the first things Hank would do when meeting someone new is show them his muscles. I have to admit that I was impressed with them as well.

Hank had a tremendous work ethic and was always eager to take on something new. I loved how excited and proud he was to show you what he was working on. Most of you have heard the story of how Hank became the pollinator of the tomato plants. I can hear his Buzzzzing sound as I write this. He will always be “The Bumble Bee Guy” in my book. Hank was chosen as The Rancher of the Year in 2013. He was very proud of this accomplishment, and his face would light up every time he showed someone his trophy belt buckle.

In August of 2013 we received three donations that enabled us to stock our ponds with Rainbow trout. Hank was the first guy down there with his fishing pole in the water. He caught the first fish and took it home to have his house mom, Cathy, help him fry it up for a fish sandwich. He loved fishing and was so proud of catching that fish.

If there is one thing that would describe Hank it would be that he was always an old school Gentleman.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. - Matthew 5:8

Hope Your Souls are Doing Well!

Mike Oberg,Executive Director

Mission Statement: Providing family-oriented Christian homes, on a working ranch for adults who have developmental disabilities.

Vol. 27 No. 1 “Shepherding the Hesitant” August 2015

HE BRINGS A SMILE TO MY FACE

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. Proverbs 17:17

We should all hope and strive to live our lives in such a way that, when people think of us, it brings a smile to their faces. That is exactly the way my good friend, Hank Gremmer, lived his life. Hank became a resident at Special K Ranch in 1992 at the age of 53, and the Lord called him home on Monday, May 25, 2015, at the age of 76.

The most wonderful secret of living a holy life does not lie in imitating Jesus, but in letting the perfect qualities of Jesus exhibit themselves in our human flesh.

- Oswald Chambers

As I reflect back on our friendship these past 16 years there are so many things about Hank that bring a smile to my face. He inspired me with his never aging birthdays. It never failed when asked how old he was, his answer was, “17.” We should all have that mindset. He was always quick to answer a question at our Wednesday morning devotions with the word “Jesus” and be right much of the time. I loved watching him heading off to work on his black, single speed bicycle with that boyish look of adventure on his face. One of

Please visit our website at www.specialkranch.org and find us on Facebook for news, activities and pictures.

406-322-5520www.specialkranch.org

P.O. Box 479Columbus, MT 59019

Message from the Executive Director

DONNA SCHIPMAN Keith & Donna NelsonLYDIA SCHLECHT Wayne SchlechtBARBARA SCHMELING Robert & Phyllis WillemsIRENE SCHMITT Roger & Mia GravgaardJIM SCHOLTZ Nina ScholtzVIVIAN SCHREINER Gary & Patricia BenzelMAYNARD SEGMILLER Alice KolstadDONALD SHERMAN Joy SianCAROLYN SHORTRIDGE Gregg & Margery GaabSUSAN SIMONS Samuel & Jeannette Cain Gary & Peggy Hedges Terry & Rena Laughery Jan, Chad, Jeremy, Kerri & Maddilyn Lehman

DEAN SISSON John DeckerGORDON O. SKRETVEDT Bob & Blossom StewartBERNIE & MABLE SMITH James Hohn & Pam SmithMAYNARD SMITH Mary Ann FariasMARY ST. JOHN Jim & Jo St. John

REV. CANON E.A. ST. JOHN Jim & Jo St. JohnRICHARD STEEL Nancy SteelPAT STEINMASEL Burt & Donna DouthitHOWARD STONE Mickie StoneDOUG STORER Dale & Nancy ElsberryLES STREEPER Theresa LeoneDOROTHY STROBEL Kent & Traci OblenderLIBBY & JIM STROEHER Thomas & Norma StroeherSHARON SWAN Jane KovichWILEY ED TAYLOR Christine KuntzPEYTON TERRY Donna BeutlerGERRY UNGEFUG Bruce & Lillian Devries David & Susan RothDON VONDRA Mike & Eva HollenbeckDR. BERL WARD Donna DelpHELEN WATTERSON James WagnerNANCY WEIS Doug & Sheri HattenCAROL WELBORN Joy Sian

FRED WENNEMAR LaDonna & Wayne Andersen Bruce Barrow Almon & Bobbi Blain Robert & Joyce Brathole Bert & Janet Bridger Michael & Christina Brown Jeffrey & Charlotte Burckhard John & Patricia Burke, Jr. William & Kelli Campbell Marvin & Susan Carter Edward & Diane Cross Bruce & Lillian Devries Lee Eide Luanne & Robert Engh Hazel Faught Stanley & Mary Ann Fischer Dorothe Fisher Paul & Alice Graham Duane & Mary Ann Guenthner Karen Hergenrider Edward & Sandra Horning James & Carla Hunt Bob & Audrey Jurovich Maurice & Susan Kaiser Herbert & Betty Kindsfater Alice Lambrecht Helmueth & Rita Leader Theresa Leon Dennis & Laurie Lonsbery Francis & Marguerite Mayes Rudolph & Cheryl Meinhardt Bonnie Miller Patrick & Helen Mullaney Buck & Lilly Reamy Elmer & Patricia Reichenberg

FRED WENNEMAR Bob & Betty Saxbury Raymond & Mary Shrader Kelly & Mary Smarsh Barbara Smith Edith Thompson Jack & Joy Walker Irvin & Jean Weathermon Marilee WoldHELEN WILEY Mary & Jim BrownDONNA WILLIAMS Ken Williams Nancy Cummins Kathy Metzger Bette StreverGLORIA WILLIAMS Theresa LeonKIM WOMBOLT Roger & Mia Gravgaard Terry & Judy Krum Jo Meccage Bob & Betty SaxburyCHARLES (BUCK) WOOD William & Rosemary CatonDONNALEEN WOODLEY Richard WoodleyBERTHA ZUMBRUN Brenda MeyerROBERT ZUNDEL Mary Ellen McDonald Chuck & Janet Zundel

Honorariums and Memorials continued

Save the Date!Please join us for our Open House on Saturday, September 12, 2015, at 12:00 p.m.

We are excited to announce that, during the event, a dedication ceremony will be held for the new Special K Ranch Memorial Garden.

The event will also feature a barbeque lunch, live music, train rides from the Shrine Clowns, and fellowship with ranch residents and staff.

Honorariums and Memorials continued

YourWill

A Way toHelp Others

A will is the simplest form of a planned gift and it affords everyone the opportunity to help others and have a living legacy. Consider naming Special K Ranch in your will for a percentage, a specific amount,

or as the sole benefactor. The blessings you have received will continue to bless and help others.When updating your will, check with your attorney for the proper legal forms and wording.

HANK GREMMER Cont. George & Magdaline Holom Frankie Jansma Herbert & Betty Kindsfater Thelma Kratochvil Paul & Kathryn Laveau Dottie Leeds Maurine Lenhardt Mr. & Mrs. Armand Lohof Lloyd & Joanne Lorash Louis & Nyla Musser Jerry & Marjean Narum Mike & Carla Oberg Bob & Betty Saxbury John & Connie Schafer Richard & Peggy Schottlaender Judy Smith Len & Elsie Stenger William & Linda StrauchFRANCES E. GUTHRIDGE L.E. GuertinPETER GUTHRIDGE L.E. GuertinBETTY HADDOW Ilsa DawsonJUDY HADLOCK Emily BurnsSCOTT HAFFERBER Joy SianHERK HAGBERG Beth & Thomas KeatingKAY HAMBURY Keith & Donna NelsonMITCH HANDELY Jeanette & Dr. Ruth HeuerBOB HARPER Doug & Sheri HattenTHOMAS HART Nick & Dora Badilla C & B Operations LLC Carl & Gloria Fox Beverly Harper Jim & Ruth Hatten Phil & Lecia Letz Tom & Pam Robertus Bob & Betty SaxburyBOB HAUGE Lorraine & Richard Baxter Donna BeutlerTOM HEGG Jack & Audrey ParksJOHN HEINE Maria & Bee BurtonBUD HEISER Marvin & Kay KappelWARREN HELMER G H Tanner Oil PropertiesLUCILLE HEREM Averill KellerSOLVEIG HESS Hess Arabians Inc.JOE HOEKSEMA Peter & Carol BrejchaALMA HOHN James & Pam Smith HohnBETH HOHN James Hohn, JR.

