Harold Pedersen

Harold James Pedersen was born August 16, 1955, to Harold and Hilda (Hamstad) Pedersen, in Valley City, ND.  During his early years, he lived in various towns in North Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming before returning as a teenager to live with his dad on the farm south of Valley City.

He graduated from Valley City High School in 1973, and attended NDSU for one year.  After meeting Jesus, he decided to attend Association of Free Lutheran Bible School.  He then spent two years at Wahpeton Science studying diesel mechanics and this became the basis for his career.

He worked for a time on the oilrigs in the Gulf of Mexico and on the oil fields in Pakistan before returning to Fargo in 1978.  He started work with the City of Fargo as a mechanic in 1979, and retired in 2018, as the Fleet Manager.  In his 40’s, he returned to NDSU to finish his degree.  For several years, he also ran beehives and produced honey for area bakeries.

After retirement, he perfected his bread and chokecherry jelly making skills, cared for his large garden, and tinkered in the garage with his many motorcycles.  Harold could figure out how to fix nearly anything.  He was part of the original sound crew at St Paul’s Free Lutheran current location, and he was an official or unofficial member of the Building and Grounds committee for many years.  

Harold and Leann met on a blind date in December of 1978.  They were married on October 20, 1979, and had three children-Kimberly, Luke, and Ashley.   They, along with their spouses and kids, were the joys of his life.  

Harold died on April 28, 2024, in his home.  We want to thank Sanford Hospice, especially Sam, for their excellent care for Harold and for us.

Harold is survived by his wife of 44 ½ years, Leann;  his children:   Kimberly & Justin Hoey, Luke & Annie Pedersen, and Ashley Pedersen & Bryan Hollis;  seven grandchildren:  Lydia Pedersen, Meagan Pedersen, Elise Hoey, Tristan Pedersen, Sophia Hoey, Cora Hoey, and Alexandra Hoey;  his sisters:   Maureen Young, Karen South, and Holly Terrell; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law:  Art Henry, Marlys & Rick Nelson,  Judy & Bill Naus, Loren & Sharon Tungseth, Cheryl Tungseth, Tina Tungseth, Jerry & Sue Tungseth, Linda & Joe Dwyer, and Curt Tungseth.  He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great, great nieces and nephews as well as several cousins.

Preceding him in death were his granddaughter, Lauren Hoey; his parents, Harold Pedersen and Hilda Hanks; his sister, Kathy Henry; his in-laws, Marvin & Myrtle Tungseth; and his brothers-in-law, Bruce Terrell and Darrel Tungseth.

Visitation for Harold will be Thursday, May 23, 2024, from 5 – 6:30 PM, with a prayer service and time of sharing at 6:30 PM, at St. Paul’s Free Lutheran Church, Fargo.  His memorial service will be at the church Friday, May 24, 2024, at 11AM.