Harold Swede Huntington, age 90, of 873 Pheasant Lane, Huron, SD, died Thursday, June 25, 2009, at the Violet Tschetter Memorial Home.

His funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 30, at American Lutheran Church. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery with Military Rites by the Huron Veterans Council.

Visitation will be Monday from 1-8 p.m. at Welter Funeral Home with family present from 6-8 p.m.; and Tuesday morning one hour prior to the service at the church.

Harold John Huntington was born on September 10, 1918, to Frank and Selma (Englund) Huntington in Huron, SD. He received his schooling in Huron and graduated from Huron High School in 1938.

Following completion of his formal education he was employed at the North American Creamerys in Huron.

On May 14, 1942, Swede was inducted into the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II and served in North Africa as a teletype operator. He was honorably discharged on September 25, 1945 as a S/Sgt. He returned to Huron and was employed with Vallet Cleaners until January 12, 1953.

On January 15, 1950, Swede married Ruth E. Brown at the Presbyterian Church in Wessington. They made their home in Huron where Swede was employed with Western Airlines as a supervisor and agent. In 1965, Western Airlines transferred him to Denver, CO, where he worked until his retirement in 1981. The couple continued to live in Denver until 1983 when they moved to Apache Wells, Mesa, AZ. They returned to Huron in May 2002.

He was a member of American Lutheran Church; 60+ year member of the Forrest McMullen VFW Post #1776; 60+ year member of the William Reaves American Legion Post #7; and a 69 year member of the Elks Club (B.P.O.E.).

Swedes many interests included bowling, hunting, dancing, traveling, and gardening. He enjoyed all sports especially baseball, basketball, and football, and he had a great love and respect for all animals especially dogs.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth of Huron; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.