BOB HOHN Beverly Hohn James & Pam Smith HohnJAKE HOHN James & Pam Smith HohnVINCE HOHN Beverly Hohn James & Pam Smith HohnDONALD “DOC” HUARD Anderson Zurmuehlen & Co.JIM HUCK Hilda HuckMARY HUNTLEY Hugh HuntleyCLARENCE & JANITH JENKINS Larry & Joy GoehnerGRETA JENSEN John & Virginia MandevilleHELEN JENSEN Hazel StevensWARREN JENSON Jim & Paula MandevilleLAURIE JOHANNSEN Herbert & Betty KindsfaterBUTCH JOHNSON Hazel StevensESTHER JOHNSON William & Gladys BernhardtNELO JOKI Peggy & Ken JokiVIVIAN JOKI Peggy & Ken JokiBUDDY JONES Jim & Ruth Hatten Herbert & Betty KindsfaterDON JONES Jane JonesDANNY KANUIT Lavina BachmanLEROY KAPPEL George & Marlene Amen Roy & Monica Eisenman Earl & Kathleen LingerARTHUR KELLER Susanne KellerLOIS KERNER Pat GeorgeROY KESSLER Bill & Shelley Bernhard Joy SianALBERT & EDITH KINNEY Ronald & Karen WoodLOIS KLUNDER Andrew & Karin RackiCHUCK KNEIB Ashley & Ryan MaysLARRY KOCH Betty Heinsich Robert & Kay Kraft Irvin & Darlene Nauman Ethel Pelton James Schackel Allan & Linda Sipes Steven & Debby SorgKENNETH KUBESH James & Carol SwansonELEONOR KUEHL Dodie Zweifel

DON KUEHN Tom & Sandy O’ConnorHERMAN KUKES Duane & Mary Ann Guenthner Patrick & Helen MullaneyJACK LACKMAN Ed & Roxie KraftWALT LAIRD Jane KovichBOBBI LALIM Darlene BicklerDALE LALIM Darlene BicklerJOHN LAPP Herbert & Betty Kindsfater Albert Racki Andrew & Karin RackiJOE & HELEN LEONE Theresa LeoneBILL LESLIE Don GlynnLEO & BERNICE LESNIK Peggy & Ken JokiBOB LINDBERG Joanne LindbergCHARLES LINDBERG Joy LindbergFRED LOFING Roy & Monica Eisenman Lawrence LofingROSE LOFING Roy & Monica Eisenman Lawrence LofingNANCY LORFING Jim & Ruth HattenBOB LOWE Dodie ZweifelKIM LUSTIG Kent & Carol LustigPHYLLIS MALSOM Phyl MillerSTEVEN MANDEVILLE Dick Henry John & Virginia MandevilleROBERT MASTERSON Mary Jo KellisonLAWANA MCCOLLOUGH Jane KovichJIM MCFADYEAN Janet UlrichPATTY MCGREGOR Robert & Joyce Brathole Robert & Bette BresterLISA MCJUNKIN Donna Beutler Kathy McJunkinKATHY MERCER Roger & Mia GravgaardLEWIS & MYRTLE MILLER Doug & Evelyn MillerCLARENCE MINCH Samuel & Jeannette Cain Herbert & Betty KindsfaterCHARLES “CHUCK” MORELLI Mr. R. HarawayJAN MUELLER Cathie Kautz

MICHAEL MUNSON Bob & Betty Saxbury Frank & Lois RooneyJOAN MYER Lawrence LofingALBERT NAVROLI Margie DeCarloMILDRED NELSON Sandra & Hank PeckHOWARD NORDALHL Joy SianDON “RED” O’CONNELL Lawrence & Carol Barber Richard & Luanne LavoldBILL O’CONNOR James & Carol SwansonLARRY OLSON Bob Williamson Mark & Vicki WilliamsonHUBERT OSTRUM Bobbie OstrumBILL OTTEM Daniel & Margaret NelsenNELLIE OTTESON Doug & Evelyn MillerROBERT PATTERSON Mike & Eva Hollenbeck Wayne Krueger Sandra & Hank PeckCLYDE PEARSON Al & Shirley HavensGARY PEDERSON Robert & Peggy Kappel Francis & Marguerite Mayes Andrew & Karin RackiMERLE PEDERSON Averill Keller Ethel PeltonJEFF PEILA Joy SianCOLLEEN POOLE Doug & Evelyn Miller

GLEN POOLE Doug & Evelyn MillerVIRGIL POTTS Joy SianBUTCH PRATTON Margaret BlainEUGENE REHLING Theodore & Dorothy Henry Cathie Kautz Herbert & Betty Kindsfater Andrew & Karin Racki Bob & Betty Saxbury Cindy SellersDOROTHY REPAC Herbert & Betty KindsfaterJOSIE JO REUTER Keith & Donna NelsonPAUL REYNOLDS Terry & Rena LaugheryBEAU RIGG Dave & Nancy RiggJACK RIPLEY Robert & Phyllis WillemsJESS ROBINSON Dodie Zweifel

One of my favorite chapters in the Bible is Ecclesiastes, Chapter Three. It starts out, “There is a time for everything, and a season for

every activity under heaven:” It speaks so beautifully to what life is like at SKR in our changing seasons and emotions. For instance, verse 2 says “a time to be born and a time to die.” This past six months, we watched as a long time rancher and friend, Hank Gremmer, started failing physically and then finally passed on. It was a “time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance” (vs. 4). Hank was honored at his funeral by his friends with their stories of how much he did for others and how well he was loved for his wit, warm smile and genuine heart for people. He will be missed by all of us.

With the bedding plant and garden seasons, there is “a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to tear down and a time to build,” (vs. 2b & 3b). No sooner is the greenhouse filled with beautiful blooming plants, then we start deliveries, and out the door they all go, hopefully bringing great joy and encouragement to those who purchase them throughout Montana. Verse 5 states, “a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them.” Because our weed mat, spanning over our BLM grow-out area, is susceptible to wind lifting it and tearing it out, we spend time gathering our round river stones

from around the ranch to scatter them out over the mat, so that it won’t blow away. So you see how easy it is to understand much of Chapter Three within the context of our lives here at SKR? Then, to me, is the best of chapter three in verses 9-11: “What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That every man may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil – this is the gift of God.” With life we have struggles, defeats and successes. For those times that things seem to not go so well, they are often followed by those times when everything fits into place and success, when reached, is greatly appreciated.

We are thankful for everyone who has helped us overcome some of our struggles, and I hope that as you see success of our ranchers, you are encouraged to keep doing good and finding satisfaction in your toil, for this is a gift of God. Don’t forget to come and visit us September 12th for open house day. We would love to see you.

Marvin Schieldt, Program Director

Message from the Program Director

Since 2000, SKR has provided flowers for the beautiful campus of St. John’s Lutheran Ministries in Billings. Each spring, we deliver nearly 30,000 plants for their campus, and this year we are honored to be named their Business Partners of the Year. We look forward to working with St. John’s for many years to come, not only as partners in business, but also as partners in mission and ministry.

Marvin Schieldt

Special K Ranch Selected asSt. John’s Business Partners of the Year

Mike Oberg and Jeremy Litton

Honorariums and Memorials december 3, 2014 through June 30, 2015The people memorialized and honored on These pages are parT of The ongoing minisTry of special K ranch.

