Frontier Funeral Home

Frontier Funeral Home Rich history of providing dignified and compassionate care to the community of Choteau since 1929.

On Presidents Day, we pause to recognize the leadership and dedication that have helped shape our country. We’re gratefu...
02/16/2026

On Presidents Day, we pause to recognize the leadership and dedication that have helped shape our country. We’re grateful to serve our community with care and compassion every day.

Yvonne ArmstrongAudrey Yvonne Armstrong passed away February 7th, 2026. She was known to family and friends alike as "Yv...
02/14/2026

Yvonne Armstrong

Audrey Yvonne Armstrong passed away February 7th, 2026. She was known to family and friends alike as "Yvonne" and to her grandkids as "Grandma Von".

Yvonne was born May 26th, 1931 in Williston, ND to Elmer and Mable (Sonstoby) Tofte and raised in rural Williston. She graduated high school in 1949 and went on to graduate from the Minot State Teacher's College back when Teaching Certificates only took two years to complete.

In 1956, as a young, single, woman she travelled Europe but spent most of her time in Norway where she met relatives. This was a big adventure as she took a ship there, returning to the U.S. via plane and landed without a penny left to her name.

Yvonne moved to Conrad, Montana for her teaching assignment and it was there that she met Darwin "Fuzz" Armstrong. The two married on December 28th, 1957 at the Williston Lutheran Church. The couple was married for 29 years. Her teaching career took her to rural schools in Western North Dakota, Laurel, MT, Conrad, MT, Bynum, MT and Choteau, MT where she resided from 1958-2026. These teaching assignments were often in one room schoolhouses and some had her housed with families of the children she taught. While teaching in Laurel she and her roommate, Noreen, used their kitchen cabinets to store pairs of shoes-a pair for each outfit! While teaching in Conrad her average class size was 40. Substitute teaching brought her to Bynum and Choteau where she then spent 25 years tutoring students who needed a little extra help.

Yvonne was involved with the Jaycees, and all aspects of Trinity Lutheran Church. There she was a Deacon, Sunday school Superintendent, Teacher, and helped with the Lutefisk Dinners. She was affectionately known as the "N**i" who ran the funeral dinners. She was involved with Bible studies, ladies circle and was also an incredible cook and baker. Her Hershey's brownies, caramel rolls, and potato salad were the best. She made 200 caramel rolls for her granddaughter, Jill's graduation.

She was a great listener and friend. You couldn't have asked for a better neighbor. Grandchildren, Great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews loved her. She was always there for them and any other child that needed a helping hand or a listening ear. Yvonne loved her friends and family, and she was loved by them. Yvonne lived for her family. She was passionate about her Norwegian heritage, Lutefisk (a disgusting dish) was her favorite. More recently in life she had become a wine connoisseur. She loved having her hair and

nails done by friends Kim and Lori. Music was something she enjoyed as she sang and played the piano. She was even a member of the family band playing along side her dad who played the fiddle while her cousins were on guitar and accordion. Her love of shoes would be unsurpassed!

She is survived by her son Mark (Lyla) Armstrong of Choteau, MT, and daughter Darla (Dave) Haller of Basin, WY. Grandchildren; Sam (Mariah) Armstrong, Jesse Armstrong, Becca Armstrong and Jillian Lorash. Great-Grandchildren; Lucy, Kohen, Jens and Aksel Armstrong, Lilly Armstrong, and P.J. Lorash along with many nieces and nephews and Sister-in-law Marcella Rodriguez.

She is proceeded in death by husband Fuzz Armstrong, parents; Elmer and Mable Tofte; brothers Odeane and Wyatt Tofte; Mother and Father-in-law Florence and Noble Armstrong; brothers-in-law Leonard and Walt Armstrong; sisters-in-law Maxine Schlosser and Pat Giard.

A memorial is planned for late May.

Donations may be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church in Choteau in lieu of flowers.

