Harold L. Lind

Harold L. Lind, 77, of Libby died from natural causes on Friday, June 12, 2009 at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital in Libby.

He was born June 17, 1931 in Hardin to William and Molly Koch Lind. He was raised on the family ranch near Ft. Smith and attended school in St. Xavier.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 16. He served in the Korean War, occupied Japan and numerous other ports of call. Following several tours of duty, Mr. Lind left the Navy with the rank of master chief petty officer.

Mr. Lind went to work for the National Park Service at Custer Battlefield until his medical retirement in 1974 with more than 26 years of government service. He was a member of numerous veterans and fraternal organizations, but was most active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He progressed through post, district and state chairs to serve as state commander in 1978-79. He served on the National Council of Administration as District 14 councilman from 1984-86.

His parents, sisters Mollie Koch, Katherine Dangerfield, brothers Jake, Leo, Bill and Carl all preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife of 33 years Kendra Lind, of Libby; daughters, Mickey McCreless of Oneonta, Ala.; and Mary Jane Kigler of Helena; sons, Van Lind and wife Sandra of Tuscumbia, Ala.; and Jesse Lind and wife Rhonda of Oneonta, Ala.; stepdaughter, Toni Schone and husband Michael of Colorado Springs, Colo.; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sisters, Mary Frickle of Billings; and Pearl Rider and husband Gene of Huntley; brothers, Fred and John Lind – both of Hardin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 11 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Libby.

Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby handled arrangements.