Hans Algard, age 88, of Helena

Hans Harold Algard went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 25, 2014.  Hans was born on January 11, 1926 to Jemelia and Albert Algard in Big Timber, Montana.  He was the ninth of ten children. 

Hans attended schools in Big Timber. He came to Helena and worked for Eddy’s Bakery at the age of 15.  Hans never shied away from hard work and followed through no matter how long it took to finish.   Hans joined the US Navy in December 1943 and was honorably discharged in January 1947.  Hans received two medals during his service: World War II Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

Hans met the love of his life, Betty Jane Lutey, while working at Eddy’s Bakery in Helena.   They were married on April 11, 1947 at St. Paul’s Methodist Parsonage in Helena.  They were married for 66 years and were inseparable until her death on June 13, 2013.

Hans was a man who could build and/or repair anything.  For most of his career he worked for Polar Refrigeration and later Polar Marine.  He then became a self-employed locksmith at Lyndale Lock and Key.  Hans was a man of integrity; his word and handshake, which was strong to the end, was his bond.  If Hans said he would do something, he did it. 

Hans was a member of the Helena Flying Tigers remote airplane club and The Elks Club.  Hans rebuilt cars and restored his family’s 1966 Buick Wildcat convertible to showroom condition.  He also designed and built a custom motorhome that rivaled any commercial model.  He even built a boat for his bride and aptly named the vessel “The Betty J.”

Hans loved animals and he and Betty always had a dog or cat in their home.  Prince, their white German Shepherd, Nauba, and Fang their Norweigan Elkhounds, and their cats, Tig, Tag, and Mama Cat.  Hans had a very special place in his heart for “Griz” his good friend Mark’s golden retriever.  On Hans’ last night here on earth, Hans was blest to have Mark and Griz be with him and Griz made sure that Hans knew he was there.

Hans and Betty loved to dance, but only with each other.  They loved country music, and were naturals at the Jitterbug.  Hans’ family were founding members of the Big Timber Lutheran Church.  Hans and Betty were members of Our Redeemers Lutheran Church for 34 years.  Hans served on the Board and ushered for many years. 

Hans was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, his parents Jemelia and Albert Algard, all of his siblings, Ben, Sam, Gladys, Gudrun, Art, Marie, Ruth, Esther, and Tootsie.

Hans is survived by sisters and brother in-laws, Myrtle Murfitt, Marlene Swenson, Joyce Lutey, Chad Lutey, Pat Leary, and Keith Swenson.  Mark Johnson and Griz were very loyal to Hans and the love and loyalty went both ways.  Hans is also survived by over 50 nieces and nephews.   

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave.   A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 1 at the funeral home. A reception will be held in the social hall at the funeral home immediately following the funeral service. Burial will follow the reception at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Memorials in Hans’ name may be sent to Pad for Paws Foundation, P.O. Box 287, Helena, MT 59624.

Service Schedule

Visitation

3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday April 30, 2014

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N. Montana Ave

Helena, Montana 59602

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Funeral Service

1:30 p.m.

Thursday May 1, 2014

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N. Montana Ave

Helena, Montana 59602

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Reception

Following the funeral service

Thursday May 1, 2014

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N. Montana Ave.

Helena, Montana 59602

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Burial

Following the funeral service

Thursday May 1, 2014

Sunset Memorial Gardens

7100 N. Montana Ave.

Helena, Montana 59602

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