Henry Christopherson Sr.

Henry "Hank" Christopherson Sr., 85, passed away Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011, at his home in Florence.

He was born July 14, 1926, in Malta, the middle son of Albert and Madge Christopherson. He attended schools in Havre and Glasgow. At age 16, he joined the U.S. Navy, the same age his two brothers had joined the Army. Being that there was a war going on, age was not an issue. All three boys and their father were in some branch of the service at the same time during the war. While in the Navy, Henry was a boilermaker aboard the USS Boggs.

After receiving a medical discharge, Henry returned to Havre, where he met and married Della Delores Salois, later divorcing. Together, the couple had nine children. While living in Havre, he was a carpenter, working on such buildings as the First Lutheran Church and Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd, later becoming the Lutheran Home's boilermaker until his retirement. After retiring, Henry moved to Florence where he resided until his death. Henry loved to socialize with his friends and was known as a shuffleboard king.

Surviving are his daughter, Blue Christopherson of Havre; his son, Don Christopherson of Havre; daughter, Lanette Goodnough of Lolo; son and daughter-in-law, Rod and Jennifer Christopherson of Florence; daughter and son-in-law, Joni and Craig Michels of Florence; daughter, Leoda Christopherson of Florence; daughter, Leona Christopherson, Great Falls, and son and daughter-in-law, Robin and Barb Christopherson of Florence. From his nine children, Grandpa Hank had 22 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are brother, Alvin Bud, Salem, Ore., and half-brother, Greg of Saco. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Edwin; son, Henry "Bud" Jr., and grandson, Michael Evans.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Oct. 28, 2011, at 2 p.m., at First Lutheran Church in Havre, with Pastor Brad Ulgenes officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery in Havre with military graveside rites. A reception will follow at the Havre Eagles Club. Condolences and memories may be left for the family at http://www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.