"To the entire Montgomery family of Uncle Harry we send our sincere condolences, support and prayers and we are truly sorry for your loss, we really wish we could be with you all! Uncle Harry was a frequent winter visitor to Arizona and made numerous visits to my parents Harry and Gerrie Lavine. I recall him being with my folks during Christmas and loved listening to his stories of military service, farming, antique hunting etc. I especially remember visiting him in Elba during summer vacation when we were very young. God bless you all. Rest in peace Uncle Harry. Love Harry & Robin Lavine"
In loving memory of
Harold J. Montgomery
March 3, 1931 - June 26, 2018
St. Charles,
Harold J. Montgomery, 87, of St. Charles died Tuesday evening at his daughter's home in St. Charles. Harold was born March 3, 1931 in Weaver to Rollie and Rose Mary (Walczak) Montgomery. He was raised near Elba and entered the United States Army at the age of 16. Harold served in the army as a high speed radio tech for 20 plus years, stationed in; Germany, California, Kentucky, Georgia, Japan, Korea and Viet Nam. While stationed in Germany he met and married Maria Fuchs. They later divorced. Harold later spent many years with his close friend Elaine Bigelow. Following his retirement from the army, Harold settled in Elba where he owned and operated The Trading Post, as well as farmed the land, sold sweet corn and collected treasures at local auctions.
Harold shared many hunting, fishing and smelting trips in northern Minnesota and Canada with friends. In later years Harold took many trips to the casino in Red Wing and Laughlin, Nevada.
Survivors include his children; Walter of Winona, Brigitte (Tom) Roschen of Rochester, Larry (Susie) of Leesburg, FL, Rose (Doug) Reiter of St. Charles, Garret (Karen) of Merritt Island, FL and Brian (Julie) of St. Charles, 19 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren (with two more arriving soon), siblings, Roy Montgomery (Marge) of Plainview, Donny (Carol) Montgomery of Lewiston and Janice (Jerry) Gagner of Phoenix, AZ. He was preceded in death by a daughter Debbie Books and three sisters, Mary, Elaine and Gerry, and special friend Elaine Bigelow.
A Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Monday at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Elba with the Reverend Tim Biren officiating. Burial of Harold's cremated remains will follow in Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston. Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Sunday at Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service n St. Charles. They may also call one hour before services at the church on Monday. Please share a memory of Harold at his online guestbook and view his video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com. Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements.
Tributes
"Tonight we are having a Chinese Buffet & Cards in memory of our sweet, silly Uncle Harry! As you are celebrating with the rest of our loved ones in the clouds, we are celebrating your life here. We?ve been missing you here in the AZ heat for many years now but we will always treasure the memories of picking your orange trees, trimming your palm trees, organizing your Army trunks while listening to stories of all your random knickknacks, having yard sales for you & hearing all your old family and Army stories. Love, Banana, Little Duzzy, Barbara, Jakie, Mike, Kody, Jenna, & the newest addition- Bryson!"
"So sorry to hear of Uncle Harry's passing. Many memories of him in Phoenix, visiting my parents, Gerrie & Harry Lavine and Aunt Duzzy & Uncle Marv. Thoughts and prayers to his family & friends. Carolyn & Bill Leister"
"So sorry for you loss. "
"So sorry for your dear loss. May his memories live in your heart forever. Couldn?t believe that he entered the military at 16 & was all over the world very interesting. He will be remembered as a ?Elba Legend? like our dad so sad to see the old good timers pass...always remember him laughing with our dad telling stories. Again so sorry for your loss"
"So sorry for your dear loss. May his memories live in your heart forever. Couldn?t believe that he entered the military at 16 & was all over the world very interesting. He will be remembered as a ?Elba Legend? like our dad so sad to see the old good timers pass...always remember him laughing with our dad telling stories. Again so sorry for your loss"
"Dewey and Cindy Kahn so sorry to hear about dad.I always enjoyed listening to all his stories while I worked at Buck's my deepest sympathy to all"
"So sorry to the Montgomery family. Bill & Mel Heaser"
"My sympathy to the Montgomerys. I went to school with Bridgette and some of her sibblings. Hang on to the memories!"