Joan H. Stremcha

Joan H. Stremcha

Joan H. Stremcha, 80, of Havre, passed away, Thursday May 5, 2011, at Northern Montana Care Center, of natural causes. Her funeral service will be 11 a. m. Thursday, May 12, 2011, at Van Orsdel United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Cleve McSwain officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. A fellowship luncheon will be held at the church immediately after graveside services. Memorial contributions in Joan's honor may be made to the Montana Alzheimer's Association, 3010 11th Ave., North, Billings, MT 59101-0726 or to a memorial of one's choice. Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Holland & Bonine Funeral Home.

Joan was born March 9, 1931, in Chinook, Mont., to Glenn and Daisy (Thompson) Harbolt on the family farm north of Chinook. She was raised and educated in Chinook, graduating from high school. She attended Montana State University and graduated with her degree in journalism. She lived in Missoula, Helena and then Havre. She met Fred Stremcha, and the couple married Aug. 19, 1956, in Chinook, Mont., at the Methodist Church.

The couple made their home in Havre. Joan worked at the Havre Daily News for four years as a journalist. When Joan and Fred started a family, Joan stayed home to be with her children. They raised three sons, Gary, Paul and Dan. Once the boys were in school, Joan began working for the U. S. Border Patrol part-time as an administrative assistant. She worked for the Border Patrol until she retired.

Joan was part owner of Stremcha Electric with her husband, Fred, and a devoted member of Van Orsdel United Methodist Church, serving on her Woman's Circle and working the coat drive. Her greatest passion was for her family and friends. She enjoyed attending the grandchildren's activities and was always doing something special for somebody.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, June McBride.

Joan is survived by her husband of 55 years, Fred Stremcha of Havre, Mont. ; her three sons, Gary (Lorna) Stremcha of Havre, Mont., Paul (Julia) Stremcha of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Dan (Marla) Stremcha of Billings, Mont. ; two brothers, Jim (Audry) Harbolt of Beaverton, Ore., and Ray (Carol) Harbolt of Maple Valley, Wash. ; four grandchildren, Corey, Stephanie, Tyler and Nolan; and several nieces and nephews.