Another East Helena native has passed, Howard Anderson, age 79, passed away March 1, 2013.
He was born August 31, 1933 in the house his mother and father built during the great depression. The family moved in a few years to a farm on Applegate Drive in The Valley, returning a year later.
Howard lived there until he was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War. He was very proud to serve his country and held the rank of Infantry Platoon Sergeant, earning and honorable discharge from the US Army. Also, served in the Honor Guard protecting visiting celebrities, one being Marilyn Monroe.
During a furlough, he married Raedyn Stewart and this union produced two children, Catherine and Kari.
Howard had many different occupations during his lifetime. After graduating from Helena High School, he worked at a service station, became a soldier, a lineman for Ma Bell, a laboratory technician for the State of Montana Highway Department, taught building trades at the College of Technology and a respected and sot after custom home builder for 32 years.
In 1974 the Montana Army National Guard gained a new member, Howard became the First Sergeant of the 103rd Public Affairs Unit. He attended and graduated the United States Sergeant’s Major Academy in Fort Bliss, Texas. He was a major contributor to the Desert Storm Victory Celebration and Parade. He rose to the final rank of First Sergeant earning a total of 26 medals.
Preceding him in death was his wife, Raedyn, his Mother and Father, Helmer and Selma Anderson, sisters Judith (Antone) Hames, Borghild (Clifford) Stansberry, Sonja (Allen) Distad, and brothers Andrew (Gladys), Theodore (Geneva) and Nick (Darleen).
Surviving are daughters, Catherine (Jerry) Jenks, and Kari (Brent) Ingebrigtson, five grandchildren Blake, Matthew, Stephanie, Janelle and Chad, and one great-granddaughter Kayla.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home; 3750 N. Montana Ave. Interment with military honors will immediately follow the funeral service at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. A reception will follow the burial from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. in the reception hall at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church; 3580 N. Benton Ave, Helena.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 am
Wednesday March 6, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Wednesday March 6, 2013
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday March 6, 2013
Our Redeemers Lutheran Church
3580 N. Benton Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 am
Wednesday March 6, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Wednesday March 6, 2013
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday March 6, 2013
Our Redeemers Lutheran Church
3580 N. Benton Ave
Helena, MT 59602
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deb stansberry says
Cathy and Kari,
So incredibly sorry to hear of Uncle Howie’s passing. He will be so missed. I will always remember him as my favorite uncle, his sweet sweet smile and his stories. I got to visit with him alot this past summer and learned alot about family history. Tasted his homemade chicken soup and just enjoyed being with him. My heart and my prayers go out to both of you and your families. With love always, strawberry…………….
Rob Stewart says
Cathy, Kari and Family,
Great Uncle Howard has always been a mentor to me and will be greatly missed. I will always remember many family gatherings at Grandma Judy’s house with Howard and Raedyn….having a great time and laughing. You and your family will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
Ken 'Rosy' Rosenbaum, Army CW4 Retired says
Photo of Howard brought back some pleasant memories of him. To me he was a big NCO with a soft spoken manner backed by his vast experience successfully dealing with people. He was one of the really good ones.
Diana says
Uncle Howard has a special place in my heart and will be greatly missed.
Steve and Teresa Anderson says
Kathy, Kari and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We are going to miss him so. I remember dad and Uncle Howard talking about old times and I will miss that the most.
Rita tenneson says
Dear Cathy and Kari — Such a wonderful picture of your dad and exactly as I will always remember him and his smile. He was truely a great person and the world will be a lot sadder without him. May your happy memories and his love for you and your families bring comfort to you in the days ahead. I can only immagine his reunion with his family and my Ted. God bless you. Many hugs and lots and lots of love. Rita Tenneson
Deana Beneventi says
Dearest Cathy and Kari, I have such wonderful childhood memories of our families together. Uncle Howard had the greatest smile and the sweetest disposition. The love between he and Aunt Raedyn was always so evident. While we are morning his loss, I imagine a huge family reunion happening in heaven. May the memory of his love for the two of you help ease your sorrow. Sending love and lot of hugs.
John Nelson says
I amo sorry to hear about your father. Your mom and dad were both so special to us. Your dad was a gentle giant…a man that I always looked up to. Please accept our regards, from Deb, my aunt, Hazel, and myself. He truly was one of the “good guys.”
Jerry Anderson says
I’ll always remember Uncle Howard’s cheerful entry whenever he came to visit: “Hello this house!” He will be greatly missed.
Charlie Heit says
Sorry for your loss… Heard about Howard today.. He is with his Raedyn.. Had many great memiores at his beautiful home.. and many more great time times with the “Brave Cameras” of the fightn’ 103rd PAD.. Our loss heavens gain..
Jim Nys says
Howard was a real gentleman and a great military leader. He helped me (actually gave me instructions then watched me) build my garage and then kept observing how it was still standing weeks, months and years later.
I served with SFC Anderson in the 103rd PAD in the early 80’s
Raymond Berg says
Howard Anderson was my teacher at the Helena Vo-Tech Center for the first year of a two year program. Howard was a professional educator and had the command and respect of the entire class. I know of no one in the class that did not think he was a superior teacher. Yet Howard was so much more, a mentor, leader of men, and taught us all more than carpentry. He was a true, gentleman, photographer, patriot and friend.
I remeber one class vividily, Howard was looking to the text book to explain to us all how to cut a hip jack rafter from the book. We weren’t getting it, after awhile he was clearly struggling and frustrated. He said let me show you, we left our seats and watched him layout the lines with a framing square on a piece of stock, in an instant it was done. We all learned something that day, you can talk about doing it…or you can do it. Howard was a can do kind of man.
He had a huge impact on my life for which I will ever be grateful. The world lost a good man, but his impact on others and the way he lived his life will carry on eternally.
Patt Jenks says
Was sorry about your loss. But was wondering if Jerry Jenks is part of our family. Always looking for family members. Thanks Patt Jenks