two years of active duty and a year in the Reserves achieving the rank of Sargent. Bill was awarded two sharpshooter awards and a good conduct medal.

Bill immensely enjoyed weddings of family and friends whether as the officiant or as a guest he thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the celebrations. He genuinely loved spending time with and visiting his friends and family. Having been an ace mechanic, he restored several old "Mack Trucks". A unique accomplishment was at the age of 79 when he had the privilege of going to India on a mission trip. There he was able to minister to several churches and pastors.

Bill is survived by son, Paul (Sandy) Brickey of Lucasville, OH and daughters; Alison Brickey Skelton of Choteau, MT and Johnna (Andy) Larsen of Bellingham, WA. Other survivors include Grandchildren; Josh (Tammy) Brickey, Tracy (Kelli) Brickey, Paula (Joe) Kinder, Scott (Tim) Sexton, Cassy (Rod) Carrell, Kalyn (Kyle) Struiksma, Jake Larsen, 11 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, Sister-in-law; Helen Brickey and several nephews and nieces.

Proceeding Bill in death was his wife, Oleta "Beth" Brickey, daughter; Daphne "Susan" Jackson, parents; Tracy and Jetty Brickey, grandson; Matt Skelton, brothers; James (Donna) Brickey, and Lloyd Brickey.

Bill lived fully for Jesus, encouraging others to seek a relationship with Jesus. One of his favorite scriptures was Acts 17:28, "In him we live and move and have our being".

A graveside service will be held at the Choteau Cemetery on July 11th at 11:00am. Condolences may be shared at www.frontierfuneralhome.com

View William Preston Brickey's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/19/2026

Maxine Durbin

Maxine Cora Durbin, 92, of Choteau, Montana, passed away on June 17, 2026, in Choteau. She was born on September 16, 1933, in Pompey's Pillar, Montana, to William and Beatrice (Schultz) Foster.

Maxine was born third of seven children. Maxine grew up on a farm, where she and her siblings got into mischief that she loved to recount well into her later years, stories that never failed to bring a laugh. Born during the Great Depression, she learned early on the value of hard work and the importance of making the most of what you have, lessons she carried with her throughout her life. As an adult, she spent many years working at local cafes in Choteau and Fairfield. When her children were young, Maxine served as a Cub Scout den mother. Maxine and Wayne enjoyed their time homesteading with the girls in Trego, Montana. She later turned her caring nature into a career, working as a caregiver for Easter Seals and the Choteau nursing home, where she spent years looking after others. Maxine lived at the Skyline for numerous years and then spent the last five years of her life living at Teton Peaks.

Maxine was married three times, to Ike Hitchcock, George Bleecker, and Wayne Durbin, each of whom preceded her in death.

Above all, Maxine cherished time with her children and grandchildren, often taking them on long walks. She also had a fascination with farm animals and loved telling stories from her own childhood on the farm about them. She enjoyed crafting and sewing, watching westerns on television, and losing herself in a good Louis L'Amour novel or romance story. Known for being delightfully opinionated, her wit and candor left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She was fond of telling people, "Don't get old, you'll live to regret it," delivered, as always, with her signature humor.

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, William and Beatrice Foster; her husbands, Ike Hitchcock, George Bleecker, and Wayne Durbin; her daughter, Renee Hitchcock; her brothers, Boyd, John, and Robert Foster; and sister Shirley Gruenhout.

She is survived by her sisters, Fern Drew and Marge Herman; her children, Karen Lensing, Becky (James) Terman, Bonnie (Rod) Foster, and Mark (Joy) Hitchcock; her grandchildren, Samara Fuzi, Desiree Robinson, Chad (Jaley) Hitchcock, Dustin (Rachel) Lensing, Trina (Peter) Bradley, Crystal (Josh) Clifford, Tim (Brandy) Hitchcock, Tara (Junior) Best, McKenna (Cody) LaValley, Tanner Walton, and Liberty (Cole) LaValley; and 13 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Choteau Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at the Stage Stop Inn in Choteau, Montana. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Easter Seals in Maxine's memory.