A special thank you to those listed for making these gifts.

IN HONOR OF: MELVYN ASKINS Jeanette & Dr. Ruth HeuerKEITH & DEBBIE BAKESLEY Donna BeutlerBRET BEAVENS Betty Hoeksema Darrell & Pat McCammonDONNA BEUTLER Hanz & Sylvia HaynieLAURIE BOGRETT Lawrence & Shirley BensonCLAIRE BRITO Zachary MayJUDY CUFF Mrs. Mary RuettenDALLAS EIDE Marshal & Gwen Haferkamp Doug & Kim McRae Richard & Mildred Parker Paul & Jenny Slater Bill WoolstonMARTIN FLANAGAN Tamara DijulioLARRY & JOY GOEHNER Roberta RadfordHANK GREMMER Ms. Jennine Budge Jim & Ruth Hatten Louis & Nyla Musser Judy SmithDEB HADLOCK Ruth & Verne DaehlerNITA & RON HATCHER Bill & Karen McDonaldSTEPHANIE HAWORTH Kurt & Jean CarterSLYVIA & HANZ HAYNIE Donna BeutlerJOHN & JOAN HEBERLY Beth & Thomas KeatingJOHN & DONNA HJELVIK Howard & Lynette RandallBETTY HOEKSEMA Nicole & Jon HodgesINEZ HOHN James & Pam Smith HohnVINCE & CORBIE HOHN James & Pam Smith HohnPATRICIA HOLMAN Sandra AndersonJANE JONES Robert & Karen DoolenCARSON KIECKER Bruce & Vicki KieckerCORBIN KIECKER Bruce & Vicki Kiecker

ALEX KLEE Jack & Vivian H KleeCOLIN KNUDSON William & Colleen CantrellLARRY & KAY KOCH CHILDREN & GRANDCHILDREN Kay KochSTEPHANIE LALIM Roustabout Service & Insulating Co.KEN LARSEN FAMILY Wiley & Marilyn BlandDOUG & JANE LARSON Donna BeutlerCHERYL MARSHALL David & Michele RippeyEDWARD & JOANNE MAY Zachary MayNAOMI MILES Myrna Stone

WAINE & SHARON MILMINE Todd & Kaylene HauckSTEPHANIE MORELLI Malcolm & Mary HarawayPAUL & VICKI NUNBERG Donna BeutlerTIM POTTS Gary & Daneen CampbellCONNIE & SHERALD REMMICH Donna BeutlerRAY & ANN REMMICH Donna BeutlerGREG & KAREN RICE Kerry & Doris KeyserBILL & MAYBELLE RITTAL Donna BeutlerJIMMIE & MAE RITTAL Donna BeutlerHARRY & SUE STALEY Steven & Judy HessNANCY STEEL Janet ButorovichMARY LOU & JOHN SWEENEY Bernadette & Stephen KuhlmannROBERT & VERA ULSCHAK Bill & Karen McDonaldCHARLES & LIBBY WARK Bill & Karen McDonaldJEAN WASSMAN Robert & Susan LeavertonROBIN WILLEMS Margaret & Leon LammersDAN & DARLA ZIER Donna Beutler

IN MEMORY OF: FRANCES ALLEN Kathryn Malcolm CallisRUTH ALLMAN Donna BeutlerMARK ANDERSON Larry & Joy GoehnerGARY GLEN ARMSTRONG Leroy & Norma WalterNICK & MARIE BADILLA Jeremy & Julie SiemensWIN BAER James & Carol SwansonDORA BAKKEN Theresa LeonANNA BAKKER Jeremy & Julie SiemensPETER BAKKER Jeremy & Julie SiemensSTEVE BAKKER Beverly Bakker William & Helen BakkerVANNA BARNARD Joy SianKARL BENJAMIN Theresa LeonETHEL BERG Donna HagbergTYREL BERG Beth & Thomas KeatingELMER BILLQUEST Annegret & Larry SherroddVERN BLINCO Richard & Peggy Schottlaender Darlean SwainGREGORY BLOCK Joyce KnowlesDAN BLOM Doug & Sheri HattenVIRGINIA BOGRETT Lawrence & Shirley Benson

JOHN BOYLE Barbara BoyleSTAN BRADLEY Bonnie OwenEVELYN BRANDVOLD Loren & Nancy SasserWILLIAM BRANSTETTER John & Doreen GatesDICK BRESTER Marlene PattersonCHARLES (CHUCK) BROHAUGH William & Rosemary CatonELLEN BRONEC Terry MattfeldtLILLIE MAE BROWN Terry & Geri RudioMELVIN BROWN Terry & Geri RudioVIRGINA BRUMFIELD Jack & Audrey ParksNITA CANTRELL Bruce & Lillian Devries Jane MinchBOB CARROL Francis Taylor TruckingDELORAS CARTER Donna NelsonTIM CARTER Richard & Patricia Harding Christie Liles Kenneth LilesRICHARD CASTER Joy SianHAZEL CONWAY Marvin & Kay KappelLILLIAN CUNNINGHAM Thomas BlankenshipGORDY DANGERFIELD Margareta DangerfieldPHILLIP DAWES Marge DawesJACK DIETRICH Blue Rock Prod/Pepsi CoLAVERNE DILBECK Lee EideFRANK DOHENY Brotherhood of the 187th Assault Helicopter Company Michele Dohney Sarah & Rick – Anon. Art & Marie Halvorson Rodney & Linda Halvorson Ralph & Barbara Hoffman David SpragueMARLYN DUNN Mickie StoneBOB EASTLICK Bev & Ralph Amen Samuel & Jeannette Cain Chief Joseph Middle School Clarence & Kayla Eastlick Stan & Judy Eisenman Don & Alma Hedges Gary & Peggy Hedges Marvin & Kay Kappel Norma Kappel Richard & Lorna Kappel Paul Kober Martin & Marge Krueger Allen McMillen Jo Meccage Martin & Kathleen Mohr Frank & Mary Mosdal Marlene Patterson Julie & Thomas Steen William & Linda Strauch Donna Wagner

BILL EBERT Judy BrewerRUBY FAW Donna DelpZOLA FECHTER Hazel StevensFRED FEUERBACHER III Liz Feuerbacher David & Betty NeibauerGERTRUDE FLYNN Bob & Betty SaxburyNEAL FORTNEY Russell & Mary Hall Ed & Roxie KraftDEAN FRANK Gerard & Karen HeffnerRUTH BENNER FRANK Darrell F. Benner FamilyJERRY FRENCH Pat GeorgeE. MAXINE FRIEDT Bert & Janet BridgerJOE FRIEDT Bert & Janet BridgerBUD FUNK Marjorie & Bud FunkELSIE GABEL C & B Operations LLC Robert & Kay Kraft Leroy & Norma WalterDONNA GAUSLOW Jo Meccage Bob & Betty SaxburyLAWRENCE GEE Cory & Jamie WolffALICE GETSINGER Emily BurnsFLOYD GETSINGER Emily BurnsJOHNNY CRAIG GIBLER William & Amy BrownJOHN & ESTHER GOEHNER Steen & Trina HudsonMARY ELLEN GOGGINS Bruce & Lillian Devries Patrick & Helen MullaneySTANLEY & ALBIE GORDON Mrs. Bette WolffLYNDIA GREENWALT Jim & Ruth Hatten Terry & Judy Krum Earl & Kathleen Linger Rob & Lori RosselotHANK GREMMER Lucretia Amen Gary Armstrong Rick & Julie Bailey Frank & Lois Rooney Munson Ms. Jennine Budge William & Rosemary Caton Esther & Ira Cuthbertson Darrell & Sally Ehrlick Lee Eide Dennis & Karen Emmerick Richard & Vicki Farnes Dean & Betty Fausnaugh Sharon Flemetis & Steve Storer Robert & Roberta Fox Dick & Judy Franks Larry & Joy Goehner Rodney & Linda Halvorson Beverly Harper J.J. & Bernadine Harris Brenda & David Hatten Doug & Sheri Hatten Jim & Ruth Hatten Sharon & Gerald Hergett

Robin Willems, Stephanie Haworth and Shane Rodgers

Stephanie Lalim and JD Little Soldier on pick day.

