Harold Wiger

Harold Wiger, age 89, of Ada, Minnesota, died Friday, March 18, 2011 in Bridges Care Community, Ada. Ned Harold Wiger was born June 9, 1921 to parents, Ned and Olga (Sirjord) Wiger in Ulen, Minnesota. He was raised in Ulen where he attended school and graduated from Ulen High School. Harold furthered his education to become a journeyman electrician. On June 8th, 1957, Harold was united in marriage to Orlaine Merkins at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Pleasant View Township, near Ada. To this union, a son and three daughters were born: Betty, Mary, Keith and Carol. Harold and Orlaine made their home near Ada where they raised their family. Over the years, Harold was employed by Elding Electric in Moorhead, Johnson Electric in Ada for a couple years, then spending most of his working career with Gunderson Electric also in Ada, retiring in 1987. Due to failing health, Harold entered Bridges Care Community in October of 2009 were he resided until the time of his death. As an avid outdoorsman, Harold enjoyed gardening, cutting wood and deer hunting with friends and family members. Among his favorite past times were the many fishing trips to Lake of the Woods and his most frequented fishing spot at Snider Lake. Harold was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church and Norman County Rod and Gun Club, volunteering over 30 years as a Fire Arms Safety Instructor. He will be remembered as a man of many talents when it came to fixing anything, often called on by family and friends for assistance. Harold enjoyed spending time visiting with friends, but truly treasured the time he spent with his family and grandchildren. Harold is survived by his wife of 53 years, Orlaine Wiger of Ada, MN; daughters, Betty (Jim) Oloff of Idaho Falls, ID, Mary (Barry) Schutjer of Crestview, FL, Carol (Don) Clark of Mankato, MN and son, Keith (Bernice) Wiger of Moorhead, MN; six grandchildren, Noah, Esther, Daniel, Lydia, Cody and Cory; brother, Jim (Anna Marie) Wiger of Renton, WA, a brother-in-law, Larry Stephens of Kodiak, AK and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Norma Wiger and Alethe Stephens; a brother, John and sister-in-law, June Wiger, and a nephew, Ryan Stephens. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 10:30 AM in Zion Lutheran Church in Ada. Visitation will be Monday, March 21st from 5 to 7 PM with a Prayer Service at 7 PM at Zion Lutheran Church. Visitation will also be one hour before services at the church on Tuesday. Officiating will be Pastor Dennis O’Niell. Don Clark will serve as vocalist accompanied by Betty Oloff. Pallbearers will be his nephews, Wes Brandt, Dennis Brandt, John Merkins, Pete Merkins, Paul Merkins and Ron Merkins. Honorary Pallbearers will be his grandchildren and the rest of his nephews and nieces. Inurnment will be in Pleasant View Cemetery, rural Ada.

Harold Wiger

June 9, 1921 - March 18, 2011