Obituary Courtesy of Beverly Gummer 18 Feb 2005

Don Gummer dies Oct. 17

    Donovan Gummer of Shelby died Oct 17 at his home.
    He was born to Charles and Sylvia (Gunby) Gummer on August 21, 1917 in Gilford. He helped work the family farm while attending schools in Gilford , graduating from high school in 1936.
    He then went to work for the railroad. On July 19, 1941 he married Hilda Cramer in Great Falls. In the summer of 1942 they moved to Essex where he continued to work as track inspector  on the railroad. In  1948 They moved to  northwest Chester     where Don worked for his father-in-law, Pete Smith, on the farm there. They eventually obtained ownership of this farm.

    Don and Hilda raised five children, who kept them active in school and community affairs. Don was the first president of the Chester P.T.A. and   a past school board member. He was a sports enthusiast, not only a spectator but also a participant. He was a avid bowler and had been on many leagues along the hi-line for many years. He also loved golf, and was a member of the Marias Valley Golf and Country Club. He was a dedicated Elk, he had served as chairman of the trustee board for the Shelby Elks Club for the past two years and was elected “Elk of the Year” in 1973. He was a charter member of the Chester Lions Club and was also a member of the United Methodist Church in Chester.
    Don and Hilda have been residing in Shelby since October, 1977. At that time they left the farming to their son, Tom, and Don assumed the managerial position at the Elks Club in Shelby. On the early morning of Oct. 17 he suffered an attack at his home and died at the age of  61 years.
    He is survived by his wife; a son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Ilene of Chester; four daughters, Mrs. Gary (Sharon) Shepherd of Virginia Beach, VA,  Mrs. Charles (Donise) Haddock, Mrs. B.J. (Micelle) Oswood of Chester, Mrs. Randy (Jackie) Norenberg of Shelby,; three brothers, Earl of Fresno, CA, Todd of Spokane, WA and Sivert of Butte; a sister-in-law, Mrs. Lois Gummer of Havre; nine grandchildren, including Jeff and Ricky Shepherd, Brett Donovan and Byron Ben Oswood, Brock and  Krystle Gummer, Darin and Angeleka Haddock, and Chontell Donise Norenberg; and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Morey.
   Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct 20 at United Methodist Church in Chester. Reverend Robert Hermestad conducted the services.
    Organ renditions by Mike Morrow included “Climb Every Mountain” and “We Are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder”. Darlene Hanson, accomptied by Marrow, sang How Great Thou Art” and “Somewhere My Love”.
    Doug and Don Shepherd ushered, and Del Lingle, Doug Russell, Alfred Hanson, Wally Marrow, Ray Knapton and Bruce McKenzie served as pallbearers.
    Honorary Pallbearers included Ray Kell, Fred McLeod, John Kossel, Rob Gagner, Bob Bisk Sr., Mike Wohdtvedt, Ron Krutsfeld, Clarence Ramberg, Neil Shepherd, Roger Shepherd, Maynard Norenberg, Clarence LaBrie, Bill Wyrick, Don Pegreba, Lyle Steever, and Harry Helmbigner Sr., Burial was in Chester Cemetery. Members from the Shelby Elks Club provided a special Elks Rite as part of the graveside services.
    A reception in Don’s memory was held for the family and friends at the R.N.A. Hall in Chester. Rockman Chapel in Chester was in charge or arrangements.