Harold Gunderson

Harold Gunderson, 88, passed away Dec. 23, 2013, of natural causes. At his request, no services are planned. A burial of his ashes will be at a later date.

Harold was born in Great Falls, Mont., on Nov. 11, 1925, the oldest son of Ole and Effie Gunderson. He was raised in Power, Mont., graduating from Power High School in 1943. After graduation, he enlisted into the Air Force and served as a flight engineer on a B29 bomber in the Pacific Theater and survived a major plane crash.

After he returned from the war he attended Montana State University, earning a bachelor's in economics. In 1947, he married Edna Arensmeyer in Choteau, Mont., they raised five children together. They farmed in the Power area until 1960 when they moved to Havre and formed Highline Publishing Company, later purchasing the Havre Independence and expanding the business.

Harold served as Havre Postmaster from 1966 until retiring in 1988. Harold also served in the State Legislature from 1951 to 1960, was Commissioner of Public Housing in Great Falls, served on the Board of Directors of Power Farmers Elevator Co. and 3 Rivers Telephone Company. In his spare time Harold enjoyed traveling, meeting new and interesting people, talking politics and reading the paper every day.

Survivors include daughters, Karen (George) Brooker of Clinton, Mont., Marsha (Larry) Daulton of Hayden, Idaho, Linda West of Whitefish, Mont.; son, Gary (Debby) Gunderson of Power, Mont.; brother, Jack Gunderson of Helena, Mont.; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his spouse, Edna Gunderson; a daughter, Sonja Quinn; brothers, Neal, David, Martin, Lawrence and sisters Helen and Eleanor.