Harold "Hal" Gaarder

Harold “Hal” Gaarder, 91, long-time Fairfield area farmer, passed away at Benefis Peace Hospice on Monday, January 24 due to natural causes. He was born June 8, 1930 in Great Falls to Hans and Alma Gaarder. He was raised in the Fairfield area, attending grade schools at Greenfield, Ashuelot, and Simms. As a 15 year old, he met a girl at bible camp named Inez who he would never forget. He graduated from Fairfield High School in 1947 where he played football, basketball, and baseball. He attended a year of college at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. He then transferred to Montana State, where he became forever reacquainted with Inez Underdal from Ledger, MT. They were married on September 16, 1951 and moved back to Fairfield to farm with his dad Hans, purchase their own 200 acre farm, and begin their new life together. They were blessed with four children, David, Kristine, Kari, and Diane. In March 2014, they moved off the farm to Great Falls to enjoy senior living communities. They had celebrated their 70 th wedding anniversary this past fall. Harold was a savvy farmer, mechanic, businessman, carpenter, leader, and was active in church and community affairs. He was very proud of being chosen Outstanding Young Farmer of Teton County in 1965. He served on the local and county ASCS Committee for 13 years, President of the Montana Assoc. of Farmers Elected Committees (MAFEC) 1977-81 and was Northwest Area Director of National Assoc. of Farmer Elected Committees (NAFEC) 1979-84. He served on the Greenfield School Board for 9 years, was a Life Member of the Fairfield Lion’s Club, serving in many capacities including President and Treasurer. Harold served on the Community Hall Board and was a member of the Elks Club of Great Falls for many years. He was a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, taught Sunday school, and served on the church council. Harold had a great sense of humor and was often asked to serve as the Master of Ceremonies for various occasions. Harold was a lifelong sports enthusiast who played independent baseball and basketball for several years as a young man. Bowling, woodworking, and golf were favorites in later years, as well as taking in many sporting events and school functions of his grandchildren. Harold was a generous, kind, compassionate man and definitely a proud Norwegian! He was a loving husband and together with Inez, they set a great example for their family. Harold will be deeply missed by all. Survivors include his wife, Inez of Great Falls; son, David (Donna) of Colleyville, TX; daughter Kristine (Don) MacIntyre of Helena, MT; daughter Kari Ratliff of Great Falls; and daughter Diane (Dennis) Zimmermann of Puyallup, WA; brother, Donald (Alta) Gaarder of Sioux Falls, SD; grandsons, Ben (Lindsey) MacIntyre; Shane (Catrina) MacIntyre; Karsten (Stephanie) Gaarder; David Zimmermann; Jordan (Kelsey) Ratliff; Spencer Ratliff; Taylor Ratliff; granddaughters, Kelsi MacIntyre; Bria Zimmermann, Karli (Henrik) Zimmermann, Annie (Derek) Rich; great-granddaughters, Charlotte MacIntyre; Elle Ratliff; Emery Gaarder; Leona Zimmermann; Billie MacIntyre; McKenzie Rich; great-grandsons, Weston Rich; Logan MacIntyre; Ollie Ratliff; two great-grandchildren on the way; and special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Donna Underdal. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church on Saturday, January 29th at 11:00 a.m. A lunch reception will follow. Visitation will be held Friday, January 28 th from 3:30-5 pm at Schnider Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Benefis Peace Hospice of Montana, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Fairfield, MT, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the care of Schnider Funeral Home. A livestream of the service will be available online at www.facebook.com/SchniderFuneralHome.