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Milton Doles Obituary
A gathering of family and friends will be held at from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Schnider Funeral Home, with dinner provided.
Milton Raymond Doles was born in Great Falls, Dec. 9, 1949, to William Doles Sr. and Mary Able-Dyke Doles. He played football, first for Great Falls High and then for CMR. He graduated from CMR in 1968, in the school's first graduating class.
Milton attended college for a couple years at MSU and U of M.
He spent 10 years as a deep-sea diver for oil companies in the Gulf of Mexico and was a 24-year member of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Blacksmiths, and Shipbuilders. Milton was a student of history, science, architecture and genealogy. He was a good, thoughtful and gentle man who enjoyed a good run with life. His guiding principle was always to strive to do what was right, which he contemplated deeply. He had an enormous ability for insight into individuals, situations, and more often than not, with quick wit and humor. He would advise to follow your dreams, even when things don't turn out as expected, to accept the good with the bad and do what you have to do. His motto was "easy is hard enough."
In the twilight of Milton's life the most unexpected, the most extraordinary, the most wonderful thing in Life occurred. There was Love. Her name is Maureen Nardinger. Milton's family and many friends are deeply grateful to Maureen for the gift she brought to Milton, and as a result, to us all. Milton will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate to know him and enriched by his wisdom, courage and convictions.
Survivors include his partner in life, Maureen Nardinger of Havre; a son, Jason Freeman and his mother Anita of Hattiesburg, Miss.; his father, William P. Doles Sr. of Great Falls; a brother, William P. Doles Jr. of Great Falls and his daughter, Kara.
He was preceded in death by his mother.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to "Restore the Library" fund at the Great Falls Public Library, 301 2nd Ave. N., Great Falls, MT 59401, in the name of Milton Doles.
Condolences may be posted online at www.schniderfuneralhome.com and/or www.gftribune.com/obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Milton Doles
Sponsored by Maureen.
Dr. Katarina Dea Zetko
July 13, 2023
Milton, it has been a long time since I last talked to you. You will never be forgotten. I miss you so much. May you rest in peace. Your Slovenian Cousins Katarina and Stanka
Katarina Dea Zetko
July 13, 2021
Milton, you will live forever in the heart of your Slovenian Cousin Katarina
Katarina Dea Zetko
July 2, 2013
Milton, REST in PEACE - NAJ TI BODE ZEMLJICA LAHKA. POCIVAJ V MIRU.
Your Cousin Katarina, who'll never forget YOU!
Frank Radella
February 18, 2012
I met Milton at a Duquesne University Tamburitza concert in Billings a few years ago when he was working at Colstrip. I sat next to him and when the performers took a break, we began to visit. He asked if I was Croation and I told him that I was and gave him my last name. He said that he was familiar with that name from some geneology research that he had done in Vivodina Parish in Croatia. He offered to come to my home where we could get online. He came and he showed me a couple of articles that he had authored about the history of Vivodina and surnames. My grandfathers surname of Radelja was on that list. Milton was very open, friendly and generous with his time. I enjoyed his cheerful and warm company. I googled his name today, Feb 18, 2012 to possibily get more information regarding my grandfather because I am taking a trip to Croatia in May and hoped to run down relatives there. I found Miltons obituary today and am saddened by his passing. I offer sincere condolences. I lost my bride of 50 years in 2010. Frank Radella ( current spelling, reason unknown) Billings MT
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Katarina Dea Zetko
August 5, 2010
Dear Milton,
It's been a year since you passed away. I still can't get over it. You were always there and now. But my family and I haven't forgotten you. I'm glad that we had a phone convesation just a few weeks earlier before you died. We chated for about an hour and then you became so tired. It makes me happy that we said goodbye words to each other that I'll never forget. We said the things we've never said before. Oh, Milton I miss you so much.
Your Cousin,
Katarina Dea Zetko, Slovenija
Mary Brinkley
September 20, 2009
Dear Milton,
I just discovered today that you have passed away, and it makes me very sad. I remember when I first moved back to Great Falls and meeting you at Morning Light. I always enjoyed our conversations because you had such wonderfully wide-ranging interests and knowledge. You were also a lot of fun, very firm in your convictions, and moreover, easy on the eyes. I learned a lot from you, dear friend, about your family history, your "roots", which were so important to you and so revealing of your essential nature. You were deeply passionate about your beliefs, but always willing to entertain any and all other philosophies--the sign of a very energetic mind and compassionate heart. I will miss you very much, especially since I did not have the opportunity to pay my last respects. You are a very dear man, wherever you are.
