Paul Charles Abern

Paul Charles Abern, 96, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Monday, Jan 5, 2015, at Valley View Nursing Home in Glasgow.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

He was born on Jan. 16, 1918, in Granville, N.D., the son of Halsey C. and Vesta Leona (Martin) Abern. He spent his young years in North Dakota and Chicago. He and his brothers owned and operated Abern's Sheet Metal Shop in Chicago.

He married Carmella (Stramaglio) Pierini Oct 2, 1948, in Chicago. They moved to Glasgow in 1949.

He could accomplish anything he set his mind to do. He and his wife built the home which they have lived in for 64 years. He was employed with Elmer Johnson Plumbing until he went to work for Andy Anderson Roofing, and in 1960 purchased his own sheet metal shop.

He had a deep love for the outdoors, hunting and fishing. Many of Carmella's family came from Chicago to go hunting with him and Carmella. He was an avid rock hound. He and his wife spent many hours digging and screening for sapphire. Around 1975, he taught himself how to cut the precious stones they found. Faceting became his love.

He had a quick humor and enjoyed many hours at Johnny's Cafe with his wife and brothers Don, Wayne and Kenny. He and brother Kenny spent a lot of hours playing cribbage. In his spare time, he wrote songs and poems about The Beautiful Montana Skies.

He was preceded in death by a step-son, Ralph Pierini; a son-in-law, Donald Hopstad; three brothers, Melvin, Donald and Wayne Abern; a sister, Margie Gubbins Salzman; and one great-grandson.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Carmella; a daughter, Carol Ann Gullo, of California; a step-daughter, Carol Ann (Dolly) Hopstad of Washington; three grandsons, Johnny Pierini of Chicago, and Donald and James Hopstad of Washington; four great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Kenneth Abern of Billings and Ronald Hurst of Florida; one sister, Ruth Patterson, of California; a special niece, Linda Molzhon of Glasgow; and many nieces and nephews.

A private family service will be held at a later date.