Harlow McCroskey

Harlow Everett McCroskey was born April 16, 1947, to Eva and Alve McCroskey in Valley City, ND.

Growing up Harlow lived in Buffalo and Fargo, ND; as well as Moorhead, MN. He enjoyed his childhood growing up alongside his siblings Jeanette Williams, Darrell (Bud) McCroskey and Pat Cossette. Their strong relationship and friendship continued throughout Harlow’s life. Harlow also enjoyed the paper route that he had as a child.

In 1966, Harlow welcomed a son, David Tollefson, and a daughter, Kimberly Carmines, in 1967.

Harlow proudly served our country during the Vietnam war as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne. On April 25, 1981, Harlow married Brenda Burr; and they were married for 43 years. They welcomed seven children: Jimmy, Jennifer, Jeffery, Jackie, Jessica, Jamie, and Joey. Harlow shined as a father and often made the kids their birthday cakes. He loved to tell stories and read them books including one of their favorites, Dr. Suess. He also built them toys and even beds.

Harlow enjoyed having coffee with friends, and wine club with Brenda and his siblings. He also enjoyed singing and karaoke. Harlow had a wonderful voice. He loved his dogs and had many furry friends over the years.

Harlow attended Hansen Mechanical School. He spent most of his working years as a mechanic and a welder. He also worked at American Crystal Sugar and Dakota Hospital as a security guard.

Harlow had a wonderful sense of humor and wit. He had a jolly and contagious laugh. He enjoyed wine, chocolate and good food.

Harlow cherished his time spent with his nine grandchildren; Ashley, Addison, Trinity, Jayden, Shelby, Annika, Jeffery, Ainsley, and Nikita. He was loving, funny, and wise and his grandchildren all adored him.

Harlow loved to stay busy, and he painted many pictures over the years. He also worked on his vehicles and even lifted the engines himself. He worked on many projects around the house; there truly wasn’t much he couldn’t do.

Harlow passed away on October 29, 2024, surrounded by his family at SMP Health-St. Catherine’s in Fargo. He leaves behind a grateful family and many wonderful memories. He is dearly loved and greatly missed.

Harlow is survived by his wife, Brenda McCroskey; children, David Tollefson, Kimberly (Daniel) Carmines, Jimmy (Jessica) McCroskey, Jennifer (Josh) Rooks, Jeffery (Brittney) McCroskey, Jackie, Jessica, Jamie and Joey McCroskey; grandchildren, Ashley Rooks, Addison McCroskey, Trinity McCroskey, Jayden McCroskey, Shelby Humphrey, Annika McCroskey, Jeffery McCroskey, Ainsley McCroskey, and Nikita McCroskey; his siblings, Darrell (Marilyn) McCroskey, and Pat Cossette; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Alve and Eva McCroskey; brother, Donald McCroskey; his mother-in-law, Sally Blair; and his sister, Jeanette (Jim) Williams.