Harold Gratwohl

Harold Gratwohl, 78, of Laurel passed away suddenly of natural causes on June 8, 2008 at his home.

Harold was born November 19, 1929 in Laurel, Montana to John and Mary Katherine (Schuman) Gratwohl. He was the youngest of eleven children. Harold graduated from Laurel High School in 1948. He married and later divorced Dorine Severens. Together they had four children.

Harold was a Corporal based at Indiantown Gap Military Reservation in Pennsylvania for the 6th army artillery unit in 1951. He served until 1953 and was honorably discharged. He then went to work for Cenex from 1957-1992; for 35 years. He started as a laborer and worked himself up to Maintenance Foreman.

Harold will always be remembered for his ability to make others laugh with practical jokes that were full of his personality. He was known as a sore looser that was willing to pay his debts; just in his own unique ways. You might find your bet money as a hundred pennies in a copper pipe soldered at both ends. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, baseball, gardening and raising teacup poodles. His most recent four-legged companion was named Honey. Aside from those hobbies, Harold also enjoyed creating beautiful stained glass artwork, leatherwork and reloading shells. He held many roles throughout his life; Boy Scout leader, a baseball coach. Harold was a lifetime member of the Laurel Congregational Church and served many years as a Church Deacon. Harold was also the turkey & dressing maker for all family holidays; but his most important role was the father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and brother to a family who loved every minute we were blessed with.

Harold is survived by his four children, Jim Gratwohl of Winnemucca, Nevada, Cindy (Darrell) Fox of Laurel, Montana, Christy (Bentley) Roth of Molt, Montana, and Hal (Cindi) Gratwohl of Laurel, Montana, his grandchildren, Jamie (Bart) Bower, Jeff Gratwohl,Joshua Gratwohl, Jean Marie Gratwohl, Jackson Gratwohl, Brad (Christi) Fox, Cameron Fox, Alexander Roth, Sarah Roth, Zachariah (Joanna) Roth, Amber Gratwohl, Nick (Kandiss) Gratwohl, Levi Bryan, and Hunter Gratwohl. He is also survived by his sister, Helen Frank of Billings, Montana and 7 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind a special friend and neighbor at the fence, Marilyn Mahan. He was preceded in death by: Molly & Katie Gratwohl, Mary Johnson, Rose Fox, George Gratwohl, Lydia Koppelman, Martha Gratwohl, Alec Gratwohl, Rosie Fox, Clara Reiber and infant granddaughter Renee Fox. Harold's family would be honored to have your presence at services on Thursday, June 12, 2008 at 10 a.m. at the Congregational Church in Laurel.

Dad, we want to thank you for all you did for us; especially making us laugh at each turn. I will never forget that those who have read 'Tuesdays with Mory' will never understand what it is like to have every morning coffee with the greatest man I've ever known.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to the Congregational Church of Laurel or the charity of their choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Harold Gratwohl, please visit our floral store.