Arnold Happel

Arnold Arnie Happel, age 94, of Bozeman, passed away on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 from complications of Parkinsons and pneumonia. Arnold was born in Bozeman, Montana September 8, 1913, to Fred and Hattie (Toepper) Happel and attended Gallatin Co. High School. At a young age, his father Fred passed away, and Arnold moved to Canada, where he spent a year with his Uncle John. In 1934, Arnold joined the Conservation Corps. He helped to build bridges in Alberton, Canada before moving to fight fires in Idaho. While working as a mess sergeant in the kitchen, Arnold left the Conservation Corps in 1936 and came back to Bozeman briefly before going to Fort Peck to help build the dam. He was proud of his jack hammer belly which he retained a good share of his life. In 1939, he returned to Bozeman. At this point, he got a job offer with the U.S. Fisheries in Red Bluff, California, a position which he held for about a year. Arnold then went to Anderson, California, followed by Bishop, California. Arnold returned to Montana again in 1947 and preceded to work as a custodian at The Armory and the Eagle#8217;s Club. He met a young woman by the name of Doris Martilla, and the two were married on April 25, 1954 in Bozeman. Starting in 1961, Arnold worked with his brother, Fred, at Happel#8217;s Clean Cut Meats where he was a cured meat and sausage expert for 27 years. He won several ham bacon awards in the competition at the old Montana Winter Fair. He was very active in the Eagles Lodge for 61 years, where he was a past president. He and Doris traveled extensively throughout the state to various Eagle functions. He loved playing pool and was on the Eagle#8217;s Pool League into his late 80's. Many a young hot shot pool player fell victim to Arnie#8217;s game on the pool table. He loved playing music with his brother Fred. Arnold played the guitar while Fred played the accordion. They played together at Buck#8217;s T-4, the Springhill Pavilion and various old time country school house dances. Arnie moved to Spring Meadows Assisted Living in 2003 and began his new life. He was well liked by the residents and the staff at Spring Meadows and he frequently sang songs for them. Arnie#8217;s biggest past time was walking and he would walk more than 50 blocks per day. Arnold was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Doris; three brothers, Art, Lawrence and Harold and a sister, Lora. He is survived by his brother: Fred G. (Mae) Happel of Bozeman, nephews Lyle (Robin), Logan (Doreen), Dan (Ingrid), Fred J. (Alice) Happel, Dave Blake and Bob Martilla; nieces Ranae (Bill) Bybee, Linda Barney, Patricia Happel (Mike), Barbara (Dave) Eklund, and Lana (Jean) Nicholes and several grand nieces and nephews. Semi private grave side services will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens at a later date. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.dahlcares.com