Howard H. Tracht passed away at his home in Kalispell on Jan. 03, 2006.

He was born May 10, 1913, on a homestead near Joplin to Simon and Emma Tracht.

He was preceded in death by Anna, his wife and soulmate of 70 years; his parents; a brother, Oliver; and a sister, Mable.

He is survived by his daughter, Maryle, and son-in-law, Arlen Roll; his son, Lloyd; a grandson, John Roll, and his wife, MaryAnn; great-grandson, Marshall Roll; granddaughter, Linda Robb, and her husband, Don.

Howard went to grade school in Gilford and attended high school in Rudyard.

He married Anna Shipman in 1935.

He worked at the family business (S.J. Tracht and Son) selling machinery, cars and lumber. He started farming in the early 1940s south of Rudyard and continued until 1952, when he moved to Kalispell and farmed there. He enjoyed living on the farm on the Stillwater River until he moved to town in 2002. He especially enjoyed spending time on the farm with his grandchildren. He enjoyed Marshall, his great-grandson, and particularly on Christmas Eve, when they helped each other open gifts.

He was active in The Epworth United Methodist Church and served on many church boards.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 6, at Epworth United Methodist Church in Kalispell.

The family is being cared for by Buffalo Hill Funeral Home.

The family suggests that memorial gifts be sent in Howard's name to a charity of their choice.