View Maxine Durbin's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/17/2026

Arlene McDonald

Arlene Marjorie McDonald passed away on June 7, 2026, in Great Falls, Montana, at the age of 87.

Arlene was born on February 13, 1939, in Great Falls, Montana, to Ralph E. Berg and Marjorie Irene (Maffit) Berg. She was raised in Great Falls, attended local schools, graduated from Great Falls High School, and proudly called Great Falls home throughout her entire life.

Arlene met Bernard Grant McDonald, and the couple were married on August 5, 1961. They shared 27 years of marriage together. Throughout her life, Arlene embraced adventure and enjoyed spending time outdoors. She loved camping, fishing, water skiing, and making trips to visit her sister and brother-in-law in Ellensburg, Washington. She also found joy in creative pursuits, including painting, stained glass work, and quilting.

Among her favorite memories were family vacations and time spent at the family cabin, places where she could relax and enjoy the company of those she loved most. Arlene devoted her professional life to the insurance industry, working as an insurance underwriter with Travelers Insurance for 50 years.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Marjorie Berg, and by her brother, Ralph "Tuffy" Berg.

She is survived by her son, Michael (Michelle) John McDonald of Great Falls, Montana; and her sister, Willow Jean Lyman of Damariscotta, Maine; grandchildren, Nicole (Paris) Bread McDonald, Codey (Lacey) McDonald; great grandchildren, Isla Bread and Maeve McDonald.

Arlene will be fondly remembered for her adventurous spirit, creative talents, dedication to her family, and her favorite saying: "I fell bald eagle!"

Condolences may be shared at Frontier Funeral Home.

View Arlene McDonald's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/15/2026

Happy Monday!

We would like to thank those that nominated our funeral home and staff for the Distinctly Montana Magazine's "Best of Montana 2026". Today is the first day of voting! Daily voting is encouraged to help us bring the title of "Best Funeral Home in Montana" back to Choteau. We were the 2023 recipients of this award and in 2025 our Glacier Funeral Home location in Browning, MT took home the title. Joshua Belanger is the director for both of these funeral home locations and is humbled to be nominated again this year.

Please take a moment to vote for "Gorder-Jensen/Frontier Funeral Home" under the "Services" category.

06/14/2026

This Flag Day, we reflect on the meaning behind the flag and the lives it represents. We are honored to serve families who have dedicated so much to their country, and to help ensure their stories and legacies are remembered with dignity and respect.

06/10/2026

Sometimes the smallest memories leave the biggest imprint on our hearts. A favorite recipe, a familiar laugh, a song on the radio, or a story passed down through generations can keep the memory of a loved one alive for years to come.

What is one memory that always makes you smile when you think of someone special?

06/05/2026

Richard Johnson

Richard "Rick" D. Johnson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Richard "Rick" D. Johnson, who passed away unexpectedly on May 30, 2026, at the age of 69. His kindness, generosity, and steady presence will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Rick was born on March 3, 1957, in Great Falls, Montana, to Donald and Leona Johnson. He spent his early years on the family farm north of Browning and attended Croff Ren Country School, as well as schools in East Glacier and Browning. He completed his senior year at Choteau High School, graduating with the Class of 1975.

Following graduation, Rick moved to Quanah, Texas, where he began his career in truck driving and joined the Quisenberry Harvest Crew. In the mid-1980s, he returned to Montana and settled in Dutton, where he and his father opened D & R Repair Shop. He later joined the Montana Department of Transportation, where he built a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years. Through hard work, dedication, and leadership, he advanced to the position of supervisor before retiring in 2019.

Retirement gave Rick even more time to do what he loved most-helping others. He was always ready to lend a hand whenever and wherever he was needed. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing with friends in Sun Canyon and the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Rick was a man of few words and simple pleasures, known for his generosity, dependability, and heart of gold.

Rick married Diane Thorne in 1991, and later divorced. In 2005, he met his soulmate, Carol Zielinske. Through that relationship, he formed special bonds with Carol's daughters, Casey Padilla (Rodney) of Arizona and Kendra Hall (Ralph) of New Jersey.

