1928 ~ Harry John Unger ~ 2025 "Harry was well known for his warm smile and his sense of humor. It was important to him to welcome neighbors to his home and would offer help wherever he was able. He was generous and kind and will be greatly missed by all those who knew him."
Posted Mar 7, 2025 | 9:31 PM
Harry John Unger was born at home on February 5, 1928 in Govan, SK. His parents moved to the Reed Ranch area east of Olds, AB when he was two. After he got up the morning of February 23rd, did his hair and put on his Sunday dress shirt, his heart failed and he spent the day surrounded by his family at Olds Hospital. The Lord called dad home that afternoon at the age of 97. He was a lifetime resident and farmer in the Reed Ranch area.
Harry grew up working on the farm, going to Reed Ranch School and attending East Olds Baptist Church. In the fall of 1944, after threshing was complete, Harry went to Christian Training Institute in Edmonton. In March, 1945, his father Albert passed away suddenly. Harry had to come home, help his mother run the farm and be the man of the family at 17. His mother moved to Medicine Hat in 1952. Harry spent a few years as a bachelor until 1956 when he married Verna Irene Martin. Three sons were born; Loren-1959, Marlow-1962 (only lived 3 days) and Mark-1964. In 1969, Harry and Verna chose Marla Joy and the family was complete
Harry loved his family, the Lord and farming. He faithfully served East Olds Baptist Church his whole life, enjoyed fellowship with his community and coffee with friends at Tims and A&W.
Harry loved to work on the farm. Even in his 90’s, he would do any job needed. He needed to know what field the guys were working on and give his two cents. He was willing and ready to drive or help move equipment from fields which was good and bad because he never quite mastered using a mirror to back up. One year, his half ton had three bumpers replaced.
Most of his career, he hauled grain to the Alberta Wheat Pool, dealt with Ross Ford, then George’s Farm Centre and bought fuel from Russ Wilson at UFA. He never missed a Tuesday at Olds Auction Mart bushing with his buddies, the loser paying for coffee.
The guys were fortunate to have both mom and dad in a combine this fall to finish up our last field. Dad went up those steps pretty quick and then enjoyed lunch in the field after.
He had a great birthday just a few weeks ago! A true Oilers fan, the family was just waiting for him to reach 97 to see McHarry in his favorite player’s jersey!
Harry was well known for his warm smile and his sense of humor. It was important to him to welcome neighbors to his home and would offer help wherever he was able. He was generous and kind and will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.
Harry is remembered by Verna, his loving wife of 68 years, children Loren(Karen), Mark (Debbie) and Marla Unger, grandchildren Meghan (Nate Cox) Mitchell (Lindsey), Kristin (Attila Horvath), Jensyn, Baylen, Danny and Ruby, great grand children Liam, Helen, Bennett, Anika, Richard and Jacob. As well, he will be missed by his sister Elsie Kerber, sister in laws Darlene Martin, Karen Martin and Jacquie Unger, family and friends.
The family would like to thank the staff at Olds Seasons Encore Independent Living for the loving personal care he received over the last five years. They gave care from their hearts for him, and it was noticed and deeply appreciated. The family also thanks Dr. Blackshaw, nurses Mariah, Cassidy and Bridget at the Olds Hospital.
If desired, Memorial Donations can be made in Harry’s honor directly to the Olds Hospital, East Olds Baptist Church or a charity of choice.
A celebration of Harry’s life was held on Friday, February 28, 2025 at East Olds Baptist Church. A recording of the service was found at https://www.youtube.com/live/mZDz9aeQBIo?si=aj3CKbHYOzuZ9621
Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 5226 – 46 Street, Olds, Alberta. Phone: 403.507.8610
- Date : 2025-03-07
- Location : (Olds) LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com