2015 Spring Flower Market

Deb Hadlock

Bedding PlantsResidents and staff orchestrated yet another successful bedding plant season from January until June. In addition to partnering with organizations like St. John’s Lutheran Ministries and MetraPark, SKR delivers flowers and plants to nearly 40 vendors and restaurants across Montana, and residents sell plants at the spring flower market in the Sears parking lot in Billings. If you haven’t had a chance to visit the ranch during the peak of bedding plant season, please do. It is breathtaking to see 60,000 square feet of greenhouses filled with thousands of blooming flowers. Even more impressive and heartwarming is to watch the residents work together and provide meticulous care to the flowers in which they take great pride.

ProduceIt has been a fantastic year for growing tomatoes and other produce. Using a semi-hydroponic watering and nutrient system, the new produce house produced 68 cases of tomatoes per week during the peak of the season. In addition to growing Big Dena and Cherry tomatoes, this year we are producing Norwegian/Russian Yellow tomatoes, which have been very popular with customers. SKR tomatoes are delivered to Albertsons, Walkers American Grill and Tapas Bar and the Good Earth Market (Billings), Uncle Sam’s and the 307 Bar and Grill (Columbus), and the Laurel and Columbus IGA stores, among others.

Vegetables are maturing in the garden, and from mid-July through the first weekend in October,residents and staff sell them at the Yellowstone Valley Farmers Market.

Mike making his grand entrance!

SKR residents enjoyed meeting the crew and taking a look at the chopper.

Robin WillemsBret Beavans

and Angela Beadle

Top Secret Mission“It’s a bird…it’s a plane…NO! It’s the St. Vincent H.E.L.P. Team!” This training mission out to the ranch, which was kept top secret until the very moment it happened, was a great experience for residents, staff, and children of house parents. Mike flew with the team from Billings to the ranch and made a surprise exit from the chopper after it landed in one of the ranch’s pastures. As you can imagine, his grand appearance was met with a loud round of resident cheers and applause. Marvin had the privilege of flying back to Billings with the flight team. We are grateful to St. Vincent Healthcare and the flight crew for spending time on the ranch and making this day memorable. The H.E.L.P. (Helicopter Emergency Lifesaving Program) Flight program has been in operation since 1979. Its service area includes Central Montana, South Central Montana and Northern Wyoming.

In this issue I would like to highlight, specifically, how your dedication to the mission of this ministry is making a difference for the residents of Special K Ranch.

The April fundraising dinner was successful for the 29th consecutive year. The event was planned with two goals in mind: to raise enough funds to finish interior construction of the Champions Building, and to ensure operating costs for the year will be covered. Thanks to your generosity, both goals were met. The full potential of the Champions Building, which is already a wonderful facility in which to do a variety of work, will be reached, and donations raised for general operating purposes will help carry the ranch through the remainder of the fiscal year. Joking aside, words cannot express how happy residents and staff will be to have bathrooms installed in the Champions Building. Paul Laveau received honors for Rancher of the Year, and Alan LaSeur was awarded Most Improved Rancher.

With a market value of $3.5 million, the SKR Foundation endowment distributes approximately $175,000 to the ranch, annually. This means that total operating costs for three out of seven ranch homes are covered, in perpetuity, by this distribution.

Message from the Development DirectorIMPACT OF YOUR DEDICATION

Ben-Wayne Cheshire and Andrew Hedstromserenating guests at the fundraising dinner

with a beautiful rendition of Amazing Grace.

While the endowment still needs to grow substantially, we are grateful that so much progress has been made.

Several grants over the past few years have paid for construction costs of the new produce complex. One-half of the complex is fully operational, and funding to finish the remaining portion has been secured from several foundations, including the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation. The new produce complex is the backbone of our tomato operation, and it has freed up space in the existing greenhouse facility.

Our gratitude to you for making all of this possible goes beyond anything we could say or do to thank you. Please know how much we appreciate your dedication to the residents of Special K Ranch and for ensuring they will always belong to loving homes in a supportive and stable community.

Steve Aadland, Development Director

Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose. ~Helen Keller

SKR residents are grateful for the support of their community, and they always welcome the opportunity to give back. In June they helped plant the Billings Food Bank Garden out at Oscar’s Dreamland. Some of the ranch’s plants were used to start the garden, and residents will help weed the garden throughout the growing season. The Food Bank has been extraordinarily generous to the ranch over the years by distributing food to the ranch on a monthly schedule.

A gift of cash: Giving a gift of cash is the simplest way to support the ranch. Gifts can be designated for the general operating fund, for a specific program, or for the endowment.

Montana Income Tax Credit for Endowed Philanthropy: Montana taxpayers are eligible for a $10,000 tax credit. Planned gifts, such as charitable gift annuities, qualify for this credit. You will receive a credit on your Montana income taxes of 40% of the charitable gift amount, up to $10,000 per individual and $20,000 per couple, and you can take advantage of a significant federal tax reduction. For example, a $10,000 charitable gift annuity can be established for

about $3,000 out-of-pocket, after tax savings. Annuities of at least $25,000 per individual ($50,000 per couple) generally maximize tax savings.

A gift of appreciated stock: Giving appreciated securities is a tax-wise way to support the ranch. Generally, the full fair market value can be deducted and you can avoid capital gains taxes.

If you have questions about the variety of ways in which you can help, please contact Steven Aadland at (406) 550-2224 or steve@specialkranch.org.

How can you help?

Many thanks to our generous sponsors who have supported the 2015 fundraising dinner with pre-event gifts of $500 or more. Thank you!

BARON CLUBBentley FoundationFirst Interstate Bank

PARTNER CLUBAmerican Auto BodyAxiom International, Inc.Julie BowdenCapstone Wealth Management Mark & Karen ThomasChenoweth FoundationCHS Inc.Crowley Fleck PLLPMike & Helen EastwoodEide BaillyDon & Pam HavigHohn EngineeringJones Construction

Kiwanis Club LewistownMontana SilversmithsTom RossSimplicity Consulting, Engineering & Design, LLCStockman BankKent & Pam Williams

HERDER CLUB360 Office SolutionsAlphagraphicsAmerican Water TechnologiesAnderson ZurmuehlenBallard Petroleum Holdings LLCBeartooth Christian CampBerkshire Hathaway Floberg Real EstateBillings Clinic Foundation

Billings Kiwanis ClubBradford RoofingBriggs DistributingPhillips 66 RefineryCity BrewBill ClaggCop ConstructionDoak & AssociatesEdwards Law FirmDarrell & Sally EhrlickH & H Business Solutions Patricia Holman & Tom HinthorneRuss & Mary HallJill & Jesse HeroldHertz Car SalesTom & Sandra HinesHolland & Hart LLPRoger & Darla Huebner

Terri & Rusty IzattJohnson Charitable FundKarell Dyre Haney PLLPAllan & Pat KarellDon KolstadMackin Bridge Construction Co.Morledge Family Eye Clinic & Surgery CenterMountain States EnvironmentalRimrock Property Management - Rhona & Tim WebbSonshine ElectricPatricia & Robert ThuesenTom Roe & SonValley Federal Credit UnionGretchen WagnerRuth WarrenWestern Security Bank

Steven Aadland

Giving Back

Mike making his grand entrance!

