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BORN
1928
DIED
2025
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Harold Kerkvliet Obituary
Harold was born in Marshall, MN, on January 10, 1928, to Cornelius and Cornelia (Dubbeldee) Kerkvliet. He joined the United States Army in 1950. He was stationed in Korea and discharged in 1952. He was united in marriage to Barbara Monson on June 11, 1955, and they made their home in Owatonna. Harold was the proud owner of Kerk's Distributing (Hamm's Beer) and later owner of Kerk's Liquor then retired with Gopher Distributing in 1993.
Harold was a member of the American Legion, VFW, Elks, Eagles, Knights of Columbus and St. Joseph Catholic Church. Kerk enjoyed fishing the Kenai River in Alaska and was an avid Minnesota Sports fan.
Harold is survived by his sons and spouses: Rahn (Sherry and daughter Mary Jo), David (Alice and children Joshua Kerkvliet and Katelynn Hawkins and great-grandchildren Jensen Kerkvliet and Adalynn Hawkins), Daniel (Cecilia and sons Bien and Peter Metcalf), all of Alaska; and Mike Nelson of Walker, MN. Harold was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, his parents, six sisters, and three brothers.
Harold donated his body to Mayo Clinic for research and will later be laid to rest with Barbara at the Preston Veterans Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Minnesota Veteran's Home in Preston for their wonderful care as Harold enjoyed his time there playing cards, along with other activities, and making new friends to include staff and the other residents.
In lieu of flowers, we invite you to donate in Harold's memory to the Preston Veteran's memorial fund which can be found at https://mn.gov/mdva/donate or the charity of your choice.
Friends may greet the family at 9:30 AM, Thursday, October 30, 2025, at St. Joseph Church (512 South Elm Ave, Owatonna). A memorial service will follow, beginning at 10:30 am. After the service, all are invited to a gathering at the Elks Lodge #1395 (126 E Vine St, Owatonna).
For more information or to leave an online message of condolence, go to www.megercares.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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