Charles Cross

Charles Cross

Mr. Charles Cross passed on Monday evening, Jan. 2, at his daughter's home in Butte.

He was born in Rudyard, on Oct. 19, 1924, to Walter and Velma (Austin) Cross.

Mr. Cross served his country with the United States Army as a member of the Burma Road force in India.

Following his service, he returned home and on Nov. 28, 1946, he married the former Marie Mangold. Mrs. Cross preceded her husband in death in 1998.

He trained as a refrigeration repairman in Chicago before returning to the Hi-Line where he worked for Sanvik Brothers as well as independently for his own shop. He was also an electrician and a general handyman and repairman. For many years he also owned and operated the Hi-Line Theatre in Rudyard.

As a member of

"The Greatest Generation" he learned well the lessons taught by the Great Depression. He was known as "Mr. Fixit, " as there were very few things that he could not fix or maintain, often with parts that he adapted from other applications.

He was an avid reader, mostly of Louis L'Amour novels as they spoke to his early years in Montana's outdoors. He loved to hunt, and fishing was probably his greatest passion. His second home was the Swan Lake area where the family had a summer home. If he wasn't fishing on the lake, he could be found watching and on occasion teasing the squirrels that inhabited the area around the summer home.

He moved to the Butte area in 2002 as health challenges made it necessary for him to be closer to family.

He is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Della and Rick Allen of Butte; son and daughter-in-law, Marlin and Margie Cross of Great Falls; grandchildren, Melanie Langel Smith, Ryan Langel, Wil Allen, Anna Allen, Tara and Jason Beam and Jolene (Syeve) Griessmer.

His great-grandchildren are Jaxon Smith, Dylan Smith, Brysen Smith, Katelyn Hilde, John Hilde, Dominik Griessmer and Madeline Grriessmer.

He is also survived by his sisters, Velma Johnson of Great Falls, Margie Gorder of Havre and Norma Jewett of Des Moines, Wash. ; numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife he was preceded in death by brother, Don Cross, and by sisters, Virginia Brandt and Florence Johnson.

In accordance with his wishes, Mr. Cross will be cremated at Butte Crematories. Life celebration services will be conducted on Sunday at 2 p. m. at Rockman Funeral Chapel in Chester, with interment of ashes in Rudyard Cemetery.

The family requests that memorials be made to Rocky Mountain Hospice.

Axelson Alternative Cremation is privileged to serve the Cross family.