Harley Wayne Karlson, 92, of Monarch, MT, passed away on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at the age of 92, after having lived a full and long life. Per his wishes, no services are being held. His cremation has been entrusted to Croxford Funeral Home.

Harley was born on November 29, 1924 to parents Peter and Mable Karlson in Emmet, ND. When he was old enough to enlist, Harley joined the United States Army where he served during WWII as a combat infantryman under the famous General Patton. This tour of duty of very near and dear to him throughout the course of life as Harley was extremely proud to have served during such historic war time.

After returning home from war he met and married the woman who was his first love and would become his life partner, Grace Hill. In 1948 they purchased a little ranch in the Monarch valley and enjoyed their lives together working the ranch. Harley also spent 19 years working for the Montana Highway Department of Maintenance where he found that his operating skills with construction equipment was his true calling. In 1968, Harley threw out his shingle for his own Construction business. After which his phone never seemed to stop ringing, as new contracts were bountiful.  His specialty was with the Caterpillar Blade and Dozer. He was truly in his glory days; building roads, numerous log cabins, and fighting forest fires. Harley continued to work at his company even through retirement.

Harley leaves behind his beautiful wife of 72 memorable years, Grace Karlson; sons, Bob and Donnie; three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

He was a beloved husband, loving father and grandfather, and a dear friend to all who knew him. He was a hard man, but soft and caring. He will truly be missed.

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