Joseph Bearss

Joseph Ward Bearss, 91, of Great Falls, a Navy veteran and former insurance company manager, died of natural causes Saturday, Oct. 22, at a local care facility.At his request, no services are planned and cremation has taken place under the direction of Schnider Funeral Home.Joseph was born May 29, 1920, in Shelby, Mich., where he was raised and educated, graduating from high school there. He attended Western Michigan University for two years, until he joined the U.S. Navy. He was a naval aviator, serving as a flight instructor in the Pacific Theater aboard the USS Enterprise, Essex and Lexington.In 1943, he married Katherine Ladegast in Benona, Mich., and was a manager for various insurance companies while in Michigan. He and his wife moved to Great Falls last year to be closer to their children.He enjoyed volleyball, water skiing, fishing and off-road recreation.Survivors include his wife, Katherine A. Bearss of Great Falls; a daughter, Janine Schaible of Big Sky; sons Rollin Bearss of Great Falls, Mark Bearss of Minneapolis, Minn., and David Bearss of The Dalles, Ore; a sister, Donna King of Michigan; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.