View Yvonne Armstrong's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, we’re especially mindful of those who may be carrying extra weight in their hearts partic...
02/13/2026

As Valentine’s Day approaches, we’re especially mindful of those who may be carrying extra weight in their hearts particularly those remembering a spouse or loved one. Love doesn’t end with loss; memories remain close and meaningful.

02/05/2026
Have we had the opportunity to serve your family? If so, we would truly appreciate you sharing your experience with us i...
01/27/2026

Have we had the opportunity to serve your family? If so, we would truly appreciate you sharing your experience with us in a Google review. Thank you for your trust. 🔗 Leave a review here: https://tinyurl.com/FrontierFuneralHome

Kathleen ArensmeyerKay V. Arensmeyer, 87, passed away peacefully-but determined to go out on her own terms-on January 17...
01/23/2026

Kathleen Arensmeyer

Kay V. Arensmeyer, 87, passed away peacefully-but determined to go out on her own terms-on January 17, 2026, in Choteau, Montana, with her daughter, Carla, at her side. Most likely, she spent her last moments giving gentle (or not-so-gentle) advice on how someone should really do something the "right way."

Kay was born on November 25, 1938, in Buffalo, Wyoming, to Everett "Bud" Strauser and Alma Williams. She grew up in the Sun River Valley of Montana, where she learned that horses could be trusted but teenagers... maybe not. She spent many hours riding with her good friend, Ida Sauke Johnson, and worked as a cook at 13 and later as a telephone operator in high school. She graduated from Fairfield High School in 1956.

After high school, Kay worked as a waitress in Great Falls, then moved to Fairfield to be closer to her sister, Betty, and family. In her early twenties, she helped raise her younger siblings while caring for her own three children, demonstrating remarkable resilience and multitasking skills. Kay had a gift for friendship-she could make friends with complete strangers, new neighbors, and even those who didn't know her but had heard the town gossip.

On August 18, 1967, Kay married Richard "Dick" Arensmeyer, becoming a farmer's wife and a second mother to many children from the Farmington Bench and surrounding towns-nieces and nephews, and even a few stray dogs and cats. She continued her devotion to family while babysitting neighbors' children, supporting her own, and cheering on her favorites: the Denver Broncos, Seattle Mariners, MSU Bobcats, and UM Grizzlies. Kay loved bowling, flower gardening, camping, listening to country music, and reading.

She volunteered extensively with St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Teton County 4-H, Red Cross Blood Donation Services, and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, showing that generosity and grit can coexist beautifully.

Kay was preceded in death by her husband, Richard "Dick" Arensmeyer; her son, Rod Arensmeyer; her parents, Everett "Bud" Strauser and Alma Williams; her brother, Scot Strauser; her sisters, Candye Miller and Margaret "W**d" Strauser; her brother-in-law, Duane Mellinger; and her sister-in-law, Julie Strauser.

She is survived by her children: Keith (Kay Lawhon) of Great Falls, Montana; Kathy Umpleby of Choteau, Montana; Carla Palacio (Tommy) of Stockett, Montana; Keri Yoder (Kirk) of East Helena, Montana; and her beloved bonus daughter, Mari Shore of Choteau, Montana.

Surviving grandchildren: Ryan Meek (Alicia), Nathan Williams, Joe (Angie) Arensmeyer, Samantha Jo Arensmeyer, Morgan (Colton) LaPointe, Quaid (Brittany) McCracken, Bailey McCracken, Kyler Lawhon, Kellan Lawhon (Aaliyah), and Kristopher Yoder; and her great-grandchildren: Tyson Rae, Amie Arensmeyer, Matthew Anding, Kinley Ably, Emil Arensmeyer, and Carson and Lily LaPointe.

She is also survived by her brother, Bim (Janas) Strauser of Havre, Montana, and her sister, Betty Mellinger of Ulm, Montana.

