Obituary: Samuel D. Shrauger

Samuel D. Shrauger of Havre, 89, passed away due to natural causes Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016, at the Northern Montana Care Center.

Private family graveside services were held at 2: p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016, with Ila McClenahan officiating.

Sam's family has requested that memorial donations be made to the Montana Hope Project, P.O. Box 5927, Helena, MT 59604, or to the charity of the donor's choice.

Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements. Please visit Sam's memorial page and leave a message of condolence for his family at www. hollandbonine.com.

Sam was born May 23, 1927, in Havre to Chet and Ethel (Caughren) Shrauger. He was raised on the family farm north of Havre, attending country school through eighth grade. While Sam attended Havre High School, he worked for Great Northern Railroad and with his mom and dad on the family farm, which was established in 1909.

Following graduation in 1945, he took over the family farm and ranch raising grain, cows, horses, pigs, chickens, turkeys, and geese. Sam married Mary Jean Harvey in 1947 and the couple were blessed with three children. Sadly, in February 2004, Sam lost the love of his life after a wonderful 57 years.

Sam enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching football and playing poker. He also loved and broke horses; his true passion was agriculture and raising cattle. Sam was a member of the Farmers' Grain Exchange, serving as both chairman and director from 1957-1987. He was also a member of the Montana Stockgrowers' Association, a founding member of the St. Joe Fire Department, served on the Simpson Route School Board, worked as an election judge and was a long-time member of the Havre Elks and Havre Eagles Club. He also helped found the North Havre Community Hall.

Sam was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary "Jean" Shrauger; his parents, Chet and Ethel Shrauger; his sisters, Thea Williams and Jacqueline Shrauger; his son, Kevin Shrauger; his grandson, Travis Keller; and his great-grandson, Ian Carleton.

He is survived by his daughters, Kayette (Greg) Childree and Launa (Dan) Keller, all of Havre; his eight grandchildren; and his four great-grandchildren.