Rick held a particularly special place in his heart for his two nieces, Rachael and Alyssa, whom he loved like daughters. In recent years, he found great joy in becoming a great-uncle to Elayna, Lauren, Patrick, Kasen, and Claire, and he never missed an opportunity to proudly share stories about them.

Rick is survived by his sister, Sandy (Larry) Klotz; his nieces, Rachael (Jake) Donovan and Alyssa (Kyle) Kuburich; his great-nieces and great-nephews, Elayna, Lauren, Patrick, Kasen, and Claire; his soulmate, Carol Zielinske; and many extended family members and friends whose lives he touched over the years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Leona Johnson, and his sister, Dawn Lee Johnson.

Rick will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 27, at 1:00 p.m. at the Dutton American Legion. Family and friends are encouraged to bring stories and memories to share as they honor and celebrate Rick's life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Dutton Senior Center or the Dutton American Legion.

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

View Richard Johnson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/05/2026

Bobbi Levine

WOLF CREEK - Bobbi Wirth Levine passed away peacefully at home on the family ranch May 24, 2026, after a hard-fought battle against cancer.

Bobbi was born March 27, 1952, to Bob and Joan Wirth in Helena, MT.

She attended Helena High School, where she made the U.S. Junior National Cross-Country Ski Team in 1969 and 1970. She graduated from high school in 1970 and attended the Colorado Women's College for a short period. After returning home, she earned the title of Miss Rodeo Montana in 1972, a reflection of her love for rodeo, horsemanship, and the western way of life. Later that year she competed for the title of Miss Rodeo America, where she was crowned First Runner-Up.

Bobbi went on to earn her Bachelors of Science degree from Montana State University in Bozeman in 1974. She then moved to Texas where she earned her Master's degree in Animal Science from Texas A&M University in 1977. She enjoyed her years there and frequently shared memorable stories about the friends, experiences and places she encountered.

Bobbi returned home to Montana where she met and married her husband of 47 years, Dan Levine. They were married September 9, 1978 and made their home on the family ranch near Bowman's Corner. They welcomed their son Sam, in 1986.

Ranching came natural to Bobbi, growing up herself on a cattle ranch. She took pride in running a successful ranching operation. She was proud of the herd that Dan and she poured their hearts and souls into over the past 45 years. Her work ethic was also notable in making sure that she helped in every aspect of ranch work, from working cows to bookkeeping to helping run haying equipment, there wasn't anything she couldn't do. Bobbi was also an excellent cook. She took it as her purpose to make sure there was always a hot meal at the end of a long day and was well known for her family favorite birthday dinners and branding meals.

Bobbi's real passion was horses. She spent the better portion of her life on horseback. Whether it was working cows on the ranch, training barrel horses or just out enjoying nature - on the back of a horse was where she preferred to be. She thoroughly enjoyed barrel racing, finding the journey of training horses every bit as rewarding as competing. Her dedication and talent led her to qualify for the Montana Circuit Final in Great Falls on multiple occasions. Later in life, she and Dan enjoyed participating in the Senior Pro Rodeos in Canada, where she enjoyed the camaraderie as much as she did the competition.

Bobbi will be remembered most for her friendship. Her genuine kindness and caring nature allowed her to form friendships wherever she went. She never missed recognizing the special events of people's lives. Whether it was a birthday or anniversary, she always made sure to have a card or keepsake ready to make sure people felt recognized. Even in the past year when things were not easy, her unwavering positive attitude and happiness shown through and were a light to the people around her. She fought courageously until the very end. As she so often reminded others, 'Find joy in the journey.'

Bobbi is preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Joan Wirth.

She is survived by her husband, Dan Levine. Her son Sam (wife Whitney) Levine. Her stepson, Jason (wife Christi, children Payton and Royce). Her brother Phil (wife Judy) Wirth. Nephews Cody and Mike (wife Michelle, children Nick and Laci) Wirth.

In accordance with her wishes, no funeral service will be held. An intimate memorial service will be planned at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Eagle Mount Great Falls.

View Bobbi Levine's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/03/2026

Grief doesn’t follow a schedule. If you're struggling today, you're not alone. Take the time you need—and lean on those who care.