A celebration of Kay's life will be held on Sunday, August 23rd at 11:00 a.m. at the Choteau Pavilion, with burial following at Choteau Cemetery. Frontier Funeral Home is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Montana 4-H Foundation.

Kay will be missed by all who knew and loved her here on earth, but we know she's giving Dick an earful right now-because that was their love language.

View Kathleen Arensmeyer's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Dianne FellersDianne Lyn Fellers, age 79, passed away peacefully in her home on January 11, 2026.Dianne was born on Augu...
01/20/2026

Dianne Fellers

Dianne Lyn Fellers, age 79, passed away peacefully in her home on January 11, 2026.

Dianne was born on August 20, 1946, in Malta, Montana, to her parents, Dan Jones and Inez Flom. She was raised in Malta and always considered it her true home.

In 1989, Dianne moved to Choteau, where she met Abe Fellers. The two were later married in the mountains of Teton Canyon-a place they dearly loved and where they enjoyed spending time together, come rain or shine.

For eighteen years, Dianne worked at the Teton Nursing Home before retiring. She was known for her caring nature and dedication to those around her.

Dianne enjoyed visiting with friends, loving and caring for her countless pets, and spending time in nature.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ida and Gunder Flom; her parents; and her husband, Abe Fellers. She is survived by her daughter, Jamie (Joe) Dupuis; two grandchildren, Shelby Hogle and Connor Dupuis; her sister, Sharon Hendrickson Brown; nephew, Michael Brown; niece, Misty Francis; and a host of loving cousins and extended family members.

It was Dianne's wish to be cremated and to have her ashes buried with her mother in Malta.

Condolences to the family may be shared at www.frontierfuneralhome.com.

View Dianne Fellers's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

This was sent to us and we just wanted to share with the community.
01/19/2026

This was sent to us and we just wanted to share with the community.

Karen FreyObituary for Karen Ann (Rudy) Rudolph FreyKaren was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 16, 1961. She was ra...
01/19/2026

Karen Frey

Obituary for Karen Ann (Rudy) Rudolph Frey

Karen was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 16, 1961. She was raised in Eagan, Minnesota. Her father was Wayne Harlan Rudolph (Rudy) and mother is Botella (Bo) Mae Halvorson Lorenzen Rudolph. She had a brother Karl August Rudolph (Rudy) that was two years older and he died the end of June 2024 in Prior Lake, Minnesota. Both Karl and Karen were 64 years old when they died. Wayne died in 2013.

She attended Burnsvile High school and graduated in 1979.

Upon graduation she joined the Air Force in Aug. 1979 and was stationed at Carswell, A.F.B. in Fort Worth, Texas. She was one of the first women to be a B-52 bomber jet engine mechanic and she worked flight-line. Unheard of for a woman's job in 1979. She looked like a model not a jet engine mechanic. She had no trouble after her co-workers found out she knew her job and wasn't a crybaby. Then she was one of the guys.

Her rank was Sgt. and pay grade was E4. She was on the 7 FMS Strategic Air Command. She received the Maintenance Person of the Month, Air Force Training Ribbon, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and the Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon.

She got multiple sclerosis while in the military and after 5 years and 10 months she was honorably discharged and placed on temporary disability retired list.

After the military she attended the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. She had a bachelor's degree as a Recreational Therapist. Sadly, she never got to use it.

She was divorced twice. For a short time, she was married to Larry Hanson in Pendroy. Later she married Maurice Frey from Havre, and they were married for almost 20 years when they divorced. Karen remained good friends with the Frey family.

She and Maurice have a son named Zail. He is special needs and lives with the other grandparents, Paulette and Robert Frey, in Great Falls. He is 28 years old. He stays with his Dad quite often too.

She lived in many places including: Eagan, Minn., Fort Worth, Texas, Grand Forks N.D., Pendroy, Choteau, and Great Falls, Montana.

Karen was an avid Green Bay Packers fan. She had a lot of Packers paraphernalia.

Although in Minnesota she lived near several Viking players.

