Rudolph (Rudy) Uhlich

Rudolph (Rudy) Uhlich of Harlem died on Oct. 12, 2013, of natural causes at the Sweet Memorial Nursing Home.

Born Jan. 23, 1920, near Drake, N.D. to Reinhold and Margaretha Uhlich, Rudy was the sixth of seven children. Rudy relocated to Montana to join two of his brothers in 1938. Rudy served his country as a U.S. Army engineer in the Pacific Theater of World War II, where he learned the operation of heavy equipment and details of land excavation. After his discharge in December 1945, he returned to Montana and went to work as a heavy equipment operator. In 1958, he began Uhlich Construction, building many of the reservoirs, farm roads and leveled fields around the Harlem area. He also built the Harlem Golf Course.

Rudy belonged to the Roaring 20's Car Club for several years. He enjoyed restoring antique cars, especially Model Ts, driving them in the Harlem parades and competing in the 500 Mile Endurance state race.

In 1965, Rudy married Winifred Nelson of Harlem. They had nearly 40 years together until Winnie passed away in 2004. Rudy was devoted to Winnie's children and grandchildren; he treated them always as if they were his own.

Rudy is survived by his sister, Minnie Main of Maryland; children Edward Nelson, Joyce Schepp and Maxine Engdahl; several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews; five grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and a host of friends and acquaintances.

Memorial services will be handled by Edwards Funeral Home of Chinook. Service will be held at the Lutheran Church in Harlem at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013.