Love,
Mary R. Brinkley
August 30, 2009
Milt and I connected in Glasgow MT many years ago. He was the funniest and sweetest guy I ever met. We each moved on to other lives, but I was lucky to reconnect with him by email early this year. He was the same optomistic guy I met 17 yrs earlier. I am grateful to have had Milt as a part of my life. Locha noch MIlt. La ti. Liz Harter
Stanka Zetko, Senozece, Slovenija
August 7, 2009
Dragi bratranec Milton,
Zadnjic in prvic sem te videla pred desetimi leti, tebe sina mojega dragega bratranca Willjama Doles. Zaradi tvojega neizmernega poguma, sem upala, da bos bolezen premagal. Pa jo na zalost nisi. Odsel si v drugi boljsi svet in pustil nas same brez tvojih pisem, ki smo se jih tako zelo veselili. Nikoli ne bos pozabljen, na Senozejskemu zegnu ze gorijo svecke zate na grobovih tvojih prednikov - na zemlji, ki ti je toliko pomenila. Kot je je rekla moja mama Josepina Doles-Ferfila - tam pod lipco v hladu.
Naj te Bog blagoslovi in pocivaj v miru.
Stanka Zetko, prva sestricna tvojega oceta, Senozece, Slovenija
Bogomil Pockaj
August 5, 2009
The loss of a relative sadned me. Although we never met and start the communication just a few months before his death I have been able to talk to him twice on the phone, last time just a week before his death when he returned from the hospital. As if I'd know I sent him my last email just on the day he died asking him how he is. He was a good man.
Regards, Bogomil (Slovenia)
Katarina Dea Zetko
August 4, 2009
Dragi bratranec Milton,
I was shocked by the news that my dear Cousin Milton has passed away. During my visit to the States, we spent a wonderful week together and although you were so ill at that time, you were brave, ready to fight and never quit. You were even concerned about the health of my Dad, who is 80 and very ill and try to find some help for him. You always listened to me and my problems although they were nothing compared to your condition. You were a person one could always rely on. You were the sunshine of my life. You helped me find some material for my PhD that I couldn't get...
The last time I had a telephone conversation with you was approximately 14 days before you passed away. And even at that time you were dealing with my problems and tried to help. I am glad that I learned that you loved me and that I told you that I loved you too and that we said goodbye to each other. Your little sister (as you called me at that time)misses you so much. The tears are dropping while I am writting this because I cannot face the fact that you have gone. You wanted to live so badly. I am happy about you and Maureen and hope that Maureen is ready to tell me something more about your last days.
Once again I would like to tell you how much I'll be missing you and Mitlton how much I love you. I will light candles on my grandma Josepina and our great-grandma Katarina Markovcic-Doles and great-grandpa Luka Doles for you. So you will rest on the Slovenian soil as well since you loved it so much. And it will be nice because the breeze is alwasy blowing lightly. You will never be forgotten; you will always live on the Slovene soil in my heart. Milton I cannot get over your premature death, but I know what you would say and that keeps me going on. This is my last e-mail to you, but firmly believe that one day we will meet again. God bless you Milt and rest in peace.
Tvoja majhna sestra (your little sister) Katarina DEA Zetko
Naj pociva v miru in naj mu bo zemljica lahka.
Kat (Sather) McKay
July 28, 2009
I am very saddened to hear of Milt's passing and it is bitter-sweet to remember our conversations just last summer at our class reunion. May peace be unto you in adjusting to life without him, and may you be comforted knowing there are so many of us with great memories of him which make him live on.
Franka Zetko
July 27, 2009
Dragi bratranec Milton,
I am very sad, my heart is crying, I can't believe that you passed away so suddenly. I'll miss your e-mails very much. You were such a wonderfull, special person, always willing to listen other peoples problems. Your letters gave me strength during hard times! I regret I couldn't come to the States with my sister last year, but I'll always remember the good times we had together in Slovenia during your visit!
Your greatest wish was to come to Slovenia again- next year. I was sure you were going to make it but now you can watch your dearest Slovenia from heaven! Thak you for everything! You will always have a special place in my heart!
Iskreno sozalje Maureen, vsej druzini, posebej ocetu Bill-u in bratu Kip-u, sinu Jason-u, teti Ann-i in vsem sorodnikom!
Milton pocivaj v miru. Zmeraj bos imel posebno mesto v mojem srcu.Pogresam te!
tvoja neutolazljiva sestricna Franka
July 24, 2009
It was so nice to meet you and spend some time with you when you visited Croatia. To be your e-mail friend over the years.
You will always live in our hearts. I hope you are building little house up in heaven -the one you wanted to build in Croatia...
Rest in peace.
Petra and Vesna Baglama, Zagreb, Croatia
The congregation at Calvary Chapel of Great Falls
July 23, 2009
To Milton's Family & Friends,
We send our deepest sympathy as you face this time of painful loss. May the Lord, Jesus Christ, touch your lives with blessed healing and peace that only He can give as you walk in the light of His love each day.
