By HDN Staff
Robert P. "Wiggy" Ragnvald, 78, died Monday, May 15, 2000 at a Havre care center of natural causes.
Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Wednesday at the First Lutheran Church with Pastor Dorthy Nielsen officiating. Burial with veteran's honors to follow at the Highland Cemetery.
Ragnvald was born in Havre July 9, 1921 to Paul and Olga Marie (Olsen) Ragnvald. He graduated from Havre High School in 1939. His father worked for The Lou Lucke Company in the shoe department before moving the family to Chewelah, Wash. to open a hardware store.
Ragnvald joined the Navy after graduation and served in World War Two on a submarine tender, the U.S. Bushnell. He was stationed in the Pacific Theater, including Pearl Harbor, Midway and Majuro in the Marshall Islands.
Ragnvald worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 31 years. He was an avid golfer and often played seven days a week, even in inclement weather. He continued playing in competitive events through 1999, when he was diagnosed with cancer and was unable to play anymore.
Ragnvald was a member of the First Lutheran Church, Sons of Norway, Beaver Creek Golf Course, was a life member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Elks Club.
He is survived by two sisters: Esther Wagner Ellingson, Spokane, Wash., and Bernice Hoveland Hardy of Bethesda, Md.; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Memorials in Ragnvald's honor may be made to the First Lutheran Church, Havre Middle School golf program, or a person's choice.
Services and arrangements are under the direction of the Holland & Bonine Funeral Home.
