Harold Penn

Harold Penn, age 68, of Ada, MN, died Sunday, May 27, 2012, surrounded by his family, in the Halstad Living Center, Halstad, MN, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. Harold Lee Penn was born on September 23, 1943, the son of Paul and Mary Jo (Casto) Penn in Poplar Bluff, MO. He is the second child of six children; Raymond, Harold, Dorothy, Terry, Paul and Carol. Harold attended the Poplar Bluff Public School where he was an All-American football player and graduated with the class of 1961. After turning down a full football scholarship to a college in Iowa, Harold decided to try boxing. He learned from a golden glove champion, his uncle Pug. After earning a golden glove championship himself, he hung up his boxing gloves. Harold furthered his education at a barber college in St. Louis. Following graduation he worked in a famous hotel cutting many celebrities hair. In 1965, Harold enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed all over the United States. Harold was transferred to Grand Forks, ND, where he met his wife, Eunice Torkelson. They were united in marriage on September 23, 1967. In 1968 their daughter, Mary was born followed in 1971, by their son, David. Harold did one tour in Vietnam where he was wounded and sent to Japan then was sent back to Vietnam. While he was MIA/POW for six months, he escaped with three other soldiers, but only Harold and two other soldiers made it back to an American base. Harold was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force as a SSGT in 1973. In 1974, their daughter, Sarah was born followed in 1975 by their daughter, Michele. Harold lived most of his life in Ada until the late 2000’s, when he moved to Rosewood on Broadway in Fargo. Harold is survived by his four children, Mary Penn of Fargo, ND, David Penn of Ada, MN, Sarah Espe of Ada, MN and Michele (Randy) Swanson of Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Joshua Espe (15), Raymond Boe (15), Cassandra Swanson (7) and Savannah Swanson (2); brothers, Terry Penn of Columbia, MO and Paul (Elena) Penn of Columbia, MO and a sister, Carol (Dennis) Lawrence of Poplar Bluff, MO; several nieces, nephews and his ex-wife, Eunice of Ada. Harold is preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, a brother, Raymond and a sister, Dorothy. Funeral Services were held on Thursday, May 31st, 2012, at 2:00 PM in the SonRise Evangelical Free Church, Ada. Visitation was one hour before services at the church on Thursday. Officiating was Pastor David Ingraham with Deacon Jim Hunt reading the eulogy. Myrna Kiser served as pianist and Clarice Austinson served as vocalist. Scripture readers were Raymond Boe, Cassandra Swanson and Joshua Espe. Pallbearers were David Penn, Josh Espe, Randy Swanson, Raymond Boe and Adrian Torkelson. Military honors were provided by the Ada Veterans Honor Guard and the MN ARNG Honor Guard. Honorary pallbearers were the Ada Veterans Honor Guard. Burial was in the Ada City Cemetery

Harold Penn

September 23, 1943 - May 27, 2012