Obituary: Edward John Majerus

LEWISTOWN - Oct. 30, 2016, Edward John Majerus passed away peacefully surrounded by family in the Central Montana Skilled Nursing Center.

Viewing will be at Creel Funeral Home, Friday Nov. 4, from 1 to 5 p.m. Reciting the rosary will take place Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. at St. Leo's Catholic Church followed by the vigil service at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, at 11 a.m. at St. Leo's Catholic Church. Rite of Committal will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery with military honors.

Edward was born to Edward and Edith (Giles) Majerus in Havre May 2, 1923. As a child he contributed to the family income by delivering milk and eggs to customers' doorsteps. He was a 1942 graduate of Havre High School. In 1944, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps where he was a belly gunner on a B-24 based in China and India.

Nov. 7, 1945, Edward married Dorothy Jean Bough in Havre. The couple started their lives together farming on Bootlegger Trail North of Great Falls. In 1949, they bought a small farm along Highway 2, west of Havre near Burnham. To supplement their income, they made, packaged and sold potato chips. In the fall of 1952, the couple purchased a ranch along the Judith River on Hanover Road outside of Lewistown. The ranch became their home for 37 years where they raised a family of seven children.

Edward was an active member of the American Legion Post #16, the Elks, Knights of Columbus, Kolin Rifle Club, and he was selected Jaycee's Outstanding Young Farmer in 1956. He served as a member of the Moore School Board where he played an important role in building a new school.

Edward is survived by a brother, Giles Majerus of Havre, and sister-in-law, Evelyn Baird of Cedaredge, Colorado; seven children, Bob Majerus of Monarch, Mark (Marilyn) Majerus of Bridger, Don (Phyllis) Majerus of Bozeman, Leo (Linda) Majerus of Lewistown, Anita Majerus of Billings, Phil (Lynette) Majerus of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, and Tim (Teresa) Majerus of Lewistown; 15 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death is his wife of 68 years, Dorothy Jean; his two sisters, Magdalene Sund and Florence Brophy; four brothers, George, Norbert, Frank and Leonard; and two daughters-in-law, Beverly Majerus and Sue Majerus.

A lifetime rancher, Edward had a good eye for cattle and a drive to succeed. He instilled in his children the importance of a strong work ethic. He believed in helping his family as well as those in need. In his 93 years, Edward made a positive and lasting impact.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to the Fergus High Boys Cross Country Team and/or the St. Leo's Building Improvement Fund, 124 W. Broadway, Lewistown, MT 59457.

Arrangements are under the care of Creel Funeral Home.

Edward's family and friends can share memories and condolences at http://www.creelfuneralhome.com.