Henry Hodnik

Henry Albert Hodnik passed away from complications of congestive heart failure on December 21, 2011 at Billings Health and Rehabilitation Center. Henry was born in Bearcreek, Montana on July 11, 1919. He was the son of John and Apolonia Nagoda Hodnik, and he grew up in Bearcreek and Scotch Coulee. Henry served in Europe in World War II in the Army of the United States, 20th Armored Infantry Battalion. He was awarded a Purple Heart in action during the Battle of the Bulge. Henry married Elizabeth Lucara in 1947. Henry and Elizabeth were married 64 years and to this union three children were born. Henry worked in coal mines in the Bearcreek area and managed the Red Lodge Grain Elevator for 15 years. Henry and Elizabeth and family moved to Billings in 1969, where he was employed by the U.S. Postal Service. Henry was preceded in death by his son Henry Charles, his parents Apolonia and John, his brother John in the Smith Mine explosion, his sister Angelina Hodnik Matthews, his aunt Angela Nagoda, and his brother Joseph. Henry is survived by his wife Elizabeth, son John Hodnik, daughter Pauline (Steve) Hutchison, brother Leo Hodnik of Billings, niece Debra Hodnik, nephews Jim and Joe Hodnik, grandsons Adam (Chelsie) Hutchison and Douglas Hutchison, and great granddaughter Raylee Hutchison. The family wishes to thank the kind people of the Heart Failure Program, Coagulation Clinic, Wound Care Clinic, and Pulmonary Clinic at Billings Clinic. The family especially thanks the caring people of Riverstone Health Hospice and Billings Health and Rehabilitation Center. Service: Cremation has taken place, and a graveside service is planned for Henry at Bearcreek Cemetery in the spring.