SKR residents enjoyed meeting the crew and taking a look at the chopper.

Robin WillemsBret Beavans

and Angela Beadle

Top Secret Mission“It’s a bird…it’s a plane…NO! It’s the St. Vincent H.E.L.P. Team!” This training mission out to the ranch, which was kept top secret until the very moment it happened, was a great experience for residents, staff, and children of house parents. Mike flew with the team from Billings to the ranch and made a surprise exit from the chopper after it landed in one of the ranch’s pastures. As you can imagine, his grand appearance was met with a loud round of resident cheers and applause. Marvin had the privilege of flying back to Billings with the flight team. We are grateful to St. Vincent Healthcare and the flight crew for spending time on the ranch and making this day memorable. The H.E.L.P. (Helicopter Emergency Lifesaving Program) Flight program has been in operation since 1979. Its service area includes Central Montana, South Central Montana and Northern Wyoming.

In this issue I would like to highlight, specifically, how your dedication to the mission of this ministry is making a difference for the residents of Special K Ranch.

The April fundraising dinner was successful for the 29th consecutive year. The event was planned with two goals in mind: to raise enough funds to finish interior construction of the Champions Building, and to ensure operating costs for the year will be covered. Thanks to your generosity, both goals were met. The full potential of the Champions Building, which is already a wonderful facility in which to do a variety of work, will be reached, and donations raised for general operating purposes will help carry the ranch through the remainder of the fiscal year. Joking aside, words cannot express how happy residents and staff will be to have bathrooms installed in the Champions Building. Paul Laveau received honors for Rancher of the Year, and Alan LaSeur was awarded Most Improved Rancher.

With a market value of $3.5 million, the SKR Foundation endowment distributes approximately $175,000 to the ranch, annually. This means that total operating costs for three out of seven ranch homes are covered, in perpetuity, by this distribution.

Message from the Development DirectorIMPACT OF YOUR DEDICATION

Ben-Wayne Cheshire and Andrew Hedstromserenating guests at the fundraising dinner

with a beautiful rendition of Amazing Grace.

While the endowment still needs to grow substantially, we are grateful that so much progress has been made.

Several grants over the past few years have paid for construction costs of the new produce complex. One-half of the complex is fully operational, and funding to finish the remaining portion has been secured from several foundations, including the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation. The new produce complex is the backbone of our tomato operation, and it has freed up space in the existing greenhouse facility.

Our gratitude to you for making all of this possible goes beyond anything we could say or do to thank you. Please know how much we appreciate your dedication to the residents of Special K Ranch and for ensuring they will always belong to loving homes in a supportive and stable community.

Steve Aadland, Development Director

Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose. ~Helen Keller

SKR residents are grateful for the support of their community, and they always welcome the opportunity to give back. In June they helped plant the Billings Food Bank Garden out at Oscar’s Dreamland. Some of the ranch’s plants were used to start the garden, and residents will help weed the garden throughout the growing season. The Food Bank has been extraordinarily generous to the ranch over the years by distributing food to the ranch on a monthly schedule.

A gift of cash: Giving a gift of cash is the simplest way to support the ranch. Gifts can be designated for the general operating fund, for a specific program, or for the endowment.

Montana Income Tax Credit for Endowed Philanthropy: Montana taxpayers are eligible for a $10,000 tax credit. Planned gifts, such as charitable gift annuities, qualify for this credit. You will receive a credit on your Montana income taxes of 40% of the charitable gift amount, up to $10,000 per individual and $20,000 per couple, and you can take advantage of a significant federal tax reduction. For example, a $10,000 charitable gift annuity can be established for

about $3,000 out-of-pocket, after tax savings. Annuities of at least $25,000 per individual ($50,000 per couple) generally maximize tax savings.

A gift of appreciated stock: Giving appreciated securities is a tax-wise way to support the ranch. Generally, the full fair market value can be deducted and you can avoid capital gains taxes.

If you have questions about the variety of ways in which you can help, please contact Steven Aadland at (406) 550-2224 or steve@specialkranch.org.

How can you help?

Many thanks to our generous sponsors who have supported the 2015 fundraising dinner with pre-event gifts of $500 or more. Thank you!

BARON CLUBBentley FoundationFirst Interstate Bank

PARTNER CLUBAmerican Auto BodyAxiom International, Inc.Julie BowdenCapstone Wealth Management Mark & Karen ThomasChenoweth FoundationCHS Inc.Crowley Fleck PLLPMike & Helen EastwoodEide BaillyDon & Pam HavigHohn EngineeringJones Construction

Kiwanis Club LewistownMontana SilversmithsTom RossSimplicity Consulting, Engineering & Design, LLCStockman BankKent & Pam Williams

HERDER CLUB360 Office SolutionsAlphagraphicsAmerican Water TechnologiesAnderson ZurmuehlenBallard Petroleum Holdings LLCBeartooth Christian CampBerkshire Hathaway Floberg Real EstateBillings Clinic Foundation

Billings Kiwanis ClubBradford RoofingBriggs DistributingPhillips 66 RefineryCity BrewBill ClaggCop ConstructionDoak & AssociatesEdwards Law FirmDarrell & Sally EhrlickH & H Business Solutions Patricia Holman & Tom HinthorneRuss & Mary HallJill & Jesse HeroldHertz Car SalesTom & Sandra HinesHolland & Hart LLPRoger & Darla Huebner

Terri & Rusty IzattJohnson Charitable FundKarell Dyre Haney PLLPAllan & Pat KarellDon KolstadMackin Bridge Construction Co.Morledge Family Eye Clinic & Surgery CenterMountain States EnvironmentalRimrock Property Management - Rhona & Tim WebbSonshine ElectricPatricia & Robert ThuesenTom Roe & SonValley Federal Credit UnionGretchen WagnerRuth WarrenWestern Security Bank

Steven Aadland

Giving Back

Honorariums and Memorials december 3, 2014 through June 30, 2015The people memorialized and honored on These pages are parT of The ongoing minisTry of special K ranch.

A special thank you to those listed for making these gifts.

IN HONOR OF: MELVYN ASKINS Jeanette & Dr. Ruth HeuerKEITH & DEBBIE BAKESLEY Donna BeutlerBRET BEAVENS Betty Hoeksema Darrell & Pat McCammonDONNA BEUTLER Hanz & Sylvia HaynieLAURIE BOGRETT Lawrence & Shirley BensonCLAIRE BRITO Zachary MayJUDY CUFF Mrs. Mary RuettenDALLAS EIDE Marshal & Gwen Haferkamp Doug & Kim McRae Richard & Mildred Parker Paul & Jenny Slater Bill WoolstonMARTIN FLANAGAN Tamara DijulioLARRY & JOY GOEHNER Roberta RadfordHANK GREMMER Ms. Jennine Budge Jim & Ruth Hatten Louis & Nyla Musser Judy SmithDEB HADLOCK Ruth & Verne DaehlerNITA & RON HATCHER Bill & Karen McDonaldSTEPHANIE HAWORTH Kurt & Jean CarterSLYVIA & HANZ HAYNIE Donna BeutlerJOHN & JOAN HEBERLY Beth & Thomas KeatingJOHN & DONNA HJELVIK Howard & Lynette RandallBETTY HOEKSEMA Nicole & Jon HodgesINEZ HOHN James & Pam Smith HohnVINCE & CORBIE HOHN James & Pam Smith HohnPATRICIA HOLMAN Sandra AndersonJANE JONES Robert & Karen DoolenCARSON KIECKER Bruce & Vicki KieckerCORBIN KIECKER Bruce & Vicki Kiecker

