Harold J. Montgomery

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.