LAMBERT VANDERSLOOT JR. Obituary

HARDIN Lambert Vandersloot Jr., 71, of Hardin died Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2006, in the Big Horn County Memorial Hospital.

Rosary will be recited 7 p.m. Friday in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hardin. His funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a. m. Saturday in the church. Interment with military honors will follow in the Hardin Fairview Cemetery. Bert was born Aug. 31, 1935, in Hardin to Lambert and Katherine Feller Vandersloot Sr. He grew up in the St. Xavier area and attended the public and St. Xavier Mission schools, before graduating from Hardin High School in 1954. Following his graduation, he enlisted in the U. S. Army, served during the Korean conflict and received his honorable discharge. He married Marilyn Mitchell on May 29, 1958, in Billings, and the couple made their home on the family farm and ranch in the St. Xavier area. They retired in 1995 and moved to Hardin. He enjoyed reading western novels and playing cards with his family, friends and neighbors. He most enjoyed the time he could spend with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bert was a member of the Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. He was active in the St. Xavier Rodeo Association and served on the Big Horn Library Board, Park Board and 10 years on the School District 17-H School Board, part of which he served as vice chairman. Survivors include his wife, Marilyn of Hardin; daughters, Angie (Harlan) Conroy of Hardin, Kathi (Merritt) Harris of Wyoming and Patty (Bryan) Wetz of Washington; son, Jerry (Mari) Vandersloot of Havre; sisters, Lucille (Dave) Soltesz and Dorothea (John) Miner; brother, Thomas (Shirley) Vandersloot; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions can be made to the Big Horn County Historical Museum, Hardin, MT 59034 Bullis Mortuary of Hardin has been entrusted with the arrangements.