ALEX KLEE Jack & Vivian H KleeCOLIN KNUDSON William & Colleen CantrellLARRY & KAY KOCH CHILDREN & GRANDCHILDREN Kay KochSTEPHANIE LALIM Roustabout Service & Insulating Co.KEN LARSEN FAMILY Wiley & Marilyn BlandDOUG & JANE LARSON Donna BeutlerCHERYL MARSHALL David & Michele RippeyEDWARD & JOANNE MAY Zachary MayNAOMI MILES Myrna Stone

WAINE & SHARON MILMINE Todd & Kaylene HauckSTEPHANIE MORELLI Malcolm & Mary HarawayPAUL & VICKI NUNBERG Donna BeutlerTIM POTTS Gary & Daneen CampbellCONNIE & SHERALD REMMICH Donna BeutlerRAY & ANN REMMICH Donna BeutlerGREG & KAREN RICE Kerry & Doris KeyserBILL & MAYBELLE RITTAL Donna BeutlerJIMMIE & MAE RITTAL Donna BeutlerHARRY & SUE STALEY Steven & Judy HessNANCY STEEL Janet ButorovichMARY LOU & JOHN SWEENEY Bernadette & Stephen KuhlmannROBERT & VERA ULSCHAK Bill & Karen McDonaldCHARLES & LIBBY WARK Bill & Karen McDonaldJEAN WASSMAN Robert & Susan LeavertonROBIN WILLEMS Margaret & Leon LammersDAN & DARLA ZIER Donna Beutler

IN MEMORY OF: FRANCES ALLEN Kathryn Malcolm CallisRUTH ALLMAN Donna BeutlerMARK ANDERSON Larry & Joy GoehnerGARY GLEN ARMSTRONG Leroy & Norma WalterNICK & MARIE BADILLA Jeremy & Julie SiemensWIN BAER James & Carol SwansonDORA BAKKEN Theresa LeonANNA BAKKER Jeremy & Julie SiemensPETER BAKKER Jeremy & Julie SiemensSTEVE BAKKER Beverly Bakker William & Helen BakkerVANNA BARNARD Joy SianKARL BENJAMIN Theresa LeonETHEL BERG Donna HagbergTYREL BERG Beth & Thomas KeatingELMER BILLQUEST Annegret & Larry SherroddVERN BLINCO Richard & Peggy Schottlaender Darlean SwainGREGORY BLOCK Joyce KnowlesDAN BLOM Doug & Sheri HattenVIRGINIA BOGRETT Lawrence & Shirley Benson

JOHN BOYLE Barbara BoyleSTAN BRADLEY Bonnie OwenEVELYN BRANDVOLD Loren & Nancy SasserWILLIAM BRANSTETTER John & Doreen GatesDICK BRESTER Marlene PattersonCHARLES (CHUCK) BROHAUGH William & Rosemary CatonELLEN BRONEC Terry MattfeldtLILLIE MAE BROWN Terry & Geri RudioMELVIN BROWN Terry & Geri RudioVIRGINA BRUMFIELD Jack & Audrey ParksNITA CANTRELL Bruce & Lillian Devries Jane MinchBOB CARROL Francis Taylor TruckingDELORAS CARTER Donna NelsonTIM CARTER Richard & Patricia Harding Christie Liles Kenneth LilesRICHARD CASTER Joy SianHAZEL CONWAY Marvin & Kay KappelLILLIAN CUNNINGHAM Thomas BlankenshipGORDY DANGERFIELD Margareta DangerfieldPHILLIP DAWES Marge DawesJACK DIETRICH Blue Rock Prod/Pepsi CoLAVERNE DILBECK Lee EideFRANK DOHENY Brotherhood of the 187th Assault Helicopter Company Michele Dohney Sarah & Rick – Anon. Art & Marie Halvorson Rodney & Linda Halvorson Ralph & Barbara Hoffman David SpragueMARLYN DUNN Mickie StoneBOB EASTLICK Bev & Ralph Amen Samuel & Jeannette Cain Chief Joseph Middle School Clarence & Kayla Eastlick Stan & Judy Eisenman Don & Alma Hedges Gary & Peggy Hedges Marvin & Kay Kappel Norma Kappel Richard & Lorna Kappel Paul Kober Martin & Marge Krueger Allen McMillen Jo Meccage Martin & Kathleen Mohr Frank & Mary Mosdal Marlene Patterson Julie & Thomas Steen William & Linda Strauch Donna Wagner

BILL EBERT Judy BrewerRUBY FAW Donna DelpZOLA FECHTER Hazel StevensFRED FEUERBACHER III Liz Feuerbacher David & Betty NeibauerGERTRUDE FLYNN Bob & Betty SaxburyNEAL FORTNEY Russell & Mary Hall Ed & Roxie KraftDEAN FRANK Gerard & Karen HeffnerRUTH BENNER FRANK Darrell F. Benner FamilyJERRY FRENCH Pat GeorgeE. MAXINE FRIEDT Bert & Janet BridgerJOE FRIEDT Bert & Janet BridgerBUD FUNK Marjorie & Bud FunkELSIE GABEL C & B Operations LLC Robert & Kay Kraft Leroy & Norma WalterDONNA GAUSLOW Jo Meccage Bob & Betty SaxburyLAWRENCE GEE Cory & Jamie WolffALICE GETSINGER Emily BurnsFLOYD GETSINGER Emily BurnsJOHNNY CRAIG GIBLER William & Amy BrownJOHN & ESTHER GOEHNER Steen & Trina HudsonMARY ELLEN GOGGINS Bruce & Lillian Devries Patrick & Helen MullaneySTANLEY & ALBIE GORDON Mrs. Bette WolffLYNDIA GREENWALT Jim & Ruth Hatten Terry & Judy Krum Earl & Kathleen Linger Rob & Lori RosselotHANK GREMMER Lucretia Amen Gary Armstrong Rick & Julie Bailey Frank & Lois Rooney Munson Ms. Jennine Budge William & Rosemary Caton Esther & Ira Cuthbertson Darrell & Sally Ehrlick Lee Eide Dennis & Karen Emmerick Richard & Vicki Farnes Dean & Betty Fausnaugh Sharon Flemetis & Steve Storer Robert & Roberta Fox Dick & Judy Franks Larry & Joy Goehner Rodney & Linda Halvorson Beverly Harper J.J. & Bernadine Harris Brenda & David Hatten Doug & Sheri Hatten Jim & Ruth Hatten Sharon & Gerald Hergett

Robin Willems, Stephanie Haworth and Shane Rodgers

Stephanie Lalim and JD Little Soldier on pick day.

2015 Spring Flower Market

Deb Hadlock

Bedding PlantsResidents and staff orchestrated yet another successful bedding plant season from January until June. In addition to partnering with organizations like St. John’s Lutheran Ministries and MetraPark, SKR delivers flowers and plants to nearly 40 vendors and restaurants across Montana, and residents sell plants at the spring flower market in the Sears parking lot in Billings. If you haven’t had a chance to visit the ranch during the peak of bedding plant season, please do. It is breathtaking to see 60,000 square feet of greenhouses filled with thousands of blooming flowers. Even more impressive and heartwarming is to watch the residents work together and provide meticulous care to the flowers in which they take great pride.

ProduceIt has been a fantastic year for growing tomatoes and other produce. Using a semi-hydroponic watering and nutrient system, the new produce house produced 68 cases of tomatoes per week during the peak of the season. In addition to growing Big Dena and Cherry tomatoes, this year we are producing Norwegian/Russian Yellow tomatoes, which have been very popular with customers. SKR tomatoes are delivered to Albertsons, Walkers American Grill and Tapas Bar and the Good Earth Market (Billings), Uncle Sam’s and the 307 Bar and Grill (Columbus), and the Laurel and Columbus IGA stores, among others.

Vegetables are maturing in the garden, and from mid-July through the first weekend in October,residents and staff sell them at the Yellowstone Valley Farmers Market.

