Harold Gleason

Harold Thomas Gleason was born on November 1, 1930 at Tolna, ND.  On May 10, 2020 he took his last breath on earth and his first breath in heaven.  Harold was 89 years old.  He died peacefully at home with his wife and family by his side.  Faith in God and the love for his family were the foundation of his life.

Harold lived and worked most of his life in the Tolna area.

Harold married the love of his life, Verna Ruud, on November 28th, 1949.  They loved to travel and visited all 50 states and several places in Canada.

Harold was a rancher, farmer, and construction contractor for many years; building grain elevators, churches, houses, and many other buildings, including the home he built for his family.  In the early years he also sheared sheep to help make ends meet.  At around age 55 he went to auctioneer school in Iowa and held auctions for several years thereafter.

Harold was also an inventor of many items. He held patents on several of his inventions, most notable being the Bale Boss, a big bale loader for trucks, and a hay stacking machine which he and a friend from McVille made into a working concept.  Farmhand Machine Company manufactured a few of these, but the big baler came into existence at that same time and stopped that venture.  He also made a dual side delivery rake, sickle bar lifter for mowers, the first 30’ free-standing gates and many other things on the farm.  Harold had an independent, do-it-yourself attitude which he passed onto his sons and daughter.

Staying on the ranch raking hay and inventing were his passion.  Harold kept the ranch and machinery up and running right up until the last few weeks before he passed away.

Another passion of Harold’s was telling stories of the old days about people and places all around the Tolna area.  He had a great knowledge of the history of the area.  If he found someone he could speak Norwegian with he was really in his element.  He always had a good joke for everyone he encountered to brighten their day in his own little way.

He will be greatly missed by his wife of over 70 years, Verna Gleason, sons Alan Gleason (Leslie), Tolna, ND, Dennis Gleason (Dinah), Devils Lake, ND, Kevin Gleason, Tolna, ND and his daughter Merri Johnson, West Fargo, ND.  His 9 grandchildren:  Jennifer Parker (Jason), Tricia Griggs (Kerry), Ryan Johnson (Emily), Jason Johnson, Elizabeth Perdue (Travis), Joseph Gleason (Vicki), Benjamin Gleason, Natalie Purcell (Rylan), and Timothy Gleason (Allie).  His 13 great-grandchildren:  Caleb, Austin, Arieal (Alex), Triston, Tessa, Kade, Brielle, Emily, Sara, Jaxton, Zander, Weston, and Mollie and one great great grandchild Rayden; and countless nieces and nephews.

Harold was preceded in death by his father Peter Gleason, mother Bertha Ritland Gleason, brothers Clinton, Marvin, and Robert, sisters Joyce Odegaard and Phyllis Klabo.

A celebration of Harold’s life will take place at a later date.

*Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a well-preserved body, But rather to skid in sideways, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming:

Hallelujah:   What a Ride!

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