Robert W. Happ, 81

On Aug. 19, 2008, Robert W. Happ 'went to Heaven and is now in the everlasting arms of Jesus' after a battle with leukemia.

Bob was born April 2, 1927, in Chicago, to Signe and William Happ, and attended school in Bessmer, Mich. He served in the Army at the end of World War II, and was honorably discharged.

He attended Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago. Upon his graduation, he then was offered an apprenticeship and worked at Johnson Funeral Home in Kalispell, where he met and married Norma Edmiston in 1950. They had two children, Craig and Laurie Happ.

Being an entrepreneur, Bob left his profession and ventured into ownership and management of numerous businesses in the valley, including Flathead Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Happ Real Estate, among others.

After moving out of state for several years, he returned to his profession at Dahl Funeral Chapel in Billings in 1985. In 1992, Bob partnered with Ellis Neuhardt to create Neuhardt-Happ Funeral Home in Billings Heights.

In 1995, Bob married Millie Madsen of Billings.

Bob was an active church member, both with Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Kalispell, and with The Harvest Church in Billings. His big smile and warm handshake welcomed many 'in the door of the Kingdom.' He prayed, 'Lord, help me to help someone today' and God gave him miraculous opportunities and adventures. He was also active in the prison ministry program.

Bob was an avid fisherman, private pilot and handyman.

Bob is survived by his wife, Millie, of Billings. He is also survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Craig and Bea Happ, of Missoula; and by his daughter, Laurie Happ, of Kalispell; and grandchildren, Cambria and Ryan Tidwell of Herndon, Va., and Jeff and Megan Happ of Santa Clarita, Calif.

Millie's family became family to Bob. Her family includes daughter, Linda, and husband, Tom; granddaughter, Laura, and husband, Brad; granddaughter, Carrie; and five great-grandchildren. Also there is Millie's son, Bill Madsen, and his wife, Gayle, and grandchildren, Nate and Kristy; and two more great-grandchildren.

A service celebrating Bob's life was held Friday, Aug. 22, at The Harvest Church in Billings, with a private family graveside service with military honors.

Memorial donations may be made to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 198, Billings, MT 59103; (406) 245-5082.

Arrangements are in the care of Dahl Funeral Chapel in Billings. Memorials and condolences may be shared with the family at www.dahlfuneralchap.com