Harold H. Turner, 87

After living a joyous, love-filled life, Harold H. Turner “went home to heaven” Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. He spent 87 years as a beloved son and brother, husband, dad, “papa” and friend.

Harold was born May 23, 1929, in Elmwood, Wisconsin, the fifth of nine children welcomed by Everett and Violet Turner. He spent his childhood working the family farm alongside his dad and brothers, and his early adult life working harvests and dam construction in North and South Dakota with his cousin Leo.

In 1949, Harold met the love of his life, Betty Mae Wolske, while serving as attendants in the wedding of his brother, Paul. Following a year of courtship, they married on Aug. 28, 1950. After he became a telegrapher for the Great Northern Railroad and later the Milwaukee Railroad, Harold and his “Betsy Mae” spent the next few years moving from state to state to meet the needs of his job before settling back in Wisconsin for a few years. During that time, they welcomed eight children into their family — five boys and three girls.

In 1969, Harold decided with his wife to finally fulfill a life’s dream by moving their family to Montana. They settled in an old, railroad section house near Coram, and Harold began 18 years of work for the Anaconda Aluminum Company.

Though he enjoyed many hobbies including woodworking, hunting and raising chickens, Harold’s main joy was sailing. In 1981, while still working full time, he and Betty began the six-year task of constructing their very own 38-foot sailboat in the yard at their home. Finally, in 1987, his dream boat was finished and christened “The Betsy Mae” after his adored wife and co-captain. The next 10 summers were spent on their boat sailing the waters of Puget Sound, Washington, San Juan Islands, Washington, and up into Alaska.

Harold spent the remaining seasons and valued moments of each year surrounded by the many grandkids and great-grandkids. Whether he was piled under a stack of rambunctious kids sledding on the big hill, racing the old wheelbarrow around stuffed four or five kids wide, or knotting the socks and shirt sleeves of the nearest victim; his fun smile, snarls and hugs were sought-out by all. His presence here will be greatly missed by all, “but his new home in heaven is rejoiced.”

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister, Crystal; brothers, Eldon, Paul, Archie and Everett Jr.; and sisters, Dora, Faye and Wilma.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Mae Turner; brother, Warren Turner (Daisy); his children, Michael (Cyndi), Maurice, Daniel (Doris), Mark (Darlene), Sandra (Jeff Kaiser), Linda (Jack Polzin), Clay (Vickie), and Mary (Jerry Mamuzich); 16 grandchildren and several step-grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. today, Aug. 17, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 640 7th St. W. in Columbia Falls.

Donations in Harold’s name can be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church or Whitefish Center Genesis HealthCare. Columbia Mortuary is caring for the Turner family.