Obituary: Lee Dursma

Lee Dursma

Lee Joseph Dursma, 87, of Missoula, Mont., was born May 14, 1937, at the family home in Pettibone, N.D., to Henry "Slim" Duursma and Doris "Billie" (Zimmerman) Dursma, and passed away on Sept. 11, 2024, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, Mont.

Lee is survived by his sons Charles Dursma (Missoula, Mont.) and Robie (Robin) Dursma (Spokane, Wash.); his sisters: Linda LaRue (Hot Springs, Mont.) and Rae (Jack) Jerrel (Kensal, N.D.); Grandchildren: Lauren (Brandon) Steele, Aimee (Tim) Hill, Gharrett (Mikaela) Dursma, Kristen (Jason) Braun and Stephanie (Levi) Glendenning; reat-grandchildren Ashley and Jordan Braun; Isaac and Breann Glendenning; Declan, Kiernan and Lachlan Dursma; Gwenevere Steele; and Rainier Hill due in January 2025; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Henry "Slim" and Doris "Billie" Duursma; wives Linda (Tuttle) Dursma and Ardith (McDorman) Dursma; siblings: Dallas, Irma, Elsie, Pearl, Dale, Curt and Sena; a granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews. Lee married Linda Tuttle in March of 1959. They were married for 47 years when Linda passed away from complications of an autoimmune disease in December of 2006. Lee and Ardith McDorman married in January of 2009. Ardith passed away in February 2022. Lee worked as a ranch hand in Grey Bull, Wyo., and in Libby, Mont. Later, he worked as a mechanic for 4G's in Missoula, Mont. Lee's hobbies included stock car racing, hunting, fishing and bird watching. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, especially his grandchildren. Lee will be remembered for his boisterous laugh, generosity, empathy and giving nature. A celebration of life was held on Sept. 21st, 2024 at Hope Baptist Church, 7498 Zaugg Drive, Missoula, Mont.

(Photo: Best friends Lee Dursma and Sonny Thompson, both about 16 years old.)