Harold Dean Holtshouser

Harold Dean Holtshouser, 92, of Livingston, passed away Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at his home with his wife at his side. The Funeral Service will be held 2 P.M., Monday July 28, at the Franzen-Davis Chapel (118 N. 3rd St.) with Pastor Harlan Durgan officiating. Graveside committal and burial will be at Mountain View Cemetery. Veterans honors will be given by the Park Post #23 American Legion and Sergeant Tommy Ray Post #2154 V.F.W.; as well as, the active duty Navy Honors Team. Harold was born on February 9, 1922, in Shelbyville, Missouri. He was the son of Stephen R. and Jewell May (Wilcox) Holtshouser. He received his education in Shelbyville and was a graduate of the Shelbyville High School Class of 1940. Following graduation Harold entered active military service in the United States Navy on July 20, 1942, and served his country during WW II. He was stationed in the North African Theater. Harold was injured from a bomb explosion during his service. He suffered permanent nerve damage from the fall-out of the explosion. He received an Honorable Discharge on August 3, 1945. Upon his return from the Navy Harold was united in marriage to Wanda E. Austin, in Missouri. Harold and Wanda moved to Montana shortly following their marriage. He farmed with his father in rural Great Falls before their move to Livingston. Harold took employment with the Railroad as a Mechanic. He retired in 1976. They shared 40 years of marriage before Wandas passing in 1991. Following Wandas passing he met and fell in love with Kathy (Peterson) Schumacher, they were married in Billings and were blessed with 23 years of marriage. Kathy had three children from a previous marriage, Cassandra, Ben and Crystal. Harold loved her children and grandchildren as his own. Harold will be remembered as a strong and loyal man. His grandchildren were always impressed by his strength and tenacity. Harold enjoyed his retirement and spent as much of his free time hunting and fishing as he could. He was also a talented wood worker. He carved many willow canes and also created lamps out of willow that are treasured gifts to many family members and friends. Blessed be his memory. Harold is survived by his: Loving wife, Kathy Holtshouser of Livingston. Children, Cassandra Kokot of Livingston; Ben Schumacher of Livingston and Crystal Losinski and her husband, Wade of Miles City. Grandchildren, Cyle and Kevin Kokot; Isabel and Cathleen Losinski. Siblings, Bill Gibson and his wife, Nancy of Shelbyville, MO, and, Pat Thrasher of Quincy. IL. Brother-in-law Don Helmich of Bethel, MO. Many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. Harold is preceded in death by his Parents, Stephen Holtshouser and Jewell May Gibson, Sister, Libby Helmich and Brother-in-law Mick Thrasher. Arrangements are under the direction of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory.