Harry M. Andersen

Harry M. Andersen, 89, of Billings, passed away on Dec. 30, 2016, at his apartment at West Park Village. At the end, his loving wife and guardian angel, Doris, was with him as he peacefully left this earth.

Harry was born on Feb. 10, 1927, the only child of Harry and Rita Andersen of Minneapolis. His father built the house where he spent his childhood and high school years. Harry spent many days with his parents, childhood friends and relatives, swimming in Minnesota lakes, enjoying the outdoors and ice skating during the cold winters. His high school class graduated early, and Harry enlisted with the Navy in January of 1945. He was stationed at the Long Beach Naval Hospital.

After the war, Harry returned to Minneapolis, where he graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. He married Margaret Andrews, also of Minneapolis, and from this marriage were born three sons. Margaret later passed away. Harry moved to Billings and established his dental practice of over 40 years. He served as President of the Ninth District Dental Society, and was recognized for providing free dental services over the years to the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, the Breakfast Exchange volunteer dental program and fitting mouth guards for the high school sports teams.

In 1968, Harry married Doris Butler, who brought two sons and a daughter to the family. Harry and Doris were an amazing, inseparable pair. Harry and Doris had a great sense of adventure and were thrilled with travels to Hawaii, Europe and dental conventions all over the country. Harry was a loving father to six children who stayed busy with camping, boating, snow skiing, school activities, attending church and enjoying family time. Harry loved to tell Ole and Sven Scandinavian jokes and toss the football to his sons. He marched them out on the lawn during half-time of televised football games, saying we needed exercise. Golf at the Hilands Club was Harry's passion, as well as spending time with friends in the great outdoors, at Kiwanis, book groups, church committees and dental groups. Harry will be best remembered as a kind soul who offered kind words, cared for others and was a friend to many.

Harry is survived by his wife, Doris; children David Andersen (Sharon), Jeff Butler (Joy), Doug Andersen (Cathy), Janice Capdeville (Jeff), Jeff Andersen (Bette) and Jay Butler; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

The family would like to thank the staff of West Park Village for the compassionate and devoted care they provided, as well as the hospice services of RiverStone Health.

Cremation has occurred. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at First Congregational Church, 310 N. 27th St.

Memorials may be made to First Congregational Church.