Harold L. Okerson, age 87 of Minot, formerly of rural Coleharbor, ND, passed away Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at Trinity Homes in Minot following a long battle with cancer. He was a long-time farmer near Coleharbor and will now be returned to the land that he loved.

Funeral Services: 10:30 AM Saturday, July 11, 2009;
Augustana Lutheran Church – Underwood, ND;
Rev. Joel Sherer, Officiating.

Interment: Bethel Lutheran Cemetery – rural Coleharbor, ND

Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Saturday at the church.

Harold was born February 19, 1922 near Coleharbor, ND to Carl & Minnie (Erickson) Okerson. He attended rural school until he began farming with his parents. He married Martha Bastian on Nov. 28, 1946 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, north of Turtle Lake, ND. They made their home on a farm near Coleharbor until the fall of 2006. Harold was an active member of the North Dakota Farmers Union for many years. He was a lifetime member of Bethel Lutheran Church, where he served on many boards and committees until the church closed in 1991. Following the closing of the church, Harold and Martha's membership transferred to Augustana Lutheran Church in Underwood. Martha, his wife of 60 years, passed away on January 8, 2007. Harold moved to the McLean Manor in Garrison following her death. Due to his failing health, he became a resident of Trinity Homes in April 2009.

He is survived by two sons, Alan (Roberta) Okerson of Minot, & Arlan (Linda) Okerson of Bismarck; one daughter, Coleen (Blaine) Clooten of Bismarck; three grandsons, Brent Okerson of Denver, CO, Ryan (Melissa) Okerson of Bismarck, & Darin (Kristin) Okerson of Burlington, ND; four granddaughters, Shannon Okerson of Bismarck, Anne (Jeff) Haider of Burlington, ND, Danielle & Ashley Clooten of Bismarck; two great-grandchildren, Sophia & Kellen Okerson of Bismarck; one brother, Clarence (Blanche) Okerson of Velva, ND; one sister, Mildred (Gottlieb) Henne of Minot; and many nieces & nephews.

Harold was preceded in death by his wife (Martha), his parents, one brother (Ervin), & six sisters (Myrtle Hanson, Eleanor Keel, Evelyn Keel, Florence Zwicker, Anna Keel, & LaVerne Schumaier)