Harold Bouma

Harold Bouma, 96, longtime Choteau businessman, died on Nov. 5, 2023, in Lethbridge, Alberta, while spending time near his daughters.

His funeral service will be on Nov. 10 at 10 a.m. at the Old Paths Strict Baptist Church in Choteau.

Harold was born near Conrad on June 22, 1927, the third of 11 children of Louie and Nina (Kaptein) Bouma. Except for the years of 1929-1933 when the family lived in South Dakota, he spent his childhood near Farmington and attended the Malone and Farmington schools.

On April 4, 1951, he married Johanna den Dunnen of Sunnyside, Washington. In 1953 he and Johanna opened the doors of a new business, Bouma Post Yards. A number of years later they started Montana Manufacturing where Harold developed and manufactured round wood processing equipment.

Harold and Johanna raised six children and created a deep bond of love with a large extended family. Together they have shown unequaled hospitality to one and all who were privileged to know them.

Harold is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years; sons, Louie (Trudy) Bouma and John (Cindy) Bouma; daughters, Jennie (Chris) Garramon, Norma (Ray) Vossebelt, Rosalie (Case) Slingerland and Donna (Randy) Teunissen; 25 grandchildren, 88 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Jennie (John) Luteyn and Frances (Larry) Teunissen; and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Cornelia Bouma.

Harold was preceded in death by grandson, Jason Teunissen; two great-grandchildren, Damien Vossebelt and Jason Slingerland; and brothers, Pete (Nellie) Bouma, Herman (Madelyn) Bouma, Henry (Paula) Bouma, Andrew (Marie) Bouma, Ralph Bouma and John (Edith) Bouma; and sisters, Ann (Huigh) Greyn and Henrietta (Wulfert) van de Lagemaat.

The family would like to express their appreciation to so many who have enriched our father's life through the years. We also thank those who have supported him and the family during these past months.

He leaves an honorable legacy which we can only hope to emulate.