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Harold Kolrud Obituary
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Harold was born June 23, 1936, in Nome, ND, the seventh and youngest child of John Sr. and Anna (Fisher) Kolrud. He attended grade and middle school in Nome and then moved to Valley City, ND. He earned his GED diploma. Harold married Doreen "Dodie" (Severson) Kolrud on his 18th birthday. They celebrated 62 years of marriage before Dodie passed away in 2016. They lived in Valley City and Bismarck, ND, early in their marriage and then settled in Jamestown, ND, where they raised their family.
Harold served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1961, based in various U.S. locations and in Germany. He was a crack auto mechanic and a life-long car lover, including owning and operating Cities Service in Valley City. The heart of his career was spent "on the road" in insurance sales for Bankers Life & Casualty Company, where he traversed every inch of North Dakota many times over. After retiring from the road, Harold became a certified nursing assistant so he could work at the nursing home in Jamestown where his beloved mother-in-law Doris Severson was a resident.
Harold was very proud of his Norwegian heritage, and was a caring and selfless son, husband, brother and friend. He was the most loving, supportive and fun dad, papa, grandpa, g-pa and "geeps." He adored and is survived by his children: Bob (Bonita) Kolrud, Wisconsin Rapids, WI, and Lisa (Bruce) Hannum, St. Paul, MN; six grandchildren: Britte (Will) Osiek, and Kelsey (Tyler) Young, Wisconsin Rapids, Gunnar Kolrud (fiancé Alison Wall), Chicago, IL, Josie Hannum, New York, NY, Elise Hannum, Brooklyn, NY, and Cole Hannum, Los Angeles, CA; four great-grandchildren: Charlotte and Barrett Osiek, and Brynleigh and Reidar Young, Wisconsin Rapids, and many nieces and nephews, and brothers- and sisters-in-law.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents John Sr. and Anna, wife Dodie, infant son Jeffrey, sisters Ruth Baarstad and Norma Bratland, and brothers Earl, John Jr., Dale and Arthur.
A private family memorial service will be held in Wisconsin Rapids. Interment will be at Woodbine Cemetery in Valley City, at a later date.
Memorials are preferred to Nome Schoolhouse. Harold was thrilled to attend the grand reopening in 2021 of the only school he ever attended. The address is: Nome Schoolhouse, 200 First Avenue, Nome, ND 58062, or online at https://nomeeweniversity.org/product/donate-to-the-nome-schoolhouse/
Arrangements in care of Ritchay Funeral Home, Wisconsin Rapids.
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2 Entries
Kristi Espinoza
November 30, 2023
When growing up, my dearest Uncle Harold knew I needed a positive male role model in my life. He was that and more for me for all my life. He was a man of great integrity. He was kind, generous, and so very funny. He was so proud of his Norwegian heritage and pasted on many traditions and great stories to his family. I truly miss his smile and kind heart. Always, Kristi Kay
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Kristi Espinoza
December 7, 2022
My Uncle Harold was such a kind man. I loved his sense of humor and his quick wit. He found joy in helping others with his handyman talents. Uncle Harold was like a father to me growing up, and took me under his wing on many occasions.
At peace and in Gods loving hands. I will miss him.
Love,
Kristi Kay
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1950 12th St South, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495-0847
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