Harold Everett Rosenau

Harold Everett Rosenau, 87, of Baudette, MN, formerly of Willow City, ND, passed away on January 13th, 2025, at Altru Hospital with family by his side.

Harold Everet Rosenau was born in Bottineau County on March 18th, 1937, to Otto and Ruth (Barrett) Rosenau. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Gardena, ND, and graduated from Gardena Public School. In 1957, Harold married Ann Peterson and moved to Lead, SD to work at the Homestake Gold Mine until 1970 when they moved to Willow City, ND to farm and raise their five children: Brenda (Daryl) Foster, Bismarck ND, Laurie Stenson, Willow City, ND, Lisa (Jerry) Mord, Baudette, MN, Ty (Suzy) Rosenau, Warroad, MN and Heath Rosenau, Grand Forks, ND. Harold was a proud Grandpa to 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Harold loved his family and was always proud of their accomplishments. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren with his heart and soul. Harold’s legacy to his family was his work ethic, ability to do whatever he put his mind to, and love for his family. Harold was a master gardener, designing and building many cabinets and whatever our mom wanted him to make out of wood. He was also considered one of the best polka dancers in Bottineau County. He loved to polka so much that he made sure his three girls knew how to polka. Harold always had a smile and something to say about everything. The last few years were hard for Harold as he was having trouble with dementia and kept all his kids on their toes. He loved to talk about his time living in Lead, SD, and moving back home to start farming, which later became a dairy farm selling all the milk to Winger Cheese in Towner, ND. During the 70’s he decided to work on the oil rigs while farming and loved to share his stories with his grandchildren. For many years, the annual fish fry was held at their home in Willow City, and they loved to host whoever could make it down for the event. In later years, Harold and Ann planned many trips with their good friends Baldwin and Laura Erickson, going to different parts of the country to visit parks & their kids.

Harold is survived by his two sisters, Joanna (Luther) Bjerke, Hatton, ND, and Shirly Beckman, Bottineau, ND. Harold was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Kenneth and David Rosenau, and sisters Bertha Hammond, Cora Muth, and Dorcas Seil. Memorial cards can be sent to Harold Rosenau % of Lisa Mord, 1156 Red Pine Drive NW, Baudette, MN 56623.

Harold’s life will be celebrated in the Spring at Salem Lutheran Cemetery near Bottineau, ND, with a date and time to be determined.