Harold August Mindeman

Harold August Mindeman, 84, of Grand Forks, ND, passed away on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at Valley Senior Living on 42nd Woodside Village in Grand Forks.  

Harold Mindeman is alive. His time here on earth may have ended, but his words and actions, his massive heart and love for service, his glorious sense of humor and his unwavering faith in God and doing what is right live on in his descendants. He will be missed in the coming days, of course, but as the world moves forward, his legacy of love will continue to shape our actions. Harold will live on in ways that are tangible and meaningful, shaping the actions of all who knew him and more – and that is the mark of a truly good man.

Harold August Mindeman was born in Breckenridge, Minnesota on August 6, 1937 and grew up on a farm in rural Barney, North Dakota. The son of August and Anne (Willie) Mindeman, he and his two brothers, Elmer and James, worked on the family farm. Harold's education took place in Antelope, North Dakota, and throughout his time in school he enjoyed playing sports and taking part in 4H. After graduation, he moved on to the Fargo School of Business in Fargo, ND to earn his degree in accounting.

It was in Fargo that Harold's life changed forever. As the manager of the Bison Hotel he met a young waitress in the hotel's restaurant named Karen Rogers. Their love story played out like a Hollywood movie, including time together locked in the hotel's walk-in freezer by a well-meaning matchmaker. They were married on October 1, 1957, and not long after Harold began a long career with Farmers Union / Cenex, first in Jamestown, ND, then moving on to manage operations in Velva and finally Adams, ND, where he spent more than twenty years. He loved every place he served, but Adams held a special place in his heart. He was active in community service and leadership, and his laughter and powerful singing voice still echo in the town's church and auditorium where he emceed many meetings and events.

A man of unbreakable Christian values, Harold lived his faith every day. He was active in Mountain Lutheran Church in Adams, then after a short stop managing an Anfinson's store in Dickinson, ND, enrolled in the North American Baptist Seminary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It was there that he earned his Master of Divinity and became a pastor, a role that he always seemed destined for. He served as the pastor for churches in Napoleon and Lehr, ND, before entering semi-retirement and moving to Grand Forks, ND, to be closer to children and grandchildren.

Harold was passionate about his role as a father and grandfather. He and Karen steadfastly attended plays and concerts and sporting events, providing unwavering support to the family that he so dearly loved. Grandpa and grandma brought grandkids along on trips, took every opportunity to babysit, and cherished each child's unique gifts, laughing and playing and positively impacting their young lives. In a life filled with notable accomplishments, Harold's unshakeable support for his family and friends stands out. He made his mark by helping others, a life that all of us should aspire to.

Harold is survived by his wife of 64 years, Karen, Grand Forks, ND; children, Ronn (Carla) Mindeman, Osakis, MN, Joan (LaMar) Haugaard, Vancouver, WA, Barbara (Brent) Hanson, Williston, ND, Renee (Ben) Adams, Grand Forks, ND, and Jay (Rebecca) Mindeman, Grand Forks, ND; grandchildren, Sarah (Siegfried) Feierabend, RaeAnn (Anthony) Meyer, Nathan Haugaard, Rachel (Josh) Anderson, Devin Levang, Anne Haugaard, Alexandra Mindeman and Cassidy Mindeman; great-grandchildren, Annie Anderson, Isaiah Anderson, Julia Anderson, Samantha Feierabend, August Meyer.

A private family service will be held.

**In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.