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Onno Cornelius Wieringa

1924 - 2013

BORN

1924

DIED

2013

About

Conrad High School

Onno Wieringa Obituary

Onno Cornelius Wieringa

Conrad —Onno Cornelius Wieringa - October 16, 1924 - July 19, 2013

Onno was pleasantly surprised that he lived to see 88. He passed peacefully at the Conrad Hospital - only having been a patient there one other time.

Onno wrote a few things about his life that he wanted us to pass along.

- Born in Conrad at 509 S. Main

- Graduated from Conrad High School in 1942

- Served Honorably in the 10th Mountain Division of the US Army from 1942-45

- Married Joyce Madeline Gordon in 1948 and they had three sons - Onno, Ridge and Kurt

- Joyce and Onno had 7 grandchildren - Siri Anna, Onno, Ashton, Josh, Jarrett, Durgen and Grady

- He was preceded in death by his wife Joyce in 2003, parents Onno and Anna, sisters Labbertha, Francis and Catherine.

- He had three dogs - Duke, Shed and Lolipop

- Onno worked with Troop 31 of the Boy Scouts for 20 years

- He ran the Conrad Body Works for 50 years

- He was on a first name basis with several Fish and Game wardens

- Onno had 1000 friends and 2 that were not friends

A celebration of life for Onno and Joyce will be held when the weather cools off.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Great Falls Tribune on Jul. 28, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Onno Wieringa

25 Entries

Richard Lamma

September 8, 2016

8 Sept 2016
Lude, Ridge & Kurt ~ I discovered this excellent tribute page while looking for photos to illustrate a brief but heart-felt homage to your dad on Facebook. Onno was a mentor for many boys who were lucky enough to be in Conrad's Boy Scout Troop 31 while he was Scoutmaster. I was in awe of this man who had mastered so many skills, had so much experience and knowledge under his belt, yet always treated us with respect and caring. I know none of this is news to you ~ but I wanted you to know how deeply your dad touched many lives, including mine. He set high standards for everyone, including himself. In doing so, your dad became an exemplar of what it means to be a good and honorable man. I miss him to this day.

Here is the relevant portion of what I wrote in my tribute to Onno Wierenga ~

" ... being in Boy Scouts presented a great arena in which to learn about a wide variety of skills (one for each merit badge), a healthy sense of community, lots of self-challenge, and unsurpassed possibiities for living in the wild. Troop 31 (Conrad, MT) was lucky ~ our scoutmaster served in the Army's illustrious 10th Mountain Division during WWII ~ he was an avid outdoorsman (hunting, fish,ing, skiiing, was a SCUBA-certified member of the local Search & Rescue team) ~ and he pushed for lots and lots of camping trips deep into the nearby 'Rocky Mountains. We kids were in awe of him, but he didn't let that go to his head. Whether speaking with the troop as a whole or a Scout one-on-one, he was respectful, genuine, and encouraging. Mr. Onno Wieringa ..... Salute. You hleped guide many boys toward adult lives of virtue, community involvement, and a profound love of wilderness. "

As I write this, three years have already passed since Onno Rode West. Wherever he is, I know he remains curious, passionate, adventurous, smart, and he is enjoying the heck out of this new passage in his life. I think of his laughter, and smile with the memory.

With empathy and respect,
Rick Lamma
Missoula, MT

Lynne Jermunson

August 20, 2013

Lude, Ridge and Kurt,
Condolences are sent in honor of a great man, your father. Your father influenced me to become a better skier and your mother a better golfer. Both persons were influential in my life.
Hugs to you and your families.
Lynne Jermunson

George Marble

August 4, 2013

Onno, Ridge, and Kurt,

So sorry to hear about Onno's passing. I remember all the good times we had in Conrad and Echo Lake. Fish fries, water skiing, and fire works all stand out. Also, ice fishing at Duck Lake. He and my Dad were quite the pair. I can just hear Onno telling the story when Dad's boat and trailer came off the back of the pick up near Valier as they were coming back from Echo at night. Probably a few stops at the saloons along highway 2 that night, too. Always enjoyed Onno's stories while picking up repaired radiators or repaired cars at the shop on Main Street. Truly one of "Conrad's Characters" I was most fortunate to know while growing up.

George and Karen (Onno called her "Blondie")

Julie Ellen Katana

August 4, 2013

I feel like an orphan all over again. Onno and Joyce were my 2nd parents. Brother Jim, his wife Lynn and I visited Onno for the last time on Wednesday, June 19th. We laughed a lot, got Onno to tell stories--he ALWAYS had stories. We brought friends with us, so it was a party. I fiddled a few tunes, which he seemed to really enjoy. Whenever I came to town (even back in college days), the first place I headed was to the Wieringa home. Three years ago, I stayed at Onno's while there for Whoop Up and Jim's 50th class reunion. It was so much fun to be in that house. So many fond memories...I can see Onno standing in the rain over the campfire up around the lake at Swift dam, black dye dripping from his cowboy hat into his coffee. He didn't care. It was the year we Conrad Range Riders got snowed out of our horseback camping weekend. Life was one big hoot to Onno.
What a fortunate little kid I was to have Onno and Joyce and the boys in my life. Lude and Ridge were my "little brothers."
Lude, Ridge and Curt--my thoughts and love are with you. I'm probably the one crying the most! ;-(

Janet Emrick Feeney

August 3, 2013

Definitely one of the generation of "colorful" citizens of Conrad that I remember when growing up in Conrad. My father spoke highly of Onno and his talents. May we all enjoy a smile while remembering Onno. He'll be missed at the Home Cafe :)

Doug Bowman

August 1, 2013

jump in the lake thru a hole in the ice
you bet. if its to tough i'ii have one of my boys do it. how lucky we all are to have had this man in our lives. he was a freind of mine!

