Harold Berciunas

Harold William Berciunas, 82, of Mountain Home, died Friday, July 25, 2008, at a local care center.

Per his request, no services are planned. Cremation was under the direction of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel.

Harold was born on Dec. 5, 1925, in Grand Rapids, Mich., the son Joseph and Noma Berciunas.

He served during WWII as a Navy Dental Assistance in Oakland, Calif.

He met Amelia Emerson and married her on June 24, 1945. Together they moved to Michigan, where their children were born. Later they moved to Indiana where Harold's trade as a sprinkler fitter took him for 13 years. Then, to be closer to the family, Harold took his family to southern California where he retired in 1987 from the Automatic Sprinkler Fitters Union 669.

Harold and Amelia followed their daughter to Mountain Home in 1993 and helped her with their grandsons.

"He enjoyed being needed by others and he took care of his grandsons with pride," his family said. "He loved yard sales, collecting anything the grandkids would like, teaching the boys to build, garden and bird watch.

"He was happiest when his first great-granddaughter was born, taking his beloved wife's name, Ameila.

"We will miss our buddy, friend and papa," they said.

Harold is survived by: his son, Harold, and his wife, Rebecca Berciunas II, of Missouri; his daughter, Misty, and her husband, Mike Cadena, of Mountain Home; his sister, Carolyn, of Washington; seven grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters.