Harold Sauder

A funeral service to honor the life and legacy of Harold Sauder, age 98, of rural Heron Lake, will be held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Okabena on Friday, June 13th at 11:30 AM, with a visitation from 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Okabena. Burial will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery in Worthington.

Harold Henry Sauder, age 98, of Weimer Township near Heron Lake, MN, passed away at home on his farm on June 4, 2025, surrounded by family. With his kind, loving demeanor and ready smile, Harold was beloved by family and friends for his gentle spirit and respected for his steady wisdom and patience. Harold was amazingly active throughout his 98 years; in the last year of his life, he could still be found mowing his yard, making snickerdoodles, or restoring a vintage car.

Harold was born on February 19, 1927, to Edward and Nellie (Schneider) Sauder at their farmhouse outside West Bend, IA. In 1931, Harold and his family moved to a farm in Ewington Township in Jackson County, where Harold attended a rural country school. He was baptized on July 30, 1938, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Okabena, MN, and later confirmed at that same church on December 7, 1941. After graduating from Okabena High School in 1945, Harold started full-time farming, a vocation well-suited to his strong work ethic. Harold met a local teacher, Belva Budde, and asked her out on a date. Thankfully, Harold was not deterred by Belva refusing the first date due to it being her day to wash her hair. Harold and Belva married on September 10, 1950, in Mankato, MN and honeymooned in the Black Hills—they were devoted to each other and enjoyed square-dancing, camping, and many road trips during their 63 years of marriage. Harold and Belva were blessed with two daughters.

Harold farmed with his father in Ewington Township. In 1962, Harold and Belva bought the farm outside Heron Lake, where they lived the rest of their lives. Harold was active as a farmer until his retirement farm equipment auction in 2002. His love of farming and the outdoors continued well after his retirement. Harold had a strong aptitude for mechanical pursuits and a positive, can-do attitude. He was proud of his U.S. patent for a safety guard that would protect electrical boxes. Harold applied his problem-solving skills to one of his favorite hobbies: restoring vintage bikes and cars.

A member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Okabena, MN, since its founding in 1954, Harold served the church in multiple capacities. Harold also served on the Heron Lake Board of Education, Weimer Township Board, Board of Directors for Okabena State Bank, and as a volunteer with Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District, dutifully checking and recording any rainfall until his passing.

Of utmost importance to Harold was his family and friends, and he thrived on staying connected to loved ones. A hospitable and generous host, Harold loved having gatherings at the farm and would often send his guests on the road with his signature cookies.

He is survived by daughters Lynn (Ken) Olson of Victoria, MN, and Chris (Bill) Hagen of Lake Park, MN; grandchildren John (Shahna) Hagen, Erik (Viktoriya Kamara) Olson, Jenna (Tony) Nelson, and Emily (fiance Jason Sangrait) Olson; cherished great-grandchildren Everett, Talen, Elias, Mercee, and Nadia; his faithful feline companion, Kitty; and many special friends and relatives.

Harold was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Belva; his parents; and brothers Melvin, Raymond, and Elmer.

Blessed be the memory of Harold Sauder.