Harold Foldenauer

Foldenauer, Harold

Howell, Michigan

Harold Joseph Foldenauer passed away on December 17, 2025, surrounded by family. Born in Howell, Michigan to Joseph John Foldenauer and Eva Marie (McKeever) Foldenauer on April 22, 1937, Harold was their second child and Joseph's third. The family grew even in the shadow of WWII, and Harold was followed by two sisters. Formative experiences on the farm shaped the man Harold became–competitive, hard-working, dedicated to his family, and always a bit of a pot-stirrer. He was known to family and friends for his wry sense of humor, generosity, and constant encouragement.

Harold's decision to become a cattle feeder was shaped by years of raising champion 4-H steers. This childhood pursuit developed into a lifelong passion for farming that went well beyond a simple career. After graduating from Michigan State with a degree in agricultural technology, he applied himself to building his cattle business, refusing to quit even during severe economic challenges in the '80s. He worked multiple demanding jobs off the farm to help keep things running at home, eventually landing a position in road maintenance at the General Motors Proving Grounds. His resilience and willingness to learn new skills kept him busy into retirement and helped him embrace the transition when the time finally came to tear down the cattle barns in the early 2000s. He never lost interest in new developments in agriculture across all sectors, avidly reading farming magazines into his final year. Though he was never computer literate, he listened with rapt attention to every discussion of computer applications for farming and passed on news and articles to anyone he thought might read them. He spent much of his retirement visiting his daughter and son-in-law in Kansas to help with the grain operations, and continued to cut hay in Michigan until the age of 87.

On February 9, 1963, Harold married the love of his life, Margaret Mary "Peggy" Laier. He often delighted in telling his children and grandchildren how he met her on a romantic canoe outing, and he continued to demonstrate his love for her throughout their lives together. They worked hard to provide for their family and raise their five children, persevering through challenging times on the farm. In their later years, Harold supported Peggy's interests and her independence, encouraging her collections, her club activities, her creative outlets, and her world travels. He took several memorable trips with her to Italy, Germany, and Australia, which they both recalled fondly for many years. Harold also delighted in hearing stories of the trips Peggy took on her own. Gardening was a special passion they shared even in their final years. They were devoted Catholics, attending mass weekly and praying the rosary and prayers of Saint Bridget together every night. After health complications left Peggy wheelchair bound in 2018, Harold ensured she could still complete daily tasks and secured their ability to continue living together in his childhood home. Harold's passing so soon after hers is a testament to the strength and depth of their bond.

Harold always encouraged his children and grandchildren to follow their dreams and be happy in their choices. He constantly sought out news of their pursuits and reveled in bragging to friends and family about their most recent accomplishments. His favorite way to spend time with family was playing card games, especially Euchre, delighting everyone with his eccentric superstitions and helping them develop strategic intuition. Harold was also a born storyteller. He enjoyed telling and even making up bedtime stories for his grandchildren, often featuring characters and situations frequently found on the farm. He even published a picture book titled Little Fox Gets a Good Laugh. Following a traumatic brain injury in 2007, Harold worked tirelessly to recover as much memory and function as possible. When told by his children that he was perhaps even working too hard, he answered, "How could I not, with all of you working so hard to help me?" As part of his rehabilitation, he began writing down memories of people and events as he recovered them, compiling over 150 handwritten tales from the farm and other parts of his life over the years.

Harold's propensity for storytelling comes as little surprise to those who knew him, for he was a lifelong reader. Westerns were his favorite genre, and he continued to find books and stories to read even when his Parkinson's made it a challenge. He also loved watching Westerns on television, and the house was often filled with tales of US Marshall Matt Dillion and the sounds of Gunsmoke. His competitive spirit was evident by his enthusiastic participation in a Euchre card club, where he and Peggy mingled with lifelong friends. He proudly displayed the annual trophy on his mantle any year he won it, and loved showing his grandkids how many times it had been engraved with his name. Affable and easily engaged, Harold made new friends wherever he went. He was a supportive neighbor, plowing many snow-filled driveways with his tractor and offering a helping hand when needed. March Madness was always a favorite season for Harold, and he loved following the performance of his alma mater, Michigan State. The holidays provided Harold with great joy and an opportunity to satisfy his enormous sweet tooth. Above all, Harold loved to spend time with friends, family, and his cat, who will mourn him as much as anyone.

Harold will be greatly missed by his children, Mark (Cindy) Foldenauer, Deborah (Loren) Sudbeck, Donald (Xochitl) Foldenauer, Ron (Darcyne) Foldenauer, Dennis (Rebekah) Foldenauer; siblings, Catherine Alstott Itsell, Rita (David) Darling, grandchildren, Joe (Jenny) Foldenauer, Kathryn (Jeremy) Perez, Gabriella and Isabella Sudbeck, Fox, Wolf, and Hawk Foldenauer, Robert (Amy) Sass, Nicholas (Tonya) Sass, Collin (Carrie) Sass, Felix and Frida Foldenauer; great grandchildren Wyatt, Graham, Theo, Daphne, Jett, Clara Ann, Michiah, Ella, Louisa, Noah, Adam, Aiden; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Mary "Peggy" Foldenauer; parents, Joseph and Eva Foldenauer; and brothers, Joseph Robert Foldenauer and Gerald Foldenauer.

Harold's family and friends will gather Sunday, December 28, 2025 from 2-7 pm with a rosary at 6 pm at Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Howell Memorial Chapel in Howell, Michigan. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025. Viewing will take place at 10 am at the Historic St. John Catholic Church at 1991 North Hacker Rd. Howell, Michigan 48855. Mass will begin at 11 am in the same location. Father Francis George will serve as celebrant. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Please leave a message of comfort for Harold's family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign his guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.