Harold W. "Paka" Hodges

Harold W. Paka Hodges, 87, of Great Falls, passed away from natural causes on Wednesday, June 17, 2015.A memorial service for Harold will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at New Hope Lutheran Church, 3125 5th Ave. S., Great Falls. Military honors will be conducted at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial immediately following the memorial service.Harold was born to William C. and Gertrude (Galitzeck) Hodges on January 30, 1928 in Great Falls. He met Emma P. Rosin in Great Falls and they were married in Fairfield, Montana on September 25, 1949. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary shortly before Emmas death in 2014.Harolds first jobs were with the Great Northern Railroad and The Hub Thisted Clothing Company in Great Falls. In 1948 he joined the Montana Air National Guard and was in the life support section his entire career. In 1951 he went on active duty with the Air Force and was stationed in Georgia and California. He retired from full-time status as a Master Sergeant with the 120th Fighter Interceptor Group of the Montana Air National Guard in 1983. He remained in the Guard as a part-time technician until 1986.For many years, Harold was a member of the Elks Drum and Bugle Corp. He also belonged to the Eagles and Moose. He remained in touch with friends as one of the original members of the MANG ROMEO group, who enjoy breakfast together every Tuesday morning.In 1985, Harold began volunteering at the nursing home when his mom moved there and continued volunteering there for many years. He called bingo, made chili, played Santa, spent time with the residents and was happy to be part of their lives. He recently received a pin for over 8,000 hours of dedicated volunteer service.Harold was truly excited every year for opening day of fishing season. This tradition started many years ago with his brothers and continued with his grandson, Bob, and great grandson, Zachary. Grandson Sean was able to join them on a number of trips. After retirement, he and Emma enjoyed traveling in their motorhome and spent numerous winters in Yuma, Arizona. He adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.Harold is survived by daughters, Peggy Dean of Great Falls, Barbara (Ken Cox) Partney of Corvallis, Montana and Debbie (John) McColgin of Spokane, Washington; grandchildren Robert (Andrea) Dean, Michelle (Don) Fitzgerald, Thomas (Tiffany) Partney, Donna Rhodda, Daniel (Amber) Partney, Jamie (Nick) Gerten, Megan (Andrew) Esqueda, and Sean McColgin; three step-grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren and eight step great-grandchildren; brothers William H. Hodges, Grant Hodges, and Wade Hodges; sister Pat (Jerry) Mollerstuen; and numerous nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his wife Emma; his parents; grandson Shane Baker and sister Helen Dawson.The family extends thanks to the staff of The Lodge Senior Living Community for their kindness and dedicated care and being an important part of Harolds life these last four years. He enjoyed being part of The Lodge community.Memorials are suggested to New Hope Lutheran Church, 3125 5th Ave. S., Great Falls, MT 59405 or to donors choice.