Howard Harold Hadden passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at New Bethel, MN of natural causes. He was 89 years old.
Howard was born in Marcus, IA on April 29, 1935. He was oldest child of Nels and Lois Kracke Hadden. He grew up in Primghar, IA and Clotho, MN. In his younger years he worked at the Clotho Creamery picking up milk from local farmers and leaving empty cans for future pickup. He also learned the traditional method of egg candling when he worked at the Clotho store.
He began his lifelong traveling experiences when he left home at the age of 16, going to Iowa to work as a hired hand. Three years later, he came to Montana with a friend, looking for adventure. He married Wilbona “Bonnie” Orthman on November 26, 1955 in Billings. They bought their first home that very day. They moved to Hysham shortly thereafter and started their family. He worked various jobs in the Hysham area prior to being hired with the Montana Highway Department. He retired as maintenance foreman after many years of dedicated service.
Howard and Bonnie began their small hog operation in the late 1960’s. He soon built a hog farrowing and weaning facility and was proud that it was on the forefront of farrowing designs at the time. Together, they worked hard to make their venture successful.
In his younger years, Howard dreamed of being a farmer and accomplished his goal by leasing and later buying farmland. He raised sugar beets, hay, and corn, as well as experimental crops like Japanese Kabocha squash and Jerusalem artichokes. During this period, he enjoyed traveling to farm auctions hoping to snag a great deal. He continued farming into his 80’s.
He was an active Garst seed salesman for many years. He won numerous sales awards and corn-growing contests which allowed him and Bonnie to travel to various destinations across the country. One of their favorite trips was to Asheville, NC, where they toured the Biltmore Estate. As his and Bonnie’s health declined, he was forced to stay closer to home.
Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie, both parents, and granddaughter Jenny Hadden.
He is survived by daughter Pam and her husband Eric Chigbrow, and their daughters Lianna Gaskins and Emily Edmonston, all of Great Falls; son Russell Hadden and Kathy Crawford, of Hysham, and his daughters Melissa and Amanda of Nebraska; and daughter Diane and her husband Mike Robino, of Forsyth, and her daughter Kayla Stevens of Hysham; and great-grandchildren, Jackson Gaskins, Jesse, Tacey and Elsie Stevens, and Deacon Edmonston. He is also survived by his siblings Gary of St. Cloud, MN, Donna Boyer of Long Prairie, MN and Marlin of Borup, MN; and special friend Karen Herman of New Bethel, MN.
If desired, memorials may be made to your favorite charity.
Karen (Engle)& Rick Mouat says
Pam, Russell and Diane, I am just now seeing that your dad passed away. Thoughts and prayers are with you all and your families. So many wonderful memories of you all as our neighbors in Hysham all those years. God give you comfort and peace.
Gail and Ron Kolb says
Dear Pam, Russell, Diane and families, we were so sorry to hear of the passing of Howard. It’s so hard to say goodbye to all these people who make up the story of our lives and your Dad is one of those. Your mom as well. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you adjust to this new normal. Sure wish we didn’t have to say goodbye.