Harold R. Anderson

Harold R. Anderson, age 81 of Park River, ND passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at First Care Health Center of Park River. Harold R. Anderson was born November 24, 1932 to Eugene R . and Anna O. (Isaacson) Anderson in Nelson Park Township of Marshall County, MN six miles west of Strandquist, MN at the home of Per Isaacson, his mother's parents. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith. Harold attended Standquist schools and graduated in 1951. Following graduation he worked for Klienwacter Brothers Farm and for the Community Creamery in Lake Bronson, MN. He was inducted in the United States Army in February of 1953, serving at Camp Carson, Colorado Springs, CO and Fort Knox, Kentucky. He met Lois M. Czeh in June of 1952 and they were married Dec. 5, 1953 in Colorado Springs, CO. After his discharge in 1955 he returned to Lake Bronson and worked at the Community Creamery. He was head butter maker from 1956-1963 at which time the creamery quit processing butter. He later worked as a State Ranger with Parks and Recreation for the State of Minnesota until 1968 when the couple moved to Park River. He worked as manager of the Walsh Center Creamery owned by Grafton Milk Co. In 1974 the creamery was sold and Harold purchased a café which became "Harold's Guest House" on Highway 17 West in Park River. He specialized in Broasted Chicken. The café sold the most broasted chicken in the state using condiments sold by McCormick's Co. of LeMars, IA. In 1980 they sold the café and Harold went to work for the School Dist. #78 and retired as director of maintenance in 1999. Harold was a member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church of Park River where he served on the council. He served as Sec-Treas. of the Park River Commercial Club, and Sec-Treas. of Hillcrest Country Club. He was elected to the Park River Park Board in 1969 and was one of the many that secured funding for the grass greens at Hillcrest Golf Course. He served as Past Commander of the Paul Farup American Legion Post #147 of Park River. After retirement Harold enjoyed his wood working shop, his large gardens and working in his yard. He spent many years hunting deer and ducks with his sons. Harold's true joy was spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren. Harold inspired many with his gift of gab, his gentle smile and twinkle in his eye. His favorite phrase was "Better than Most". Harold is survived by his wife, Lois of Park River, ND; his five children: Richard (Lona) Anderson, Thief River Falls, MN; Sheree Anderson, Park River, ND; Ron (Kelly) Anderson, Grand Forks, ND; Bob (Deb) Anderson, Hoople, ND; Shelle (Duane) Berg, Park River, ND; seventeen grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren and two on the way. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He was preceded by his parents, brother, Art and sisters: Ruth and Julia and his last dog, Ginger. Funeral services will be Saturday, April 19, 2014 at 10:30 A.M. at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church of Park River, ND. Visitation will be Friday from 6-8 P.M. with a prayer service at 8:00 PM at Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River. Friends may also call at the church on Saturday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Park River, ND. Military rites will be provided by the Paul Farup American Legion Post #147 and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorials to First Care Health Center of Park River, ND.