Bernard Havdahl Obituary

Bernard George Havdahl Sr.

July 22, 1931 - May 21, 2024

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. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Ben.