Dennis Haider, 67

Dennis Haider, 67, of Hungry Horse, “went home on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, to be with his son Joel in time for Christmas, and now they are both watching over Brenda.”

Dennis was the youngest of six children born to Frank and Mary Haider in Thief River Falls, Minn., on June 6, 1945. He attended St. Bernard’ Catholic School from first through eighth grade, and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1963 (all located in Thief River Falls).

Dennis served six years in the Minnesota National Guard, with six months active duty at Fort Jackson, S.C.

Dennis met the love of his life, Brenda Kohlman, in Minnesota. Brenda’s parents lived in Hungry Horse at the time and the two came west to visit Brenda’s parents. They fell in love with the area and decided to stay. Dennis and Brenda were married June 1, 1974, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Out of this union their son Joel was born in 1975. Dennis and Brenda later divorced, but remained good friends.

Dennis worked at several jobs, until he was hired by Stoltze Lumber Company in 1976, and retired from Stoltze in 2005.

Dennis loved sports, especially playing pool, for which he had many trophies.  His favorite team was the San Francisco 49ers and he never missed a game on TV.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mary Haider; his son, Joel; and his oldest sister, Margaret Bjerken.

He is survived by his older siblings, Catherine Harris of California, Phillip Haider of Minnesota, Fran McCreery of Nebraska and Rose McLain of Arkansas. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 12, at Columbia Mortuary, in Columbia Falls. Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia Falls, next to his son Joel.

Arrangements are entrusted to Columbia Mortuary. You are invited to go to www.columbiamortuary.com to offer condolences and view Dennis’ tribute wall.