Montana Obituaries & Death Records
What makes a life truly meaningful? A life lived for others, a life punctuated by acts of courage and selflessness, leaves an enduring legacy. The story of Carl Mann, a resident of Fort Peck, Montana, is a testament to this truth.
On the crisp morning of November 20th, tragedy struck the quiet community of Fort Peck. Carl Mann, a man known for his kind heart and love for his canine companion, lost his life in a valiant attempt to save his dog from the icy grip of Dredge Cuts Trout Pond. According to Sheriff Tom Boyer, Mann was at the pond around 9:40 a.m. when his dog ventured onto the thin ice and fell through. Without hesitation, Mann rushed to his dog's aid, only to have the ice give way beneath him. This act of instinctive bravery ultimately cost him his life, leaving a community in mourning and a poignant reminder of the powerful bond between humans and their pets.
| Name | Carl Mann |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1949 |
| Parents | Carl and Tonita Carlson |
| Date of Death | November 20 (Year not explicitly stated, but context suggests recent) |
| Cause of Death | Accidental Drowning |
| Location of Incident | Dredge Cuts Trout Pond, North of Fort Peck, Montana |
| Reference | (Information compiled from provided text snippets, no single definitive source available) |
Mann's selfless act echoes other stories of compassion and loss that have recently surfaced in Montana. The passing of Carl Leonard Christman of Laurel, Montana, on August 26, 2024, at the age of 91, has left a void in the lives of his family and friends. Christman, born in Edgar, Montana, lived a long and full life, the details of which are being shared and celebrated by loved ones. Services were held in Billings, Montana, and online resources like Legacy.com offer a space for condolences and shared memories.
These stories are not isolated incidents. Across Montana, communities grapple with loss and celebrate the lives of those who have passed. Shirleyann Abad, 68, of Captain Cook, Hawaii, passed away in Honolulu on March 13, 2025, her life beginning and ending in the Hawaiian Islands. Clif Cook, 80, of Glasgow, Montana, died on April 11, 2025, at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital. Born in Glasgow in 1945 to Jess and Alice (Paulson) Cook, he was a lifelong resident and a graduate of Glasgow High School. Monismith Carl of Missoula, Montana, passed away on January 7, 2025, his obituary appearing in the Missoulian two days later. David Carl Rhodes Jr., known affectionately as Dave or Buddy, passed away on November 12, 2024. Born in Kingston, Pennsylvania, in 1976, Buddy spent his formative years in Orange, Pennsylvania, finding solace in the woods behind his mother's house. He later resided in Montana.
These individual threads of life and loss weave together to form the rich tapestry of a community. Resources such as the Montana Standard obituaries and the Montana State Genealogical Society's extensive death record database, dating back to 1882, offer avenues for researching family history and honoring the departed. For deaths prior to 1882, the Society recommends exploring cemetery records, newspapers, and personal journals. These records hold fragments of lives lived, offering glimpses into the past and preserving the memories of those who came before.
Each obituary tells a story, a testament to a life lived. Whether a life cut tragically short like Carl Mann's, or a life that spanned decades like Carl Leonard Christman's, each individual leaves an indelible mark. The collective memory of these lives, preserved through stories, obituaries, and genealogical records, forms the heart and soul of Montana's communities.
From the bustling city of Billings to the serene landscapes surrounding Fort Peck, the cycle of life and death continues. These stories serve as a poignant reminder to cherish every moment and to celebrate the lives of those we love. They remind us that acts of kindness, even in the face of danger, can resonate far beyond our own lifetimes. And they remind us that while death may be inevitable, the memories we create and the love we share will endure.
