Emerson F. Lebien, 82, passed away on Sunday, July 23, 2017 following a brief illness of pulmonary fibrosis. Emerson was born in Lincoln County, Kansas to Ernest and Marie (Obermueller) Lebien on March 10, 1935. He attended St. John’s Church School through 8th grade. He then attended Lincoln High School, graduating in 1953. During his younger years, he played Little League baseball, American Legion baseball, and for the Lincoln Hawks. During this time, he acquired the nickname Dutch which stuck with him most of his life. During the summers of 1953 and 1954, he played on Milwaukee’s farm team in Larned, Kansas. Emerson was a hard worker, living on the family farm during his younger years. For a short time in 1956, Emerson worked building houses with his brother, Lambert.
Emerson returned to Lincoln and joined the Air Force in 1957. He was proud to serve his country for 4-1/3 years. On January 26, 1960, he was united in marriage to Delma June Hobbs of Lincoln, Kansas. They shared life’s pleasures for 57-1/2 years. To this union were born three children, Gregory, Steven, and Michele. Work took him to South Dakota with the Corps of Engineers and later to Montana with the Bureau of Reclamation at Canyon Ferry Dam from which he retired in 1993. He and his family were active at Hannaford Street Bible Church in Helena. He leaves behind his wife, Delma; Gregory (Gloria) Lebien, children Ryan (Lauren), Matthew, Tyler, and Christopher; Steven (Kim) Lebien, children Lauren and Sean; Michele (David) Dover, children Caleb, Jacob, Joshua, and Jonathan (Kendra); brother Lambert. Preceding him in death were his parents, brothers Leonard & Lawrence, sister Elfrieda Ryan, Leonard Lebien, Jr., John Paul Hobbs, stepmother, Sidona Lebien.
Viewing will be from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., Helena. A Celebration of Life will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 27th at Hannaford Street Bible Church, 830 N. Hannaford Street, Helena with a reception to follow in the fellowship room. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Peter’s Hospice, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601 or Hannaford Street Bible Church. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Emerson.
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday July 26, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Thursday July 27, 2017
Hannaford Street Bible Church
830 N. Hannaford St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Thursday July 27, 2017
Fellowship Room of Hannaford Street Bible Church
830 N. Hannaford St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday July 26, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Thursday July 27, 2017
Hannaford Street Bible Church
830 N. Hannaford St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Thursday July 27, 2017
Fellowship Room of Hannaford Street Bible Church
830 N. Hannaford St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
Sue Weingartner says
For some moments in life there are no words. Our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences for your loss. Wishing your family as much peace and comfort as possible. Sue and Russ Weingartner
Chuck & Terri Paske says
Dear Delma and family.
We are sorry to learn of Emersons passing. He was always a wonderful highlight to our memories while attending HBC. May the knowledge of his love for you and others bring comfort, and the never ending love of the Lord that he always showed be a source of comfort and encouragement that carries you through these tough days. Hugs to you Delma.
Glen Gormely says
Dear Delma & Family,
We are very sorry to hear Dutch passed away and we offer our thoughts and prayers to you and the family. You were nice neighbors to have in the Canyon Ferry Village and there are a lot of good memories we will cherish forever. Glen & Dena Gormely
Phil & Anne Wilkerson says
Dear Delma,
We are so sorry for the loss of Emerson. We enjoyed the years that we knew him through Lincoln, Lincoln High School, and Western Auto Store. It’s so amazing how the time flies and especially as we get older–we are now 76 and wonder how we got there so fast. Our health is relatively good at present, but we may wish for a “brief illness” as Emerson suffered. We hope to see you at the next all-class reunion next spring.
Phil and Anne
Jacob Dover says
Emerson I miss you. You in heaven where there is no more pain.
Your Grandson,
Jacob