Memorials can be sent to Eagle Mount or Special Olympics in Great Falls. Karen's son, Zail is active in both.

A small grave-side military service will be held Thursday, January 29 at 2:00 p.m. in the Military section in the Choteau Cemetery.

Frontier Funeral Home in Choteau are overseeing the arrangements.

View Karen Frey's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Today we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.Dr. King reminded us that compassion, service, and love ...
01/19/2026

Today we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. King reminded us that compassion, service, and love for one another are powerful forces for change. His message continues to inspire us to lead with kindness, stand for dignity, and care for our communities—especially during life’s most difficult moments.

On this day of remembrance, may we reflect on how we can serve others with empathy, understanding, and respect.

Arthur KnapstadArthur Ray Knapstad, age 80, died on January 9, 2026, in Choteau, Montana. He was born on June 13, 1945, ...
01/15/2026

Arthur Knapstad

Arthur Ray Knapstad, age 80, died on January 9, 2026, in Choteau, Montana. He was born on June 13, 1945, in Great Falls, Montana, to Marvin and Margaret Knapstad. He was raised in Montana and graduated from Great Falls High School in 1964.

Arthur joined the United States Marine Corps and served two tours in Vietnam, earning two Purple Hearts for his service. He was stationed in Bangor, Washington, where he met Barbara Buffington. They were married on August 1, 1969, and later moved to Great Falls, Montana, where they raised four children.

Arthur worked many jobs throughout his life, including as a ranch hand before moving into construction, where he helped build the Glacier Park Lodge. He spent much of his free time cultivating his passion for hunting and fishing.

While living in Choteau, Montana, Arthur met his current wife, Melody Roberts, and three children were added to the family. In his later years, Arthur enjoyed watching Westerns, spending time with his wife and family, and renovating his house and property. He was heavily involved with the VFW and its outreach programs, including Toys for Tots. Arthur never met a stranger and made connections within every community he was part of. His friends and relatives could always count on him to take the time to help with whatever needed to be done.

Arthur is survived by his wife, Melody Knapstad, of Choteau, Montana; his children: Gordon Knapstad of Montana; Lori (William) Crawford of Lake Tapps, Washington; Gregory Knapstad of Great Falls, Montana; Robert (Martha) Knott of El Paso, Texas; Raeshall Deshner of Choteau, Montana; and Randy Sommer of Springfield, Missouri; and his brother, Carl (Diane) Knapstad of Meridian, Idaho; brother Jim Knapstad and sister Carla Goodwin of Great Falls, Montana. He is also survived by a large extended family, including 13 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and multiple nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Margaret Knapstad; his brothers, Robert and Melvin Knapstad; his sister, Esther Knapstad; and his son, Glenn Knapstad.

Arthur will be deeply missed by his family and by all whose hearts he touched.

Final arrangements are being handled by Frontier Funeral Home in Choteau, Montana. A memorial service and interment with military honors will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local Toys for Tots program, which is run by the Marine Corps League.

View Arthur Knapstad's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

If you're looking for a meaningful way to offer comfort to a grieving family, certain sympathy flowers carry messages of...
01/15/2026

If you're looking for a meaningful way to offer comfort to a grieving family, certain sympathy flowers carry messages of love, peace, and support:

🌸 Lilies – Symbolize the restored innocence of the soul.
🌹 Roses – A classic expression of love, respect, and remembrance.
🌼 Chrysanthemums – A traditional tribute of honor and sympathy.
🌷 Tulips – Represent hope and encouragement during difficult times.
🌿 Peace Lilies – A lasting symbol of peace, rebirth, and comfort.

Whether you choose a simple bouquet or a thoughtful arrangement, sending flowers is a beautiful way to let a family know you're thinking of them and standing with them during their time of loss.

If you ever need help selecting the right arrangement, we’re here to guide you. 💛

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23 3rd Street NW
Choteau, MT
59422

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