EXZELIA JAMES PEPIN III obituary

Exzelia James Pepin III, 77, died Sunday, July 8, 2007, at the Northern Montana Hospital of natural causes.

Cremation has taken place and his memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July17, at the First Lutheran Church with Pastors Brad Ulgenes and Michael O'Hearn officiating. A fellowship luncheon will be held immediately after the service at the Eagles Club. Exzelia was born April 7, 1930, in Helena to Exzelia James and Bernedine (Howser) Pepin II. He attended St. Jude School and Havre High School. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and served in Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1953. He worked for Burlington Northern Railroad and retired after 32 years. He married Sondra Dowen on March 20, 1965, in Havre and they had three children. In his younger years James helped out at St. Jude mowing lawns and trimming trees for the Sisters there. He also worked at the Hub, Safeway and Buttrey Foods and the Railway Express. He was a surveyor for the city of Great Falls and helped survey for First and 10th avenues south. James was a 40 year member of the Eagles Club and a member of the First Lutheran Church in Havre. He was an avid Packer fan and never missed a game when they were playing on television. He was preceded in death by his parents. James is survived by his wife of 42 years Sondra Pepin of Havre; son, Darren Pepin of Havre; daughters, Candice (Paul) Ballard of Cut Bank and DAN'elle Cole of Great Falls; brother, Robert (Joann) Pepin of Havre; brother in-law, James (Darlene) Dowen Jr. Of Big Fork; five grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers Memorial contributions in James's honor may be made to the Havre Park and Recreation Department. Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Holland & Bonine Funeral Home.