Obituary: Harold Petsinger

Harold Petsinger

Harold D. Petsinger, age 95, died January 14, 2024, at Golden Acres Manor, Carrington, N.D., with his family by his side.

His visitation was Friday, January 19, 2024, from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m., followed by a Rosary Service at 5:30 p.m., and Vigil Service immediately following the Rosary Service, all at Evans Funeral Home, Carrington, N.D.

Harold's Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Carrington, N.D., with Father Terry Dodge officiating. His burial will be at the St. Vincent DePaul Cemetery, Leeds, N.D., in the spring.

Pallbearers were Ryan Clauson, David Hotzler, Megan Snodgrass, Eric Van Vleet, Scott Van Vleet and Bryce Hotzler.

Honorary pallbearers were Harold's great-grandchildren.

Harold was born July 21, 1928, in Cando, N.D. He attended school in Rock Lake, N.D., until he was 10 years old. In the late 1930s, the family left the farm in Rock Lake and moved to Leeds, N.D. He graduated from high school and then attended the University of North Dakota, graduating in the spring of 1950 with a business degree.

After a short time of working in Great Falls, Mont., for the S&L Company merchandising chain, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He underwent training and was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. After being honorably discharged from the military, due to the death of his father, Harold returned to Leeds to operate the family business, Petsinger's Department Store, and the Leeds Theatre. He also formed the dance band, well known throughout the area as the "Swing Petz-Tette" and later, as the "Night Caps".

In 1954, Harold married Winifred Buchl from Rugby. They raised 4 children in Leeds. In 1983, Harold and Winnie relocated the clothing business to Carrington, N.D., where they remained in business until late 1989. From that time forward, he worked as a retail consultant, mainly conducting liquidation sales throughout the upper Midwest states.

While residing in Leeds, Harold was a 27-year active member of the Leeds Fire Department, a charter member of the Leeds Ambulance Service, an emergency medical technician, a ten-year city councilman, a past officer, and a long-time member of the American Legion. He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol and past president of the Lake Region Flying Club. He also flew his own airplane, which he loved.

In Carrington, he again served in the retail division and was director of the Carrington Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Hawks Nest Amateur Radio Association, and a member of the American Legion Post. He was a 59-year continuous member of the American Legion. Harold loved to visit with people, go to the lake, camp in his motorhome, and spend time with his family.

He is survived by his daughters, Peggy (Miles) Clauson, Minot, N.D.; Pamela (Craig) Hotzler, Shakopee, Minn.; Patricia (Rick) Van Vleet, Huron, S.D.; and son, James (special friend Sharon Solberg), Carrington, N.D.; and sister, Ann Arneson. In addition, he is survived by his grandchildren, Ryan (Anna) Clauson, David (Sandy) Hotzler, Bryce (Bridget) Hotzler, Scott (Chris) Van Vleet, Eric (Cenzie) Van Vleet, and Megan Snodgrass. Harold is survived by 10 great-grandchildren: Cameron Brown, Harper Clauson, Coen Clauson, Mason Hotzler, Wyatt Hotzler, Brock Hotzler, Brook Hotzler, Brynn Hotzler, Madelynn Van Vleet and Bennett Van Vleet. Harold is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Winifred Petsinger; his parents, Helen Petsinger/Deplazes, Alfred Petsinger, and John Deplazes; as well as his sisters, Doris Horejsi and Mavis Ganje.

Condolences can be sent to Peggy Clauson at 3105 15th St. SE, Minot, ND 58701. In lieu of flowers, and per Harold's request, please consider a donation to the Leeds, N.D. Ambulance, c/o Peggy Clauson at 3105 15th St. SE, Minot, ND 58701.

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home, Carrington and New Rockford, N.D.