Harold J. Fragodt, 88, of rural York, ND, died Tuesday, May 1, 2012, at Edgewood Vista in East Grand Forks, MN. Funeral services will be Sunday, May 6, 2012, 2:00 PM at St. Petri Lutheran Church rural York, ND with Pastor Richard Budd officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 5 to 7pm with a 7pm Prayer Service at the Nelson Funeral Home in Leeds. Casket bearers will be: David Fragodt, Keith Johnson, Travis Johnson, Mark Randle, Aaron Tollefson and Marco Tollefson. Honorary bearers will be Elvin Randle and Magnus Lysne.
Harold J. Fragodt was born to Edwin and Minnie (Sandven) Fragodt on November 18, 1923, on the family farm in Broe Township, rural York, ND. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Petri Lutheran Church, rural York and attended the Baker School. Harold married Beverly Shirley on November 22, 1953 at Viking Church, rural Maddock. The couple made their home on the family farm where Harold grew up.
Harold took responsibility for the farm operation when his father died suddenly from a farm accident. Even though his passion for farming began early in his life, it was his family that he treasured. His wife, Bev, of 58 years was the love of his life. He also adored his children and grandchildren and built many play homes out of boxes, whittled whistles and created homemade slingshots. Family time at church and over meals from the back of a pickup truck and lending a helping hand to neighbors were the joys of his life. Harold also enjoyed telling jokes and stories of his childhood and driving around looking at fields after a good rain.
As a member of the St. Petri church, Harold held the offices of President and Treasurer along with other positions. He was also very active in the St. Petri men’s club and the church choir. Harold served as the Broe Township clerk for many years and held positions on the Harlow and Baker elevator boards. He also served as a 4-H leader.
He is survived by his wife: Beverly of Devils Lake; a son: James (Marie) Fragodt of Harlow; two daughters: Jean (Keith) Johnson of Grand Forks and Julie (Marco) Tollefson of Devils Lake; six grandchildren: Laura (Brent) Nichols, Travis Johnson, Aaron Tollefson, Mindy Johnson, Kelly Fragodt and Rachael Tollefson; a sister: Audrey Jacobson of Clarissa, MN; sisters-in-law: Elaine Fragodt of Fargo and Joyce Rasmussen of Maddock; a brother-in-law: Reverend Fritz Olderr of Watertown, SD; and many nieces and nephews.
Harold passed away on May 1, 2012 at Edgewood Vista in East Grand Forks, MN at the age of 88. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Minnie Fragodt; brothers, Elmer, Raymond, John, Alvin and Ervin; sisters, Doris, Iverne, Inga and Dina; sisters-in-law, Lucille Fragodt, Vi Fragodt and Betty Anderson; brothers-in-law, Palmer Broe and Warren Jacobson.
Memorials can be made to the North Dakota 4-H Foundation.
Our deepest sympathy to you and yours. God bless you all. Delores & Carl Sudbrink
Sympathy to the family. I recall fondly the summer I worked for Harold & Bev. It was such a good summer. I heard Harold sing in the Quartet. It was great to meet many of the Fragodt Family. Orv Alveshere
I will always remember the time I spent with Harold and his family. My sympathy and condolences to all the members of his family. May God bless you all. David M Lysne and Family
Harold will be greatly missed at Edgewood Vista. We enjoyed his kindness every day. His smile will be missed. A big thank you to the family for letting Edgewood be a part of his life. Thank you for sharing him with the Edgewood community. He is missed every day. Deepest Sympathy, Edgewood Vista East Grand Forks,MN
Thoughts and prayers to all of the family. I spent many days at the farm with Harold and family and my best friend Jean during jr. high and high school and have many wonderful memories! May you all find peace in all of the wonderful memories you shared together! Virginia (Jacobson) Vassen
My deepest sympathy to your family at the loss of Harold. I will always remember him as a very caring man for his entire community. He was a kind, quiet, gentle man that will be remembered by everyone that knew him. Again, my deepest sympathy for his loss. Shirley Litchy
Julie and family, Sorry for your loss, thinking about you at this sad time. Kyann and Joel