Honorariums and Memorials continued

YourWill

A Way toHelp Others

A will is the simplest form of a planned gift and it affords everyone the opportunity to help others and have a living legacy. Consider naming Special K Ranch in your will for a percentage, a specific amount,

or as the sole benefactor. The blessings you have received will continue to bless and help others.When updating your will, check with your attorney for the proper legal forms and wording.

HANK GREMMER Cont. George & Magdaline Holom Frankie Jansma Herbert & Betty Kindsfater Thelma Kratochvil Paul & Kathryn Laveau Dottie Leeds Maurine Lenhardt Mr. & Mrs. Armand Lohof Lloyd & Joanne Lorash Louis & Nyla Musser Jerry & Marjean Narum Mike & Carla Oberg Bob & Betty Saxbury John & Connie Schafer Richard & Peggy Schottlaender Judy Smith Len & Elsie Stenger William & Linda StrauchFRANCES E. GUTHRIDGE L.E. GuertinPETER GUTHRIDGE L.E. GuertinBETTY HADDOW Ilsa DawsonJUDY HADLOCK Emily BurnsSCOTT HAFFERBER Joy SianHERK HAGBERG Beth & Thomas KeatingKAY HAMBURY Keith & Donna NelsonMITCH HANDELY Jeanette & Dr. Ruth HeuerBOB HARPER Doug & Sheri HattenTHOMAS HART Nick & Dora Badilla C & B Operations LLC Carl & Gloria Fox Beverly Harper Jim & Ruth Hatten Phil & Lecia Letz Tom & Pam Robertus Bob & Betty SaxburyBOB HAUGE Lorraine & Richard Baxter Donna BeutlerTOM HEGG Jack & Audrey ParksJOHN HEINE Maria & Bee BurtonBUD HEISER Marvin & Kay KappelWARREN HELMER G H Tanner Oil PropertiesLUCILLE HEREM Averill KellerSOLVEIG HESS Hess Arabians Inc.JOE HOEKSEMA Peter & Carol BrejchaALMA HOHN James & Pam Smith HohnBETH HOHN James Hohn, JR.

BOB HOHN Beverly Hohn James & Pam Smith HohnJAKE HOHN James & Pam Smith HohnVINCE HOHN Beverly Hohn James & Pam Smith HohnDONALD “DOC” HUARD Anderson Zurmuehlen & Co.JIM HUCK Hilda HuckMARY HUNTLEY Hugh HuntleyCLARENCE & JANITH JENKINS Larry & Joy GoehnerGRETA JENSEN John & Virginia MandevilleHELEN JENSEN Hazel StevensWARREN JENSON Jim & Paula MandevilleLAURIE JOHANNSEN Herbert & Betty KindsfaterBUTCH JOHNSON Hazel StevensESTHER JOHNSON William & Gladys BernhardtNELO JOKI Peggy & Ken JokiVIVIAN JOKI Peggy & Ken JokiBUDDY JONES Jim & Ruth Hatten Herbert & Betty KindsfaterDON JONES Jane JonesDANNY KANUIT Lavina BachmanLEROY KAPPEL George & Marlene Amen Roy & Monica Eisenman Earl & Kathleen LingerARTHUR KELLER Susanne KellerLOIS KERNER Pat GeorgeROY KESSLER Bill & Shelley Bernhard Joy SianALBERT & EDITH KINNEY Ronald & Karen WoodLOIS KLUNDER Andrew & Karin RackiCHUCK KNEIB Ashley & Ryan MaysLARRY KOCH Betty Heinsich Robert & Kay Kraft Irvin & Darlene Nauman Ethel Pelton James Schackel Allan & Linda Sipes Steven & Debby SorgKENNETH KUBESH James & Carol SwansonELEONOR KUEHL Dodie Zweifel

DON KUEHN Tom & Sandy O’ConnorHERMAN KUKES Duane & Mary Ann Guenthner Patrick & Helen MullaneyJACK LACKMAN Ed & Roxie KraftWALT LAIRD Jane KovichBOBBI LALIM Darlene BicklerDALE LALIM Darlene BicklerJOHN LAPP Herbert & Betty Kindsfater Albert Racki Andrew & Karin RackiJOE & HELEN LEONE Theresa LeoneBILL LESLIE Don GlynnLEO & BERNICE LESNIK Peggy & Ken JokiBOB LINDBERG Joanne LindbergCHARLES LINDBERG Joy LindbergFRED LOFING Roy & Monica Eisenman Lawrence LofingROSE LOFING Roy & Monica Eisenman Lawrence LofingNANCY LORFING Jim & Ruth HattenBOB LOWE Dodie ZweifelKIM LUSTIG Kent & Carol LustigPHYLLIS MALSOM Phyl MillerSTEVEN MANDEVILLE Dick Henry John & Virginia MandevilleROBERT MASTERSON Mary Jo KellisonLAWANA MCCOLLOUGH Jane KovichJIM MCFADYEAN Janet UlrichPATTY MCGREGOR Robert & Joyce Brathole Robert & Bette BresterLISA MCJUNKIN Donna Beutler Kathy McJunkinKATHY MERCER Roger & Mia GravgaardLEWIS & MYRTLE MILLER Doug & Evelyn MillerCLARENCE MINCH Samuel & Jeannette Cain Herbert & Betty KindsfaterCHARLES “CHUCK” MORELLI Mr. R. HarawayJAN MUELLER Cathie Kautz

MICHAEL MUNSON Bob & Betty Saxbury Frank & Lois RooneyJOAN MYER Lawrence LofingALBERT NAVROLI Margie DeCarloMILDRED NELSON Sandra & Hank PeckHOWARD NORDALHL Joy SianDON “RED” O’CONNELL Lawrence & Carol Barber Richard & Luanne LavoldBILL O’CONNOR James & Carol SwansonLARRY OLSON Bob Williamson Mark & Vicki WilliamsonHUBERT OSTRUM Bobbie OstrumBILL OTTEM Daniel & Margaret NelsenNELLIE OTTESON Doug & Evelyn MillerROBERT PATTERSON Mike & Eva Hollenbeck Wayne Krueger Sandra & Hank PeckCLYDE PEARSON Al & Shirley HavensGARY PEDERSON Robert & Peggy Kappel Francis & Marguerite Mayes Andrew & Karin RackiMERLE PEDERSON Averill Keller Ethel PeltonJEFF PEILA Joy SianCOLLEEN POOLE Doug & Evelyn Miller

GLEN POOLE Doug & Evelyn MillerVIRGIL POTTS Joy SianBUTCH PRATTON Margaret BlainEUGENE REHLING Theodore & Dorothy Henry Cathie Kautz Herbert & Betty Kindsfater Andrew & Karin Racki Bob & Betty Saxbury Cindy SellersDOROTHY REPAC Herbert & Betty KindsfaterJOSIE JO REUTER Keith & Donna NelsonPAUL REYNOLDS Terry & Rena LaugheryBEAU RIGG Dave & Nancy RiggJACK RIPLEY Robert & Phyllis WillemsJESS ROBINSON Dodie Zweifel

One of my favorite chapters in the Bible is Ecclesiastes, Chapter Three. It starts out, “There is a time for everything, and a season for

every activity under heaven:” It speaks so beautifully to what life is like at SKR in our changing seasons and emotions. For instance, verse 2 says “a time to be born and a time to die.” This past six months, we watched as a long time rancher and friend, Hank Gremmer, started failing physically and then finally passed on. It was a “time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance” (vs. 4). Hank was honored at his funeral by his friends with their stories of how much he did for others and how well he was loved for his wit, warm smile and genuine heart for people. He will be missed by all of us.