July 31, 2013

Onno, Ridge and Kurt. your dad was the greatest. I know he had more than a thousand friends. I will never forget when he would fire up his Big and I mean Big Deep Fat Fryer and throw in a bunch of Rocky Mountain Oysters and serve them at the McCracken branding s. The kids were all lined up first and sometimes there were a few left for the adults. everybody loved your dad and your dad loved everybody. There will be a special place for him in Heaven. You will have many happy memories to talk about. Please remember we loved Onno very much and he truly is a legend. Take care and please know that there will be as many tears of laughter as there are sadness. Onno would have it no other way.
In loving Sympathy, Andy and Anita Vandolah

July 31, 2013

I'm sorry for your loss. May God give you and your family peace in your time of sorrow.

Ms Porter

Lynda Arvidson Cambron

July 31, 2013

Onno, Ridge and Kurt.....Keeping you in thought and prayer as you miss your dear Dad. He was one of a kind. I have fond memories of our camping trips up by Essex many years ago. What fun we all had there. Your Dad was a loyal Home Cafe-r for many years. May sweet memories of him make you smile real soon.

Kim Baumann

July 31, 2013

My thoughts are with you all. His memories will live for a very long time because every time his name is mentioned, someone will have an "Onno"story. What a man!

Linda (VanHeel) Winchell

July 31, 2013

I was so sorry to hear about Onno's passing. Unfortunately, I had not seen Onno in quite some time.

He was an awesome person and I will always remember how wonderful Onno and Joyce were to me when I babysat for them. In addition, I so remember him as one of our leaders in the horse club (think it was the Range Riders) back when I was young. He was always so pleasant and made it so much fun for all of us.

You are going to be terribly missed by so many Onno as your smile alone would always light up anyone's day.

My thoughts, sympathy, and prayers go out to all of his family and friends. May all of your fond memories of him help to ease your sorrow in the days ahead.

Harley Ruff

July 30, 2013

Onno was a man that you looked forward to seeing again. He, and others of his generation, made Conrad a great place to work and raise a family and I will miss him very much. Somewhere he's calling for his dog in a way that is truly Onno.

Bill McElliott

July 30, 2013

Onno,Ridge,Kurt My thoughts and prayers are with you in the passing of your dad. He always gave me a bad time and advice at certain times.

Kent McCurdy

July 30, 2013

Onno was a great friend to many. He had a long reach also. He shared willingly his home and his thoughts. We had some great times and some weird meals. His passing leaves a large void in many lives.

July 30, 2013

My thought and prayers go out to all of you. Keep your memories close to you and it will help during this difficult time. Your dad was "one of a kind" I remember working for your dad and we were in Great Falls--he told me "don't let the car die cuz yu won't be able to get it re-started, but I will be right behind you!" Well of course I killed it on the Central Bridge and had to "hot-wire" it. Got it started and down the road and back to Conrad waited approximately 1/2 hour at the Keg(where we were supposed to meet) and finally I left, later to find out he came home 2 hours later--he never was "behind me" We always had a good time. Very kind to me.
Mary Elkins

Jack Bell

July 30, 2013

Onno taught me a lot about life when he counseled me in business and personal times. I will miss all the phone calls whenever he heard a new joke. He always took great pride in his boys. Onno will be missed.

July 29, 2013

Onno liked to say he had his own zip-code; Onno 59425 USA. I tried it out numerous times sending post cards from Hungary, Canada and Mexico. He always received them! Everyone knew Onno!! Thanks for introducing us to Echo Lake. Rosemary & M. Andrew Kovatch

John Buchanan

July 29, 2013

Had great fun listing to Ono's jokes.
I won't forget him soon.

Mick and Patti Holm

July 29, 2013

Good man with a warm smile and friendly hello whenever our paths crossed. In the early days it usually was at some farmer's resevoir and latter years the Home Cafe. I recall one time when my father-in-law Gene Robinson hooked himself when we were fishing and we had to make a trip to town to Onno's shop so he could get it out and provide some "medicine". He will be missed by all that had the pleasure to know him.

Leni Yeager

July 29, 2013

I didn't know him by name, but I knew him by his face and his friendly and kind ways. He was a familiar face to me, he was the guy having coffee at the town pump who would smile when you walked in, or hold the door for me as I walked in holding and carrying toddlers. He would chat with me as well, about the weather or what ever else that was chit chat for the day. He was always one of my favorite friendly faces to see.

Rik & Sheryl Kronebusch Kronebusch

July 28, 2013

Onno always knew where to find the biggest fish. He planted them there the year before. Rik & Sheryl Kronebusch

July 28, 2013

Onno and brothers, your dad was such a fun and happy guy. I saw him last summer at Home Cafe and he still knew me and had that always present smile. We thank him for his service to our country and all he did for the community. And Onno I always loved going to your house after school or staying overnight as your mom had the best fudge I still have ever had. Our thoughts are with you.
Tom and Charlotte Ellis Coeur d' Alene

Greg Ginny Senden

July 28, 2013

All of you boys, our thoughts and prayers are with you

Ron Moser

July 28, 2013

As a teen ager in the 50s,I became one of Onno's most frequent customers, in the 60s we skied together at Teton, we enjoyed a beer and a chat together when ever we happened to meet in a bar. I never met a kinder, friendly,truthful, enjoyable man, and we had the same birthday. I hope I was one of those 1,000. Ron Moser, Missoula

Linda Meier Wadman

July 28, 2013

I loved your dad's letters to the editor when I lived in Dutton and would share them with my folks as he did not send them to Conrad paper or to Tribune. I know his memory will continue to enrich your lives. He was a special man.

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