Harlen Kravik

Harlen Kravik, 88, of Great Falls, began his journey to heaven Saturday, November 26, 2016 from complications of a stroke. He passed in the arms of his loving wife, surrounded by his family.A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. prior to the funeral service which will be held 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 2, 2016 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, with burial to follow at Highland Cemetery. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.Harlen was born July 9, 1928 in Edinburg, ND to Henry and Hilda (Glaholt) Kravik. He grew up and began school in Edinburg, ND, until moving to Grafton, ND, where he finished through the 8th grade. The oldest of 3 boys, Harlen was always a very hard worker. At the age of 10, he fixed his dads car; which he was told he could have if he got it running, this sparked his passion for automobiles. He worked for area farmers to get the needed parts and had the car running before his father got back from the thrashing crew. From there, he began his automotive career at Nygards Chrysler Dealership in Grafton, ND. In 1946, he relocated to Cavalier, ND and was employed at Melstad Olson Motor.In 1943, he met the true love of his life, Blanche Nygard. They were married on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1948 in Grafton, ND and began their life together in Cavalier, ND. In 1961, they moved to Great Falls, Montana, where he worked for Falls Auto Craft in body and frame repair, this coined his famous phrase Its only iron. A few years later, Harlen and Eddie Sanders bought out Auto Craft and formed a partnership. In 1972, he separated from Auto Craft and struck out on his own creating the family business Harlens Repair. He retired from the Auto Body business in 1985 due to health reasons. He later filled his time by becoming an insurance adjuster, and automotive projects in his garage.Harlen was very proud of his family, and could often be found in his boat pulling his children behind on their water skis. He enjoyed family camping trips, boating, fishing, family gatherings, and his many Boston Terriers.He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Duane Kravik; son Wayne Kravik; and great grandson Louie Todisco.Harlen is survived by his loving wife, Blanche of 68 years; brother Richard Kravik of Mesa, AZ; sister-in-laws Darlene Kravik of Great Falls and Marilyn Nygard of Fargo, ND; brother-in-law Del (Judy) Nygard of Grafton ND; daughter Suzanne (Roy) Kirby of Belt; sons Terry (Donna) Kravik and Robert Kravik of Great Falls; 11 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and his precious Boston Terrier, Molly.A loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great grandfather, Harlen was loved and will be missed by all.