Claude "Tom" Oeleis

Claude Thomas Tom Oeleis, 86, of Wolf Creek, passed away October 4, 2016 at a local care facility. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Schnider Funeral Home.A celebration of life will be held Thursday, October 27, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Black Eagle Community Center, 2332 Smelter Ave., Black Eagle, MT.Tom was born to Claude and Virginia Oelesis on April 2, 1930 in Great Falls. Tom went on to join the Navy to serve from 1948-1952, which included a tour in China.Tom retired 34 years ago from Mountain Bell. After retirement, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and building. He built his house that he shared with Karla in Holter Lake.He is survived by his wife, Karla Oeleis of Wolf Creek; daughter Pam (Jeff) Poncelet of Great Falls; sons John Oeleis of Great Falls and Jim (Kelly) Oeleis of Denver, CO; step daughters, Becky Kennedy of Great Falls, Katheryn Hopkins of Tyler, TX, Paula Kennedy of Chicago, IL, and Leslee Kennedy of Great Falls; 20 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren with one on the way.