Dewey Mark Lonnes, age 75, went to meet his Lord and Savior on April 17, 2019 at his home in Helena, Montana. After returning from wintering in Arizona, he and his wife had just returned from a short visit to their daughter Kari’s home in Kirkland, Washington. They had only been home a few hours when Dewey passed away. Their twins, Kristin and Kyle, were there to greet them when they returned so they were able to see their father for a short time.
Dewey was born in Detroit, Michigan on May 6, 1943 to Helen (Daley) and Leon Lonnes. The family soon moved to Western Springs, Illinois where Dewey grew up and attended school. He graduated from Lyons Township High School in LaGrange, Illinois. Dewey went on to graduate from Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then attended graduate school in Oklahoma where he studied business.
Dewey worked as a landman in Texas, Alaska, and Colorado. While living in Denver, he met Diane Klovstad and they were married on December 30, 1977 in Broomfield, Colorado. Three children, Kari, Kyle, and Kristin, were added to their family while living in Denver. Years later, the family moved to Butte, Montana, where he continued his work as a landman for a Butte mining company. Later the family relocated to Helena after Dewey started working for the Montana Department of Transportation. He continued with the MDOT until he retired about ten years ago. Since retirement Dewey and his wife enjoyed being snowbirds and spent several winters at their home in a retirement park in Yuma, Arizona.
As an avid reader Dewey enjoyed all kinds of history and historical fiction. During his years in Alaska he enjoyed fishing and outdoor activities. After his marriage to Diane, as his children grew, he took the family on many camping trips. Dewey and his wife loved to travel; Europe, Alaska, and Hawaii were favorite destinations. The family did extensive road trips throughout the U.S. and he often commented that there were only four states he had not visited.
Dewey’s sense of humor and wit will be missed by many friends and family. He was a loving father and his children were very important to him. His outgoing personality enabled him to make many friends whom he enjoyed visiting with whenever he had the opportunity.
Dewey was preceded in death by his parents and his son, James Lonnes. He is survived by his wife, Diane of Helena, children, Jennifer Lonnes of Denver, Kari (John) Stancin of Kirkland, Washington, and Kristin and Kyle Lonnes of Helena. Other survivors include his brothers Jerome Lonnes of Richmond, Virginia, Fred Lonnes of Western Springs, Illinois, and sister Anita (Edd) Nolan of Arlington, Virginia.
Memorials in honor of Dewey may be made to Life Covenant Church for their Building for Life fund, 800 N. Hoback St., Helena, MT 59601.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 17th at Life Covenant Church, 800 N. Hoback Street, in Helena, Montana. A luncheon will follow at the church. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Dewey.
Jerome L. Lonnes says
I grew up with Dewey . I am his older brother. He was very social and kept the family together after our mother’s death in 1997. My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife and children. He will be missed very much.
Jeff Applin says
Dewey and I worked together at the Montana Department of Transportation negotiating agreements with railroad companies when highway projects impacted railroad properties. Dewey’s knowledge of railroad agreements and his
warm personality closed many deals and allowed numerous projects to get built throughout Montana. I know Dewey is with the Lord now and is keeping everyone laughing up there with his wit and charm. I pray for Dewey’s family’s comfort during these difficult times.
Lawrence R Bowen says
Met Dewey in Anchorage, Alaska in jury duty in the early 70’s, we immediately became friends. Spent time fishing, hiking and enjoying his company. Lived with him during some trying times, he was always there. I can not say enough kind and wonderful things about him and our friendship. I luckily called him a couple of weeks before he passed and we had a wonderful talk. He was a very kind, caring man and will be deeply missed. I am so proud to call him my friend. My heart goes out to his family. Thank you Dewey.
Kitty Mundt says
I worked with Dewey at the Montana Department of Transportation, R/W Bureau. He was a genuine person with a marvelous sense of humor, and so great to work with. He will be missed. My sincere sympathy to his family.
David Nelsen says
I knew Dewey from our days at Morningside College – spent many times double dating with Dewey and his
date and infact Dewey was in my first wedding in December 1966. Years past and I caught up with
him while he was in Alaska and he wanted me to come there to visit him but never did . Many more
years and a second marriage later, I saw his name on the phone ID that he had called – he had
found me again but nowI am living and married in Minnesota. So we kept in contact the last couple
of years and just today i called out to Montana with good intent to talking to him but found out
that he had passed – so sorry and wishing I had called sooner. My sincere sympathy to his family.
Dave Nelsen
Stewartville, Minnesota