Harold Sabo
April 23, 1918 ~ December 12, 2013
Harold Jerome Sabo, 95, Fargo, passed away on Thursday, December 12, 2013 at his son’s home in Fargo. He was born on April 23, 1918, in the family home near Goodridge.
Harold was the sixth of eight children born to Norwegian immigrants, Pedar and Inga (Urness) Sabo. He attended country schools near Goodridge and the Angus area.
He was confirmed in the Lutheran faith in Warren, Minnesota, and that is when he first met Doris Hove, the love of his life.
Harold’s earlier years were spent working in the “CC Camp,” Civilian Conservation Core. He also enjoyed a life-long interest in hunting and fishing, always keeping his boat docked in Buffalo Bay.
Harold and Doris were married on June 14, 1939. They lived on a farm South of Newfolden for one year then moved to Chico, Washington, where Harold worked at the Naval Shipyard in Bremerton during World War II.
While in Chico, he purchased a farm Northwest of Thief River Falls and that is where they eventually settled to raise their family of seven children.
In 1972, Harold sold the farm and, with a group of investors, purchased a wild rice farm near Gonvick, Minnesota where they lived for 22 years. He purchased a small airplane, built a hanger and runway, then, earned his pilot’s license at the age of 70. He thoroughly enjoyed giving rides to family and friends.
In 1996 Harold and Doris retired to a home near Spring Steel Island, Warroad, where Harold continued to enjoy fishing on Lake of the Woods. This is also where his loving wife of 60 years passed away in 1999 at the age of 79.
In August 2010, Harold moved to Fargo and enjoyed an active life in the Touchmark Independent Living.
The last nine months of his life were spent in the Manor Care Nursing Home in Fargo.
Harold had 19 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Harold is survived by six of his seven children, Joni Peterson, Grand Forks, ND; Janice (Bill) Laursen, Albuquerque, NM; Pete Sabo, Fargo, ND; Joyce (Leon) Elseth, San Antonio, TX; Jon Sabo (Lucy Carlson), Detroit Lakes, MN; Jane Woods, Albuquerque, NM.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Sabo, Warroad, MN; son, Jerry Sabo, Las Vegas, NV; grandson, Daniel Sabo, Las Vegas, NV; granddaughter, Jamie Emery, Phoenix, AZ.
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Minnetonka MN
My sympathies to the Sabo family in the loss of Harold. I remember when I used to stay with Janice and breakfast with this wonderful family always included Harold’s kidding around. He and Doris were always welcoming, friendly and so very kind. I visited them at their rice farm and Harold was so interested in what he did as he showed me around. What an interesting life for such an energetic man. God bless Harold’s memory to all.
Thief River Falls MN
To the Famile of Harold:
We met Harold and Doris in 1972, we lived 2 miles from them when they lived in the mobile home in Rosewood. In fact we lived in there home for a month when they went to Texas, also had our camper parked in there yard the summer of 1973. We were friends with them ever since. I remember the name of their boat was “SCROUPLES”
and visted them alot at Buffalo Bay and when they lived in Springsteel. We made our way out to the rice farms afew times when they lived there. Joyce and Jane were the only girls we can remember when they were youger although we met the rest of the family at some point. Also, I think it was Joni that was living with them and taking care fo Doris when we stopped at Springsteel home. They were a wonderful couple and would help anybody at any time and would tell us stories that would make us laugh off our chairs. God Bless the family and the memories of Harold and Doris.
Thief River Falls MN
Harold is my great-uncle. My mother and I visited him at his home nearly 4 years ago and we had such a nice visit. I have to say, Harold was full of many wonderful stories of his my family and of his life. What a fascinating man he was! Harold has worked hard his whole life and is now resting comfortably in peace for some well-deserved rest! God bless you, Harold and I’m so glad I met you!
Hawley MN
God bless Harold. Loving prayers and thoughts are with you on the death of your father during this Christmas season. But it’s hard to focus on sadness when someones had such a long and full life! I remember the first time he drove into our yard to visit…and brought a couple of you kids with him. We were so isolated and it was such a treat to have company. Wow…that was a LONGGGG time ago! Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and enjoyable family times of being together and reminiscing about the past and the good times you had and can continue to have as a family.
west fargo so sorry for your loss. words fail me right now, but know that our prayers and thoughts are with you all
New Braunfels TexasTo Joyce and family,
Our sympathy to all of you in the passing of your Dad. Today 12/18/13 ends another chapter in the Sabo family. May all of you remain close and remember all the fond memories that you shared with each other and your parents.
coloradoOur condolences to the Sabo family, sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Hallock mnHi Sabo family,
We have lots of good memories of Harold at the rice farm & also had the pleasure of fishing Buffalo Bay with him. Harold & Doris were always the ultimate hosts at the rice farm & at their lake home.
