ST PETER’S EPISCOPAL CATHEDRAL LIVE STREAM
Bernard George Havdahl, Sr., a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, passed away peacefully at home around family on May 21st, 2024.
The son of Bernhard Olaf Havdahl and Marie Havdahl (Grindahl), Ben was born in Juneau, Alaska on July 22nd, 1931, and attended the University of Washington and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration.
At the age of 18, Ben enlisted in the United States Air Force. He valued this service highly and attained the rank of FV 301 66 15, CAPT, AFRes, (Captain). He was honorably discharged on July 1st, 1967.
Ben was an extremely accomplished gentleman, with career highlights of being Vice President of Government Affairs at Conoco (Littleton, CO). He then moved to Helena, MT and became the Executive Director of the Montana Motor Carriers Association, at the same time that he worked for the MMCA, he held an officer position for the National Committee for the Self Help for the Hard of Hearing. He was instrumental in the Montana Telecommunications Access Program (MTAP).
Ben is preceded in death by his parents, Bernhard and Marie, along with his brother, Obert, and sisters, Borgheild, Solveigh, Eleanor, and his granddaughter, Lanae.
He is survived by his wife, Dolores Schulke Havdahl, and his two children, Ben Havdahl, Jr., and Anita Bradford (Havdahl) from his first marriage. He is also survived by J. Kim Schulke (John Bebee), Tom Schulke, Jr (Dina), and grandchildren, Tom Schulke, III (Valerie), Kate Cirullo (Sean), Lauren Bradford, Allison Braegger (Zachary) and Claire Bebee. Ben is also survived by his great grandchildren, Christian and Landon Cirullo and Jack Schulke.
Ben had a lifelong passion for golf. He also loved woodworking (bird houses were his favorite that now grace his family members backyards). He enjoyed all sports and anytime we had a family event, Grandpa wanted to know which ball game was on the TV. Ben was an amazing grandparent that graced the sidelines at his grandchildren and great grandchildren’s sporting events. We will all miss his banana bread. If you received a batch for your freezer, you had just hit the jackpot.
A memorial service for Ben will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday June 6, 2024, at the St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral 511 N. Park, Helena, MT 59601. Ben’s wishes are that part of his remains be buried at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado. Memorials in Ben’s name are suggested to Helena Food Share 1616 Lewis Street Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday June 6, 2024
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N. Park Avenue
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following the memorial service
Thursday June 6, 2024
Lower Level of the Church
,
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday June 6, 2024
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N. Park Avenue
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following the memorial service
Thursday June 6, 2024
Lower Level of the Church
,
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Evelyn Sass says
My Sincere condolences to the Family & Loved ones. My thoughts & prayers are with you.
Yours Truly, Evy Sass
Sue Weingartner says
Dolores and Family – Ben was a true and amazing gentleman and businessman, respected by everyone who knew him. His legacy of kindness, integrity, and professionalism will be remembered by all. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Dave Galt says
Delores and Family–I was very saddened to learn of Ben’s passing. He was a great mentor to me when I was at the Department of Transportation, Motor Carrier Services. We attended many meetings together and Ben would take the time to explain the details from his point of view. He was a master statesman and held great respect by the legislators at the Capitol. Ben was always the gentleman.
Karl Ksllin says
Karl Kallin
Deloris’ and family
My heart felt sympathies go out to you and your family.
Karl Kallin
John Cherie Dahl says
Ben was a friend from my years at the Highway Department. Always a friendly and classy man. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family 🙏
Kryss Kuntz says
Havdahl family,
My heart is saddened by the loss of such a fine human being. I had the pleasure of working with Ben at Montana Telecommunications Access Program. I also travelled to many Self Help for the Hard of Hearing conferences with Ben. So many laughs and good memories of the good ol’ boy. Always a gentleman, always took the time to listen to what you had to say, just a stellar man!
Delores and family, I hope you place Ben in a special place in your heart, I know I will.
God Speed Ben 🤟♥️
Deanna Johnson says
Dear Delores and Family. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you move through the days ahead without your dear husband, father and grandfather. I am so sorry for your loss and hold your close in my heart .❤️
Deanna Johnson
Sara Medley says
Dolores – I am so sorry. While I didn’t know Ben personally, I know of his stellar reputation and how smart he was. He married you, didn’t he? My thoughts and prayers are with you now and always.
Sara
Sande J. Wilson says
My condolences to Ben’s family. A very good friend. An avid golfer.
Happy trails Ben.
Randy Dix says
Dolores: Although I did not know Ben, I am saddened by your loss. In your time of grief, please know that you have great friends all around you.
Randy Dix
Jim Crane says
Ben was a fine man and a fine friend. We had a lot of fun working together on stuff for the MHTA ( Multi-State Highway Transportation Agreement – Odd name, I know, but an interesting outfit).