David P. Blumfield

David P. Blumfield, 94, a long-time Havre resident, died Nov.11, 2011. Dave was born on May 5, 1917, in Great Falls, to Edward and May (Patience) Blumfield. He grew up in Great Falls in a traditional Scottish home, and obtained his education through high school there. In 1941, Dave enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the Army Air Corps. He spent his military career as a parachute specialist in New Guinea and Australia.

He came home in 1944 and married Henrietta "Reca" Albertini. They had two children. Dave worked in and managed grocery stores. In 1954, the family moved to Havre, where he managed Price Right Market. In 1960, he opened his own store Dave's Foods, which he ran until his retirement in 1974. After retirement, he worked for Sandvigs and operated two Laundromats. One of the highlights of his retirement was being a grade school crossing guard. He also enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren, taking them to summer activities and keeping bicycles on hand, in tip top shape for all of them. In 2009, Dave and Reca moved to Billings to be closer to family.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents and siblings; Louis, Bob, George, Ed and Emily.

He is survived by the love of his life, Reca Blumfield, son David E. (Haidee) Blumfield of Los Angeles; daughter Linda Freitag of Billings; grandchildren,Chad Freitag, Amy (Jeff) Berve, Ryan (Roni) Freitag, all of Billings, Todd Blumfield and Shaun (Erica) Blumfield of Los Angeles; step-grandson Kris (Meghan) Kuhn of Charlotte, N.C.; great-grandchildren, Tasia and Kyler Berve, Phillip, Dyllan and Nathan Freitag, Zoe and baby girl on the way Blumfield; step-great-grandchildren Khloe and baby girl on the way Kuhn; niece Janet Blumfield-Wetherly and numerous other nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his adopted family, MaryLou and Steve Klobofski, Chris (LoriAnn), Josh, David and Ryan Klobofski of Havre.

Cremation has occurred and a private memorial is planned at a later date. Donations may be made to a local Boys and Girls Club.