Harold Milton Woldseth, 95, formerly of Edmore, ND, passed into the Arms of His Savior on February 6, 2026, near Galesburg, ND, at the home of his daughter and son in law. He was surrounded and cared for by his three daughters and sons-in-law, alongside HIA Hospice.
Harold was born August 23,1930, on the family farm, the last of 8 children born to Hans Einarson Woldseth and Marie Bernhardsdatter Hovde. Hans and Marie were born at Vold, Mondalen and Hovde, Norway and came to America on the Carmania and Lusitania in 1906 and 1909 respectively. Education was important to these new immigrants and Harold went on to attend Concordia College where he played baseball and football while pursuing a degree in physics. He was often so moved when recalling his experience in singing under Paul J Christianson in the Concordia Choir. When he came to audition after the choir had already been selected, Paul J. told him, “Yes, he could indeed use him in the Artillery Section.” Dad continued to use his beautiful bass voice throughout his life, most recently with the East Sunland Valley Choral group and with Handel’s Messiah in the Valley.
Hans Woldseth suffered a stroke during Harold’s final semester at Concordia and he came home to put the crop in. There he stayed. Harold had been introduced to Darlene J Hart of Wales, ND, by a mutual friend who told him she was the girl he should marry. On October 1, 1955, they were. Together they farmed and raised three daughters whom they adored and who in turn, honored and adored them. They enjoyed curling, snowmobiling with many close friends and families, playing games and lots of conversation. Their house was filled with music, encouragement, work, and lovingly high expectations. Their primary focus was for their daughters to know the Lord. Their home was a welcoming place for so many gatherings of friends and extended families over their many years together. Games, food, visiting, food, storytelling, food, singing, food, was the stuff of life.
Harold and Darlene continued to actively farm until he acquired rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 51. He then began a career in securities and insurance, first with an agency in Cooperstown, ND, and soon after as a representative based in Cando, ND, for Aid Association for Lutherans, now Thrivent. He enjoyed those years of travel and he and Darlene met so many longtime friends and clients. He retired from Thrivent at the age of 75.
Harold and Darlene spent many winters in Mesa, AZ, where they enjoyed time with others from North Dakota and especially time with Jill and Brad and their family. He continued to return to the house on the farm in the summers. Darlene lived many years with Alzheimer’s disease during which he lovingly cared for her until 2015, when she died. The following year, he moved closer to Jill’s family and bought a home in Peoria where he continued to spend winter months until this past fall when he felt it was no longer “wise” to make the trip.
The fact that Harold was still here at 95 was mysterious to him. To his family and friends though, it was clear that God had a purpose in every one of those days. His wisdom and careful guidance was like a nail in a sure place. Even as he was in his last week, he made sure that those who called or came to see him, knew just what God had done for them through Jesus. We are so thankful to know that he is Present with the Lord. We have been blessed beyond measure by the gift he was to us from God. Our Dad, Friend, Mentor, Father-in-Law, Grandpa, and “Grandpa-Grandpa”. Dad also loved his many nieces and nephews and looked forward to gatherings when we were together. He also grew to love those who came to work alongside him on the farm, especially Dave Mehl and Bruce Westby.
Harold is survived by his daughters, Diane (Doug) Wagner of Des Lacs, ND, Julie (Darrell) Stolle of Galesburg, ND and Jill (Brad) Schwaner of Peoria AZ; Grandchildren, Lindsey (Brian) Wagner Marquardt, Landon Wagner; Andrew (Nicole) Stolle, Britta Stolle (fiancé Derek), Clay Schwaner, Jansen Schwaner, and Darby Schwaner; Great grandchildren Bridger Stolle Marks and Colson Stolle, and Ruben and Darlene Marquardt. Also surviving are his sister-in-law, Jan Hart Prondzinski; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hans and Marie; his wife, Darlene; his sisters and brother, Sylvia (Norman) Ness, Bergit (Ike) Iverson Bakke, Edroy (Margaret) Woldseth, Astry (Odmor) Skjelbostad, Helene Braussere, Gladys Lloyd, Valborg (Gerald) Berglund and sister/brothers- in-law, Bev and Richard Sturlaugson and Jim Prondzinski.
A celebration of Harold’s life will be held with details to be announced later.
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