Barzia 'Bart' Teske

Barzia Robert "Bart" Teske, 61, died Wednesday, Dec. 28, as the result of injuries received in a well-drilling accident near Libby.

He was born at Havre, on May 8, 1944 to Barzia Allen Teske and Beaneita Blanche Evert. In 1965, Bart married Roxanne Parker of Libby. They had two children, Brent and Shonda; they remained together for 14 years.

Bart moved to Libby in 1963 and was employed by the St. Regis Paper Company and later had worked for Plum Creek Plywood at Columbia Falls. He and Jerry Parker together opened T.P. Carpets in Libby; Bart later opened Kootenai Karpets, eventually selling that business and starting Big Sky West Well Drilling.

He is survived by Irene Sirey, his lifelong companion and soul-mate of 16 1/2 years; a son, Barzia Brent Teske and his wife Dee, and a daughter Shonda Dee Jennings. Bart's pride and joy was his grandchildren, Danielle Teske, Jacob Teske, Skye Teske, Tyler Challinor, Stephanie Teske and Jordan Teske; also, Irene's grandsons Christopher and Derek Benefield. He is also survived by sisters Ilene Tangen, Myrtle Robertson, Joyce Manwell, Theodocia Teske, Leona Jean Breaden and Anna Marie Colborn as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Oscar, his beloved aunt Lil Johnston and cousins Jimmy and Jan Johnston.

Bart was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting camp, fishing, telling jokes and spending time with his buddies at Henry's Restaurant; he particularly enjoyed attending events his grandchildren participated in. Always known for his upbeat, happy personality, countless jokes and giving ways, Bart will be missed.

Services will be Wednesday, Jan. 4, at 11 a.m. at the Libby Memorial Center; interment services will follow at the City of Libby Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, at the Nelson and Vial Funeral Home.

There will be a potluck reception at the Memorial Center following the graveside internment.