Harold J. Vachal, 94
Harold J. Vachal died In Kalispell Sept. 23, 2019, active and joking even in his last few days. The grandkids always said that Grandpa could fix anything. But he could no longer fix his tired body, so God gave him a brand new one.
Harold was born April 18, 1925, in Ross, North Dakota, and was raised on the farm in the Ross and Stanley area. He was known and loved for his happy nature and giving spirit. He was very patriotic, serving with Patton’s Third Army, Corps of Engineers in World War II, and continued serving our country doing presentations about World War II in local schools for many years.
He married the love of his life, Eila Mae Jennings “Jinks,” when he returned from the war.
He worked for Lee Craft Marine building boats, and later, Monarch Lumber Co. He and his partner Don Fry bought Monarch out and formed The Cabinet Shop which they operated for many years. He was a talented wood carver and craftsman.
Forever young, Harold broke hip and pelvic bones driving a fence post in August. His health began to decline at that point, but his spirit was never broken.
He was an integral member of Eidsvold Lutheran Church, heavily involved in building the church and crafting many chancel accessories.
Harold was always doing for others. He donated over 25 gallons of blood in his lifetime. At 80 years old, he went with a volunteer team to repair homes after floods in South Dakota, outworking the younger guys. He provided countless rides to town for friends and neighbors. He helped anyone who needed help of any kind and never met a stranger.
Above all else, he loved his family and all kids, and we all felt that love. Making people smile was his goal.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents, twin brother Howard, and stepbrother Clarence Sleight.
Survivors include his wife of 72 years, Jinks, daughter Suzi Watteyne and Jack, son Dan Vachal and Jan, older sister Doris Seney, grandchildren Cody Jones and Renee, Danna Gonzales and Claudio, Amy Wambach and Chad, and Joe E. Vachal and Christina, and nine great-grandchildren, Bryton and Kaden, Clara and Joel, Jasper and Jenavieve, Josiah and Anaiah and Brandi.
Burial with full military honors will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27, at Glacier Memorial Gardens Cemetery. A celebration of his beautiful life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at Eidsvold Lutheran Church in Somers, on their 72nd wedding anniversary.
Memorials are suggested to the Veterans Food Pantry, the West Shore Food Bank or Eidsvold Lutheran Church.
Friends are encouraged to visit the website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.