Harold Appeldorn

Harold Charles Appeldorn was born to Herman and Marie (Lange) Appeldorn on January 29, 1920 in Grange Township, Pipestone County, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Pipestone, Minnesota. Harold received his education at District #16 through the 8th grade, continuing at Pipestone High School, graduating with the class of 1939. After his schooling, Harold continued farming with his father. On March 31, 1940, he was united in marriage to Myrtle Wittfoth at St. James Lutheran Church in Holland, Minnesota. They moved to a farm south of Holland in 1942 and in the fall of 1943, they moved to Harold’s home place. In 1973, they built a new home on an acreage on the home farm where they lived until 1994 when they moved into Pipestone. Myrtle passed away in December of 1997, Harold continued to live in Pipestone. In January of 1999, Harold married Edith Meyer at Zion Lutheran Church in Alamo, Texas. They lived in Pipestone but spent many winters in Texas. When Harold retired, his son John took over the family farm and Harold enjoyed helping him for many years. In October of 2013, Harold entered the Good Samaritan Communities of Pipestone. He entered into the care of the Pipestone County Hospice House in Pipestone on Tuesday, April 5, 2016 where he died peacefully on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at the age of 96 years.

Harold and Myrtle were active members at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and later were charter members in starting Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Pipestone in 1956. They spent many winters in Arizona and Texas. Harold was a member of the District #16 School Board and was also on the ASC Committee. For several years, Harold held several positions on the church council. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, camping and most importantly, the time spent with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Edith; his daughter, Sharon Boerhave, New Brighton, MN; his son John (Gerri) Appeldorn, Pipestone; his daughter Joann (Greg) Johnson, St. Cloud, MN & his daughter-in-law Karen Appeldorn, Echo, MN. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. He is also survived by stepchildren Kevin Brockberg, Fargo, ND, James Brockberg, Austin, MN, & Richard Brockberg, Minneapolis, MN. His is also survived by his sister-in-law Max (Henry) Appeldorn.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Myrtle, his father Herman Appeldorn & his mother Marie (Lange) Appeldorn, his sisters, Nora, Marie, Caroline, & Lucille, & his brother Henry (Hank). He was also preceded in death by his son Eugene (Gene) Appeldorn, & his stepson, Steven Meyer.