With the bedding plant and garden seasons, there is “a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to tear down and a time to build,” (vs. 2b & 3b). No sooner is the greenhouse filled with beautiful blooming plants, then we start deliveries, and out the door they all go, hopefully bringing great joy and encouragement to those who purchase them throughout Montana. Verse 5 states, “a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them.” Because our weed mat, spanning over our BLM grow-out area, is susceptible to wind lifting it and tearing it out, we spend time gathering our round river stones

from around the ranch to scatter them out over the mat, so that it won’t blow away. So you see how easy it is to understand much of Chapter Three within the context of our lives here at SKR? Then, to me, is the best of chapter three in verses 9-11: “What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That every man may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil – this is the gift of God.” With life we have struggles, defeats and successes. For those times that things seem to not go so well, they are often followed by those times when everything fits into place and success, when reached, is greatly appreciated.

We are thankful for everyone who has helped us overcome some of our struggles, and I hope that as you see success of our ranchers, you are encouraged to keep doing good and finding satisfaction in your toil, for this is a gift of God. Don’t forget to come and visit us September 12th for open house day. We would love to see you.

Marvin Schieldt, Program Director

Message from the Program Director

Since 2000, SKR has provided flowers for the beautiful campus of St. John’s Lutheran Ministries in Billings. Each spring, we deliver nearly 30,000 plants for their campus, and this year we are honored to be named their Business Partners of the Year. We look forward to working with St. John’s for many years to come, not only as partners in business, but also as partners in mission and ministry.

Marvin Schieldt

Special K Ranch Selected asSt. John’s Business Partners of the Year

Mike Oberg and Jeremy Litton

the first things Hank would do when meeting someone new is show them his muscles. I have to admit that I was impressed with them as well.

Hank had a tremendous work ethic and was always eager to take on something new. I loved how excited and proud he was to show you what he was working on. Most of you have heard the story of how Hank became the pollinator of the tomato plants. I can hear his Buzzzzing sound as I write this. He will always be “The Bumble Bee Guy” in my book. Hank was chosen as The Rancher of the Year in 2013. He was very proud of this accomplishment, and his face would light up every time he showed someone his trophy belt buckle.

In August of 2013 we received three donations that enabled us to stock our ponds with Rainbow trout. Hank was the first guy down there with his fishing pole in the water. He caught the first fish and took it home to have his house mom, Cathy, help him fry it up for a fish sandwich. He loved fishing and was so proud of catching that fish.

If there is one thing that would describe Hank it would be that he was always an old school Gentleman.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. - Matthew 5:8

Hope Your Souls are Doing Well!

Mike Oberg,Executive Director

Mission Statement: Providing family-oriented Christian homes, on a working ranch for adults who have developmental disabilities.

Vol. 27 No. 1 “Shepherding the Hesitant” August 2015

HE BRINGS A SMILE TO MY FACE

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. Proverbs 17:17

We should all hope and strive to live our lives in such a way that, when people think of us, it brings a smile to their faces. That is exactly the way my good friend, Hank Gremmer, lived his life. Hank became a resident at Special K Ranch in 1992 at the age of 53, and the Lord called him home on Monday, May 25, 2015, at the age of 76.

The most wonderful secret of living a holy life does not lie in imitating Jesus, but in letting the perfect qualities of Jesus exhibit themselves in our human flesh.

- Oswald Chambers

As I reflect back on our friendship these past 16 years there are so many things about Hank that bring a smile to my face. He inspired me with his never aging birthdays. It never failed when asked how old he was, his answer was, “17.” We should all have that mindset. He was always quick to answer a question at our Wednesday morning devotions with the word “Jesus” and be right much of the time. I loved watching him heading off to work on his black, single speed bicycle with that boyish look of adventure on his face. One of

Please visit our website at www.specialkranch.org and find us on Facebook for news, activities and pictures.

406-322-5520www.specialkranch.org

P.O. Box 479Columbus, MT 59019

Message from the Executive Director

DONNA SCHIPMAN Keith & Donna NelsonLYDIA SCHLECHT Wayne SchlechtBARBARA SCHMELING Robert & Phyllis WillemsIRENE SCHMITT Roger & Mia GravgaardJIM SCHOLTZ Nina ScholtzVIVIAN SCHREINER Gary & Patricia BenzelMAYNARD SEGMILLER Alice KolstadDONALD SHERMAN Joy SianCAROLYN SHORTRIDGE Gregg & Margery GaabSUSAN SIMONS Samuel & Jeannette Cain Gary & Peggy Hedges Terry & Rena Laughery Jan, Chad, Jeremy, Kerri & Maddilyn Lehman

DEAN SISSON John DeckerGORDON O. SKRETVEDT Bob & Blossom StewartBERNIE & MABLE SMITH James Hohn & Pam SmithMAYNARD SMITH Mary Ann FariasMARY ST. JOHN Jim & Jo St. John

REV. CANON E.A. ST. JOHN Jim & Jo St. JohnRICHARD STEEL Nancy SteelPAT STEINMASEL Burt & Donna DouthitHOWARD STONE Mickie StoneDOUG STORER Dale & Nancy ElsberryLES STREEPER Theresa LeoneDOROTHY STROBEL Kent & Traci OblenderLIBBY & JIM STROEHER Thomas & Norma StroeherSHARON SWAN Jane KovichWILEY ED TAYLOR Christine KuntzPEYTON TERRY Donna BeutlerGERRY UNGEFUG Bruce & Lillian Devries David & Susan RothDON VONDRA Mike & Eva HollenbeckDR. BERL WARD Donna DelpHELEN WATTERSON James WagnerNANCY WEIS Doug & Sheri HattenCAROL WELBORN Joy Sian

FRED WENNEMAR LaDonna & Wayne Andersen Bruce Barrow Almon & Bobbi Blain Robert & Joyce Brathole Bert & Janet Bridger Michael & Christina Brown Jeffrey & Charlotte Burckhard John & Patricia Burke, Jr. William & Kelli Campbell Marvin & Susan Carter Edward & Diane Cross Bruce & Lillian Devries Lee Eide Luanne & Robert Engh Hazel Faught Stanley & Mary Ann Fischer Dorothe Fisher Paul & Alice Graham Duane & Mary Ann Guenthner Karen Hergenrider Edward & Sandra Horning James & Carla Hunt Bob & Audrey Jurovich Maurice & Susan Kaiser Herbert & Betty Kindsfater Alice Lambrecht Helmueth & Rita Leader Theresa Leon Dennis & Laurie Lonsbery Francis & Marguerite Mayes Rudolph & Cheryl Meinhardt Bonnie Miller Patrick & Helen Mullaney Buck & Lilly Reamy Elmer & Patricia Reichenberg

FRED WENNEMAR Bob & Betty Saxbury Raymond & Mary Shrader Kelly & Mary Smarsh Barbara Smith Edith Thompson Jack & Joy Walker Irvin & Jean Weathermon Marilee WoldHELEN WILEY Mary & Jim BrownDONNA WILLIAMS Ken Williams Nancy Cummins Kathy Metzger Bette StreverGLORIA WILLIAMS Theresa LeonKIM WOMBOLT Roger & Mia Gravgaard Terry & Judy Krum Jo Meccage Bob & Betty SaxburyCHARLES (BUCK) WOOD William & Rosemary CatonDONNALEEN WOODLEY Richard WoodleyBERTHA ZUMBRUN Brenda MeyerROBERT ZUNDEL Mary Ellen McDonald Chuck & Janet Zundel

Honorariums and Memorials continued

Save the Date!Please join us for our Open House on Saturday, September 12, 2015, at 12:00 p.m.

We are excited to announce that, during the event, a dedication ceremony will be held for the new Special K Ranch Memorial Garden.

The event will also feature a barbeque lunch, live music, train rides from the Shrine Clowns, and fellowship with ranch residents and staff.