Harold Cumber

Harold Melvin Cumber, 78, Montpelier, North Dakota died Monday, October 30, 2006 at Central Dakota Village in Jamestown, where he had been a resident since August 23, 2006.

Harold was born October 4, 1928 the son of Herbert and Martha (Janz) Cumber. He was baptized in Montpelier Lutheran Church. His sponsors were J. William and Frieda Froehlich and Willie Janz. Harold grew up on the family farm along the James River one mile north of Montpelier. He attended school at Montpelier for 10 years. Harold graduated in 1946 with honors from Jamestown High School.

On October 23, 1949 Harold married Betty Kipp, daughter of Harvey and Florence (Gibson) Kipp, at the Ypsilanti Lutheran Church.

Harold's father bought the Albert Gehlhar property on the north edge of Montpelier and Harold and Betty moved into their first home. This land was part of the original homestead of Harold's grandfather, Joseph N. Cumber.

He farmed for many years with his brother, Bob, who lived south of Montpelier. Harold built a new barn and began milking cows. In February 1961 the barn burned and the cattle were lost in the fire. The barn was rebuilt and Harold focused on Hereford cattle. In 1963 a new home was built and the first home was sold and moved into Montpelier.

Harold was very active in his church, serving on the council many terms, leading adult Bible class and working with many committees. He was Montpelier Township Treasurer, an elected member of the Montpelier School Board and held several offices in the Montpelier Shipping Association. Working with the Montpelier Cub Scouts was a special reward for him. He was leader of Pack #119. He liked hunting with his son and neighbors in the fall for wild game and during deer season, fishing the James River and the lakes in spring and summer and ice fishing in winter. He was an avid reader, participated in baseball and bowling league and enjoyed golf with his son. Summers the family spent vacation times tent camping throughout the United States. Harold enjoyed his friends and spent many winters playing cards at his home or theirs.

Harold is survived by Betty, his wife of 57 years, Montpelier; three daughters, Catherine Colette Martin, Prescott, WI, Lynnette Louise and Jeff Gearman, Alexandria, MN and Gwenda Gail and Mike Buttke, Fergus Falls, MN; grandchildren: Lucas Martin, Isaac (Leah) Martin, Jessica (Matt) Kleine, Jacob Fenno, Lindsey Buttke, Chad Buttke; step-grandchildren: Christopher Buttke, Darci (Craig) Vera, Kyle, Matt, Melissa and Kate Gearman; step-greatgrandson, Matthew Herrick; two sisters, Josie Gregoryk, Bismarck, ND and Norine Naze, Montpelier, ND; one sister-in-law, Alice Cumber, West Fargo, ND; two brothers-in-law, Boyden and Carolyn Kipp, Julian, CA and Dallas and Shirley Kipp, Roseville, CA; two aunts, Agnes Berge, Jamestown and Florence Janz, El Cajon, CA and numerous nieces and nephews.

Harold and Betty had six children of which three preceded Harold in death: Laurel Jean, died October 7, 1952 at the age 10 days; Daniel Duane died of cancer on May 14, 1961 in his Dad's arms at the age of 6 years; Steven Scott died in a farm accident on July 1, 2006 at the age of 49 years.

Funeral Service: 1:30 PM, Thursday, November 2, 2006 at Monpelier Lutheran Church with Rev. Norman Winkelman officiating.

Visitation: 1:00 to 8:30 PM, Wednesday, November 1, 2006 at the Eddy Funeral Home in Jamestown.

Prayer Service: 8:30 PM, Wednesday, November 1, 2006 at the Eddy Funeral Chapel.

Burial: James Valley Cemetery, Ypsilanti, North Dakota.

On line guestbook at www.eddyfuneralhome.com