Joseph Hardenbrook

            Joseph (Buck) Henry Hardenbrook was born on October 7th, 1933 N. E. of Geraldine, Montana to George & Agnes Hardenbrook. He was a twin to Helen (Sis) Hardenbrook-Clay and joined his brothers Thomas & Harold Clark. 12 years later Barb Ludeman joined the family. They all grew up on a ranch 25 miles north east of Geraldine. Buck & his siblings later moved to town in 1947 so they were able to attend school. He graduated Geraldine High School in 1953. His parents bought a restaurant in town, which is now the Bed & Breakfast. A year later they bought the Geraldine hotel in 1958. Buck was a avid basketball player during high school, & loved baseball, but Buck's love for horses was his 1st love. He was an excellent horseman & all around cowboy. Buck attended & competed in many rodeos & even taught his sister Barb how to rope. He was president of 2 different Sherriff's Posse's; Chouteau & Fergus Co..He was also a member of Yellowstone Co Sherriff's Posse.  He was also president of some horse clubs over the years & was also a lover of Country Western music & loved to dance.

            Buck had many different jobs in Geraldine, from working for the Geraldine Revue Newspaper, Rusty's Bar, & even hauled freight back & forth from Fort Benton.

            On October 1st of 1965 he married the love of his life, Carol Rae Phillips & became of step-dad of Sherri, Terry, & Carollyn. A few years later in 1967, John was born & then Suzie in 1972. They raised their family in Geraldine at first then moved to Fort Benton where Buck became the caretaker of the Chouteau County Fairgrounds for 2 years. He then began his custodial career at the Fort Benton Public schools until 1976, then moved to Roy, Mt for a short stay(8mo.) & eventually moved to  Lewistown, Mt. to continue his custodial work at Montana State Home for the Aged & then later at the hospital.  He eventually retired & moved to Billings, Mt, where they enjoyed life with their growing family. They also spent 3 yrs. in Baker, Mt

            Buck is survived by sister Barb Ludeman, & his children Terry Hardenbrook, Carollyn Higley, John Hardenbrook, 9 Grandchildren – Stephanie Craig, Miranda Thomas, Daryn Thomas, Theresa Giulio, Natasha McGarr, Jillian Hardenbrook, Troy Stutts, Joshua Stutts, John Stutts, & 12 great grandchildren, & numerous nieces & nephews.

            He was preceded in death by his loving wife Carol, Sister Helen, Brothers Thomas & Harold Clark, & daughter Sherri Slater & Suzie Hardenbrook, & both his parents George & Agnes Hardenbrook.