Harold Oscar 'John' Oftedahl, 77

Harold “John” Oftedahl passed away Dec. 29, 2015, at Kalispell Regional Hospital after a long and courageous battle with heart health and cancer.

He was born on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, 1938, in Owatonna, Minnesota, the second of eight children born to Oscar L. and Edna F. (White) Oftedahl. The family moved to the Flathead Valley in October 1947, living and working on the family ranch above Foy’s Lake.

Harold loved his family above all else and was a kind, giving, and exceptionally caring man. He was known as “John” or “Johnny” to his many friends, a nickname he acquired in high school. Harold attended grade school at the Foy’s Lake country school and graduated from Flathead High School in the Class of 1956.

Harold served in the United States Marine Corps from Jan. 15, 1957, to Jan. 14, 1963, in the Service Battalion of the First Marine Brigade, Fleet Marine Force, stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii, earning the rank of sergeant. He was a crack shot, subsequently earning the prestigious honor as expert marksman in his platoon. As a boy, his father would say “Son, run up on the hill and get us some ‘chickens’ (grouse) for supper.” Harold was proud of his service to his country as a Marine. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Kalispell to aid his father on the ranch, remaining active with Toys for Tots as long as his health allowed.

Harold worked as a lineman for many years for Flathead Electric Cooperative, often being called out in the worst weather to restore power.

He was a lifelong member of the FOE Eagles No. 234, earning the Montana State Eagles Hall of Fame award in 2002-03 and was a founding member of the Bald Eagles. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge, the Marine Corps League, and Central Bible Church.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother Bruce, and sister Connie Lindsey.

He is survived by brothers Melvin and JoAnn, Jerry and Vickie, and sisters Joan and Richard McAdams, Dianne Oftedahl, and Donna and Jack Paulson; stepsons George and Desiree Bland and Tony and Barb Bland, all of Kalispell; and numerous nieces and nephews, extended family, and beloved friend and companion Colleen Jukich.

Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 5, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. A celebration of life memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016, at Central Bible Church, 902 First Ave. E. in Kalispell, with interment at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the Eagles Club, 37 W. First St. in Kalispell. Special tributes are to his beloved brother Jerry and to his lifelong friend Jerry DiGiovanni for their unending devotion and care, especially during Harold’s several months in Seattle.

Harold was loved, admired and respected and will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Memorials may be sent to the VFW Post 2252, 330 First Avenue West, Kalispell, designated Toys for Tots; the FOE Eagles No. 234 or to Central Bible Church.