Dawn Petrie
July 23, 2009
I never really knew Milton, but I work in the MSU Great Falls college library and anytime he came in, he always had a smile on his face and I found that if I had a bad day, one smile from him was all I needed and my day had gone better. I will diffently miss him, but his smile will still be with me as a reminder to never let things get me down and to keep smiling for whatever reason.
tim bryson
July 22, 2009
Milt was a reall centerpeice of the CMR class of 68. I especcilly enjoyed the time i got to spend with him during our reunion last year. i will rember you often and smile when i think of your name. god bless
Connie Duffy
July 21, 2009
I was and am very sad to learn of Milt's passing. I met Milt in Bozo where we shared good times and good friends. I hadn't seen Milt in years, but have memories across the miles............God bless!
Zina Swan
July 20, 2009
To my wonderful friend! We met two and half years ago at Morning Light Coffee and we became coffee/walking buddies. In our walks we had great stories about our life as kids, our own kids, and the crazy things we did. Time spent together was always a good conversation, of the past and the present. You always shared your positive attitude and outlook on life with me often. I could always guarantee an answer to any question, because you knew a little about everything and if by chance you did not, you would find out. Your smile will be missed. Hasta La Vista Milt.
July 20, 2009
I believe Greg was the one who introduced me to Milt when we were in college (MSU). We had many good times and he was always a person who "said it like it was". The last time I saw Milt was at the GFH/CMR reunion last year. He hadn't changed a bit and that was wonderful! You lived life the way you wanted to, Milt...thanks for the memories.
Sally Richardson, Bozeman, MT
Branko Mikan
July 20, 2009
Milt, you'll always be in our harts and memories. From the earliest days back in the 50s when I wore the clothes that you outgrew and your family sent over to war torn Croatia, to the 80s when you actually made the first contact with the Croatian side of the family, trips to Canada and Croatia and countless notes and e-mails back and forth, you were always there. Just a few clicks of the keyboard, no matter which state the job was in. We'll miss you. May god bless you.
Vicki Kolokotrones-Kharitonov
July 20, 2009
Milton will always hold a special place in my heart. I have fond memories from High School and our friendship. He was a special person and will be missed.
July 20, 2009
Milt was a Great Man and confidant, who I will miss deeply! I will never forget You dear friend! The very best to the Doles Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you! The O'Leyar Family
Always your Friend!
Grego
David Chung
July 20, 2009
Milton taught me that laws are only guidelines and buttes are meant to be climbed (even if it is obviously a bad idea). I'll always remember him fondly.
Laurie Hovee-Migneault
July 20, 2009
I will never forget all the fun "chats" you, Bill & I had. Super guy who will be missed so much. Goodbye my good friend.
Lillian Kulhanek
July 20, 2009
I don't remember if we saw Milton more in Croatia or North America. Good company, fine conversation, always a pleasure. We will miss you, Milton.
Our sincere condolences to Maureen and Milton's family.
Katica Mikan
July 20, 2009
My deepest condolences.
Mary Kulhanek
July 20, 2009
We are very sad at this difficult time. We are very sorry that we won't be traveling to Croatia together anymore. You will be missed.
Anitra Hall
July 20, 2009
Milt was a special man; intelligent, quick-witted, thoughtful, and just plain funny. He never hesitated to share a geneology insite or a good joke. I always looked forward to seeing Milt at Morning Light. I will miss him very much. My prayers are with his family during this time of profound loss.
Dina Kulhanek
July 20, 2009
I'll never forget that day at home, many years ago, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, when the phone rang and some guy said, "Hello, my name is Milton Doles, and I think we're related." Turns out Milton had been researching his family geneology, as was one of his hobbies, and wanted to talk to his new found family in Toronto. We became fast friends, travelling to each other's respective homes, in Toronto and Great Falls. We even met up in Munich, Germany one year to travel to Croatia together (as he would require an interpreter). I have so many fond memories of Milton, he was older than me but very cool. I'll miss you cousin Milt. Rest in peace.
Boilermakers Local 11
July 20, 2009
Words are inadequate in expressing how deeply sorry we are for your loss. Memories of Milt will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
The Brothers and Sisters of Boilermakers Local 11
Bob Turner
July 20, 2009
I am very sorry to hear of Milton's passing. I have often thought of the gang from high school. There were some great parties we had together and a fun time just being around Milton and his many friends. You are in our thoughts Milt. You are now on to the next chapter.
Ann (Holloway) Mealey
July 20, 2009
Milt was always a joy. My sister, Robin and I always loved it when Milt happened by. He worked with our father at the Anaconda , and often shared stories about that time with us. Special thoughts go out to Bill, We are thinking of you at this sad, sad time.
Pat & Linda Kolwyck
July 20, 2009
We'll miss seeing Milt, he was always a delight.
Angela Nikolaus
July 19, 2009
Rest In peace, Milt. It was a pleasure meeting you and taking walks with you and Zina by the river.
Louise McMillin
July 19, 2009
We love you, Milty! Hope you are having a wonderful adventure!
Louise, Jerry, and Silas
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