Harold Wildfong Jr

Harold Edwin Wildfong, Jr., passed away peacefully from his earthly body into his eternal home on Monday, September 7, 2015 at the age of 67. He was born in Traverse City on January 1, 1948, to Harold E. and Irene (Alexander) Wildfong. He was raised in Mancelona, surrounded by a loving and supportive family where honesty, respect and hard work were the norm. This foundation helped shape him into the person he was to become: an amazingly strong, determined man, with an uncommon amount of common sense, who deeply loved his family and his country. When Harold was 12 years of age his parents purchased the Lona Theater in Mancelona. This was a family venture, with all members contributing to the success of the business. He developed a great love for movies during this time, which gave him much enjoyment for the rest of his life. Harold attended school in Mancelona, graduating in 1967. During high school, in addition to playing football and helping in the theater, he worked many side jobs. He especially enjoyed working for his uncle Robert Wildfong, at his service station. He drove both cars and wrecker for his uncle at the age of 14. In April, 1968, Harold entered the Army and served his country proudly and well in Vietnam as part of the Fighting Red One. He earned numerous service awards and medals, including the Bronze Star Medal. Harold continued to serve his country as a member and later post commander of the American Legion Post 35 in Traverse City. During his time as post commander, he was instrumental in purchasing property and laying the groundwork for construction of the current post home on Hastings Street. He was given many citations for his efforts. After returning from Vietnam, Harold was able to fulfill one of his dreams by opening his own service station, Harold's Texaco, on West Front Street in Traverse City. Shortly after opening the service station, Harold met the love of his life, Janet (Jan) Kadrovach Shelton. They married in November, 1971 and enjoyed almost 44 years of marriage. Harold loved to hunt, and had many happy memories of hunting as a youth with his father. He enjoyed antique cars and car shows and was a great American history fan. He thoroughly enjoyed travelling the highways and back roads of our country. Together, he and Jan visited many parts of the country, exploring the history, seeing the sights, and meeting the people of the areas. He was truly the most enjoyable travelling companion a wife could ask for. He was a passionate believer in his 2nd amendment right to keep and bear arms. After retiring from the work world, Harold was able to develop his passion by providing Concealed Pistol License classes. As a team, Harold and Jan trained over 1500 individuals. They enjoyed each and every class and participant. He is survived by his wife Jan, son Rex Michael Shelton, grandson Kodiak Michael Shelton and granddaughter Cayla Lynn Shelton, Michael's fiancAC., Jennifer Carlson and her 3 children, (Jan's bonus grandchildren). Also surviving are his siblings, Willard (Karen) Lawrence, Phyllis (Alphaeus) Leach and Michael (Anne) Wildfong along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Irene Wildfong. Funeral services will take place on Thursday, September 10, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Louis Scholl will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow services at Fairview Cemetery, Mancelona. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. also at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project or Hospice of Michigan. Arrangements are being handled by the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign our online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.