ETHAN EDWARDS obituary

Ethan Allen Edwards, 73, of Havre died Saturday, July 1, 2006, at Northern Montana Hospital of natural causes.

His funeral service will be held at 2p. m. Thursday at Messiah Lutheran Church with Pastor Michael Dahle officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery, with military honors provided by the Big Sandy Honor Guard. Ethan was born to Clarence and Isabel (Jones) Edwards on Nov. 18, 1932, at their home 18 miles northwest of Big Sandy. He farmed with his father for many years on the prairie homestead, and graduated from Big Sandy High School in 1951. Ethan entered the U.S. Army on Oct. 2, 1956, and was stationed at Fort Rucker, Ala., and Fort Sill, Okla. He served as a helicopter mechanic. Ethan came home from the service July 4,1958. He told many awesome stories about Army life. Ethan married Fontella Wisch of Chinook on his birthday, Nov. 18, 1969. Two of his nephews wrote these words on Ethan's car: “Happiness is getting a Wisch for your birthday.” On Nov. 18, 1982, Ethan and Fontella moved, with their daughter, Marcella, from their home west of Big Sandy to a home in Havre, and farmed north of Havre along the Canadian border. A son, Andrew Clarence Edwards, was born after the family moved to Havre, and both children graduated from Havre High School.

Ethan continued to do his farming as long as he was physically able, and finished preparing 550 acres for spring wheat seeding in April. His lifelong love of farming never diminished. Ethan was not only special to his family, but also to all those whose lives he touched. He lived life to the fullest, and was always happy to help his friends and neighbors. His captivating smile and contagious good humor made him a joy to be near. Ethan lived life well. Survivors include his wife, Fontella of Havre; daughter, Marcella Kohlman of Ferndale, Wash .; son Andrew Edwards of Bozeman; brother, Keith (Midge) Edwards of Big Sandy; sisters, Mrs. Bonnie (Verne) Anderson of Vermillion, S.D., and Mrs. Dorothy (Charles) Tordik of Big Sandy. Memorial contributions in Ethan's honor can be made to Messiah Lutheran Church or to a memorial of one's choice. Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Holland & Bonine Funeral Home.