Harold McRoberts

Harold William McRoberts, son of William and Minnie (Podratz) McRoberts, was born August 30, 1914 in Herman, Minnesota, where he grew up and attended school. Harold continued his schooling at the West Central School of Agriculture in Morris, where he took one year of business courses and his second year, he taught himself at home. On April 28, 1938, he was united in marriage to Norma Ritzschke at the United Methodist Church in Herman, where they were lifetime members. Harold worked in the Herman Creamery as a buttermaker, bookkeeper and general laborer. Before WWII he worked in the Herman Bank. In 1945, he was drafted and spent his military career in Texas. Following his honorable discharge, Harold was offered and accepted a position in the Farmers and Merchants Bank in Donnelly, MN. Harold retired from the banking business in 1978. The couple continued to live in Donnelly until 2000, when they moved to Morris. Norma died on October 5, 2008 and Harold has continued to live in Morris since that time.

Harold was a member of the United Methodist Church in Herman and the Odd Fellow Lodge. He enjoyed working in the bank and in the community, where he served as City Clerk for 20 years. He organized the Donnelly Commercial Club and served on the Rod and Gun Club Board, Community Chest, FHA and the West Central Community Action Board. He enjoyed reading, hunting, fishing, horses and baseball. He especially enjoyed the time he spent with his family.

Harold died on Thursday, April 23, 2009 at Stevens Community Medical Center in Morris, MN, having lived to reach the age of 94 years.

He is survived by his daughter: Ruth (Roger) Cooper of Barnesville; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one brother: Walter (Carol) McRoberts of Herman; one sister: Fern (Martin) Pasche of Hoffman; one daughter-in-law: Beverly McRoberts of Wahpeton, ND and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife: Norma; one son: Dwaine McRoberts; his parents and sister-in-law: Muriel McRoberts.

Pallbearers for the service are: Bill Pasche, Geoffrey Volker, Kevin Volker, Bill Volker, Paul Pasche, Dwayne Sadergaski. Debbie Blume will serve as organist for the service with Jerry and Junice Bryson will provide special music. Pedersen Funeral in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.