Best regards.
Thief River Falls MN
To the Sabo family,
I had known Harold and Doris for over 30 years. What a wonderful couple. We would chat a lot about the fishing in Buffalo Bay. Always trying to figure out the best fishing holes.
Our sympathy to all and God Bless.
fordville n dsorry about your loss
Roseau MN
To Harold’s family: Your dad was a good friend and companion. He will be missed by all. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Love Walter & Majorie
Newfolden Mn.Our condolences to all the family. Harold lived a full life and I’m sure must have done almost everything he may have had on his “bucket list”. May his memory be blessed.
Lodi CaliforniaSo sorry to hear of Uncle Harold’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. May the many memories your share be a comfort to you all.
Fargo ND
Dear Family of Harold Sabo,
I was very sorry to hear about Harold’s death. He and I became good friends when we both lived at Touchmark. I enjoyed conversation with him and the stories of his very colorful life. I also enjoyed his stories about growing wild rice up in the Gonvick area. He was a very fine man and he lived a very good life. I send you my good wishes and I also send my condolences.
Unfortunately, I won’t be at the memorial service on Dec. 18 as I am scheduled to be out of the city. I send my best personal regards to you all.
Mapleton ND
So Sorry to hear of Harold’s passing, was a honor to care for him at Manor Care, so hard to loose a father.
Cheryl, one of Harold’s nurses.
Hastings MN
Uncle Harold,
You were my last remaining living uncle and I have many memories of you and that grin whenever I saw you:
* The old farm ridge near Rosewood where you raised your family with your marvelous wife, Doris and shared farm projects with my father and mother as neighbors across the hill.
* Going to a one room school house with your children and your sister Sig as the teacher.
* How you frequently stopped by and visited Vi and Rufus when they moved to town showing respect to the fine couple that took my sister, brother and I into their home when my parents died.
* Fishing on Lake of the Woods from your launch and dining on Walleye with your boys and another nephew Bob Nelson
* Going through the family scrap books with you at your home in Warroad, catching up on my cousins, and seeing all the pictures and success stories you had in the rice and machinery business and watching you fly your plane.
* Hopping in your truck and driving for miles along the Canadian Border, seeing animals I had not viewed in years since my travels in aerospace took me all over the world, but seldom back to the wild Minnesota
venue.
* Listening to stories in ways only you could tell them and marveling at your memory bank as well as your descriptions.
* Above all the way you aged with grace in my eyes.
I always respected you and who you were.
You will be missed,
Ken Larson
https://about.me/smalltofeds
greenbush mn.Having known the Sabo family for over 50 years, I feel a tremendous loss for the entire family.. Harold has got to be one of the toughest men I’ve known, I will always look forward to visits at Cotton Lake and wherever else our paths cross. Harold and Doris are again at Peace.. Thinking of family, Bob Sorenson and Gwen Knochenmus.
Belton TexasOur hearts and prayers are with you during this time of sadness for all of you.
Uncle Harold was a happy, charming guy that always had a smile or story for every one. He was a bright light during all of his time on earth.
I can hear him now, as he has joined all those who have gone before him, over a cup of coffee, catching every one up on all the news from down here. He had joined your mom again and is over joyed. He will never be forgotten.
Extending our sympathy to all family members. Good friend & neighbor.
Waterloo IowaWe will miss you Uncle Harold. You lived a long life with your family beside you all the way.
Newfolden MN
My wife Melanie and I extend our sympathies to the family of Harold Sabo. Truly a man from the “greatest generation” we give our heartfelt prayers to you as you say goodbye knowing you will meet him again with your faith.
New Braunfels TXJoyce, what a full and interesting life your dad had. What an accomplishment to become a pilot at age 70 and to build a hangar and runway. Seems like a man who could do just about anything if he set his mind to it. Glad he went peacefully with family around him. You and your family are in my prayers. God Bless.
Rest in peace Grandpa. We love you.