Harold L. McCollum

Harold McCollum, age 89, of Moorhead, MN, formerly of Mahnomen, MN, died Sunday, March 17, 2013, at the Arbor Park Living Center in Moorhead, MN. Harold Lincoln McCollum, son of Harold S. and Alta (Gray) McCollum, was born on December 27, 1923, near Shevlin, MN. At the age of nine, he moved with his family to the Mahnomen area. Harold attended school both in Mahnomen and Bejou, MN. As a young man, Harold worked in various logging camps then served in the Civil Conservation Corp (CCC) for several months. He also spent a few months working harvest in North Dakota. Harold entered the Unites States Navy on October 5, 1943, and he proudly served as a Shipfitter during WWII. Following his honorable discharge in 1946, he returned home to farm with his father. On May 10, 1947, Harold was united in marriage to Muriel Olson at Ness Lutheran Church, rural Gary, MN. The couple made their first home in Bejou for a few years before moving to the Iron Range. Harold worked in the iron mines for about four years, until the mines closed, and the family returned to Bejou. While living in Bejou, they farmed together and Harold began working for REA electric company. In 1968 they purchased a home in Mahnomen and Harold continued working for REA until his retirement in 1987. Recently, Harold and Muriel relocated to Arbor Park Living Center to be closer to family. Harold was a long time member of First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen. As a proud veteran, he was very active with the Bejou VFW Post #1226, where he served as commander for several years, the Isaacson-Bjorge Post #31 of the American Legion in Mahnomen, and a life member of the International War Veterans. Harold was also a life member of the Minnesota Dear Hunters Association, Mahnomen Rod and Gun Club, Mahnomen Area Sportsman’s Club, and the North American Hunters Association. Harold was a true outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. He also spent many hours woodworking and was a proud leader for area Boy Scouts. Harold treasured his family and cherished the time spent with his children and grandchildren. Harold is survived by his wife of 65 years, Muriel of Moorhead; one daughter, Linda (William) McCollum-Greene of Sacramento, CA; five sons: James (Leslie) of Dilworth, MN, Doug (Leslie) of St. Louis, MO, Mark (Denise) of Hawley, MN, Rick (Julie) of Portland, OR, and Craig (Debbie) of Lake St. Louis, MO; one sister, Ethel (Ken) Brodsho of Mahnomen; 12 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, one sister, and a grandson. Visitation took place on Friday, March 22, 2013 at Anderson-Mattson Funeral Home in Mahnomen from 5-7 pm with a prayer service at 6:30 pm. Funeral Services were held on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen at 2:00 p.m. Interment tok place at Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery in Mahnomen.

Harold L. McCollum

December 27, 1923 - March 17, 2013