Harold Holmgren

OBITUARY Harold John Holmgren was born on May 14, 1925 in Burke, South Dakota to John and Rose (Faatz) Holmgren. Harold graduated from Estherville High School in 1943 and then was drafted into the United States Army and served his tour in Italy. After the war he returned to Estherville, IA, where he got a job at the local hatchery and Typewriter Exchange. During this time he met Gladys Rawlings while attending church services in Spirit Lake IA. They were united in marriage on April 6, 1950 in Wallingford, IA. In the first four years of their marriage four sons were born, David, Douglas, Dale and Doyle. In 1955 they moved with Harold?s parents to Evansville, MN to begin dairy farming. In 1962 a daughter, Sheila was born into the family. Harold farmed and milked cows until 1965, at which point he started working off of the farm at the Surge Dairy Supply in Alexandria and later became a part owner in the business. Harold discontinued working at the dairy supply and went back to full time on the dairy farm, north of Evansville from 1979 until he semi-retired in 1987 at the age of 62. Harold and Gladys resided in a home in Evansville from 1977 until 1993 when they decided to move to Alexandria. Harold worked for Palmer Manufacturing in Alexandria until he fully retired in 1997. In 1998 Harold and Gladys moved to a home on Lake Latoka where they resided together until Gladys? passing in 2003. He continued to live on the lake until 2012. Harold loved working with wood and spent a lot of time working in his woodshop after he retired. He also enjoyed tending to Gladys? flower gardens and doing some vegetable gardening as well. He loved to pick up the elderly for church services until he could no longer drive. He also loved helping out at Living Waters Church. Harold was a devoted, loving man, quiet and reserved, and was passionate about helping out those people that he loved. A quote from a grandchild: ?You taught me how to drive ? you taught my dad what a man of God looks like. Your quiet, humble demeanor spoke louder than any words could have ever said. Your prayers for your grandchildren tore down walls and broke strongholds. You are the greatest grandpa a girl could ever have. I will miss you every day, but I am so thankful that you are at peace with your love and with your Jesus. See you again someday Papa!? Harold J. Holmgren died on Thursday, July 17, 2014 at his son?s home in Alexandria at the age of 89 years old. He is survived by his sons David (Carmen) Holmgren, Rochester, MN; Douglas (Deb) Holmgren of Alexandria; Dale (Jaci) Holmgren of Plymouth, MN; daughter Sheila (Fianc�? Rick Kugler) Johnson, Underwood MN; 22 Grandchildren: Stephanie (Wade) Eddy; Christian (Lindsay) Holmgren, Davina Holmgren, Daven Holmgren, Lisa (Tony) Hudson, Michael Andrew (Susana) Boggs, Nicolette (David) Rochefort, Jason (Joy) Holmgren, Jessica (Nicholas) Esposito, Casey Holmgren, Lindsay Holmgren, Morgan Holmgren, Bailey (Fianc� Richard Miller) Holmgren, Liza (Cary) Foster, Kyle (Molly) Holmgren, Jay Holmgren, Thomas Holmgren, Ashley Sorenson, Suzanne Sorenson, John (Danielle) Sorenson, and Zachary Johnson, and 38 Great-Grandchildren. Harold is preceded in death by his wife Gladys, son Doyle, Grandson Troy Sorenson, Great-Granddaughter Jatelle Holmgren and Great-Grandsons Jesse Holmgren, Morgan Foster and Damien Boggs. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria www.andersonfuneral.net