Willard Abrahamson

MALTA-Willard Abrahamson went home to the Lord on August 25, 2016, at his home in Malta, while surrounded by his family.

Family and friends gathered, Sunday, August 28, 2016, Kirkwood Funeral Home 202 S 2nd Ave E Malta, from 6 until 8 p.m. Funeral services were Monday, August 29, 2016 at 2 p.m. at the Grace Fellowship Church 346 S 3rd E in Malta. Interment with Military Honors was in the Malta Cemetery. Condolences for the family may be left at http://www.kirkwoodfuneralhome.com

He was born May 5, 1927, in Malta Mont., to John and Ivernia (Cookingham) Abrahamson. He was the third of seven children. He grew up in the Bowdoin area, being schooled in Saco and Bowdoin until completion of the 8th grade.

He worked with his dad and area farmers including Thompson's, Cookingham's, Geetings', Duty's, and Peterson's until WWII (1946-47) when he served in the Army in Leyte, Philippines, as an MP and motor pool dispatcher. After returning in 1947, he worked in western Montana cutting Christmas trees for his Aunt and Uncle Price. He worked for the Hungry Horse Dam, sawmills, a seed house, elevators and oil rigs along the Hi-Line. He worked on farms and ranches for Lundman's and his sister and brother-in-law Kenneth and Lillian Tempel.

On May 24, 1957 he married Marilyn Gilmore in the Christian Church in Malta. Later that year he started work for Dave LaFond where he worked until August 14, 1974 when they moved to Malta to continue their new upholstery business. He went to work for the Phillips County Road crew in 1978 and retired in 1992. In his later life, he spent his time listening to his music and working various hobbies.

Willard is survived by his wife, Marilyn of Malta, Mont. His children, Willard (Janice) Abrahamson of Malta, Mont., Renea (Dan) Bidwell of Volborg, Mont., Lynnette (Stanley) Green of Malta, Mont., and Virgil (Suzie) Abrahamson of Malta, Mont. Brothers: Warren (Lydia) Abrahamson and William Abrahamson both of Malta, Mont. Sisters: Marian Gilmore of Chinook and Lillian Tempel of Chester, Mont.

Ten grandchildren: Willard JR Abrahamson, Logan Abrahamson, Mary Abrahamson, Bradley (Leann) Bidwell, Stephanie (Bill) Bowers, Steven (Lindsay) Green, Erin Green (Chad Vita), Matthew Green, Lacie Abrahamson (Travis Owens), and Malinda Christensen.

Six great grandchildren: Hayden Ward, MyKenna Owens, Benjamin Watkins-Bidwell, Evie Bidwell, Nicholas Bowers, and Charles Green.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Ivernia Abrahamson, brothers and sister-in-laws Wallace and Dorothy Abrahamson, and Wendell and Faye Abrahamson, sister-in-law; Margaret Abrahamson, Brothers-in-law: Eldon Gilmore and Kenneth Tempel, and a great grandson Toryn Podry.

Memorials may be made in Willard's name to the Shiners' or Charity of one's choice.