Harold Folkestad

FUNERAL SERVICES : No services will be held.SURVIVORS : His wife of 48 years, Delores, many nieces, nephews and friends. HAROLD O. FOLKESTADJanuary 30, 1931 ~ October 18, 2010 Harold Folkestad, age 79 of Park Rapids, formerly of Bloomington, MN passed away on Sunday, October 17, 2010 at the St. Joseph"s Area Hospital in Park Rapids, MN. Harold was born on January 30, 1931 to Henry and Ellen (Swanson) Folkestad in Denver, Colorado. At a young age, he moved with his family to the Park Rapids, MN area where he grew up and attended the Park Rapids High School, graduating with the class of 1949. He joined the United States Army in 1953 and was attached to the 24th infantry division and the counter intelligence corps until his honorable discharge in 1955. In 1956, he graduated from Hamline University; followed by a long career in Education. He retired to the Park Rapids area in 1989 to build his home on the lake; where he loved to watch the sunsets and listen to the loons. He was a 32nd degree Mason and an Eagle Scout. His greatest joy in life was to build; air-boats, helicopters and buildings, restoring old vehicles, model airplanes and woodcarving were just a few of his accomplished dreams. His other great joy was picking Montana Moss Agates on the Yellowstone River in Montana. Music was very important to him and he sang with the Park Rapids Barbershop Quartet. He also enjoyed listening to his nieces and nephews play a variety of instruments. He encouraged people to pursue their God given talents. A very special thanks is given to the doctors, nurses, friends, relatives, neighbors and all those who helped make his life more bearable through the years of his pain and suffering. Harold"s presence, goodness and special outlook on life will be missed by all. Harold will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 48 years, Delores; many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Ellen; brother, Gene; three sisters: Ethel, Pearl and Hazel. At Harold"s request, no services will be held. In lieu of memorials, please send something to one of the men and women fighting in battle for our country. God Bless.