Four Denton Teens Remembered

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Four Denton Teens Remembered

By KFBB News Team

Story Published: Jul 24, 2008 at 6:41 PM MST

Story Updated: Jul 26, 2008 at 6:50 PM MST

Jace, Dayne, Kale and Kade; these Denton boys were remembered Thursday (July 24th). In a small town of about 300 people, the loss of the four teens can hardly be put to words. In one brief moment, a community changed forever. One local said, "This day my heart is on the ground” at their joint memorial ceremony. Their former teacher Diane Econom tearfully added, "I love you boys. I miss you like crazy. My family misses you like crazy." The whole town and hundreds more showed up to honor the lives so tragically taken in a car accident 12 miles out of town on Highway 81.

Saturday morning six boys were driving from Denton to Lewistown to play in a basketball tournament. The driver veered onto the shoulder and when he overcorrected the car rolled and burst into flames. Jace Jelinek, Dayne Heble and Kale Phelps died at the scene of the crash. Kade Phelps died after being transported to a Lewistown hospital. Cole Jelinek and Julis Frehse escaped with minor injuries.

"These guys were a team. They did everything together,” said presiding Pastor Jim Edgell. Terri Jelinek, mother of Jace said, "There have never been four more spirited boys.” She encouraged everyone there to live like they lived.

Sixteen-year-old Jace was known for his love of flying and stealing bases on the field. Fourteen-year-old Dayne Heble had a summer lawn moving business and was often seen driving up and down the streets of Denton on his John Deer tractor. Seventeen-year-old Kale Phelps loved football, but his real passion was music and playing his guitar. Younger brother 14-year-old Kade Phelps was involved in every activity that had a ball and had just completed his year as 8th Grade Vice President. Pastor Edgell tried to put things in perspective, “Our lives were touched by them. Were better for having them.” Terri Jelinek tearfully reflected on the loss of her son. "They've given me more in a few short years than most people could ever provide in a lifetime,” she said. Now the high school of 45 is 41, but the lives taken too soon will never been forgotten.

Donations to the Denton Teens Memorial Fund can be sent to:
Farmers State Bank
POB 1047
Denton, MT 59430

Thursday, Aug 21 at 1:17 PM Brittney Frehse wrote ...

My heart is broken for the parents, families, friends anybody that had even met one of the boys would see how great spirited they were how they touch your heart in everyday life. I met them one summer playing baseball. I will never forget there want to do there best and play there hardest they were always having fun even if they werent winning. They could always make you laugh. i Will always remeber the time that i shared in there life. my prayers and go out to Juli and Cole and the families.

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