William Haroldson

William (Bill) Haroldson, age 69 of rural Aitkin and a Florida snowbird, passed away suddenly after a brief illness on Thursday, August 20th, at his home in Aitkin. 

Bill was the first born son of William Sr. and Arlene (Ebert) Haroldson on October 6th, 1956, in Lindstrom, MN. He grew up in Sauk Centre, MN on a hobby farm along with two other siblings, and attended school there. Bill then attended Alexandria Vo-Tech and graduated with a mechanical engineering degree. He worked for over 20 years in research and development/quality control in the aerospace and medical parts industries in Minneapolis. With Bill’s outgoing and fun loving personality, a friend suggested he obtain his real estate license and join him as a Realtor at the Edina Realty Princeton office. He so enjoyed this career and meeting new clients, many of which are now close friends. He worked a large territory in central Minnesota and when he was showing a client properties in the Aitkin area, Bill fell in love with the community, the beauty of the lakes and rivers, and also a listing they viewed of a log cabin on Farm Island Lake where he then moved to, from Blue Lake, in Zimmerman MN in 2002. Bill’s stewardship, passion and love of God’s creation and creatures led him to become a volunteer with The Minnesota Loon Monitoring Program (MLMP) for 25 years, serving on the board of the Farm Island Lake Association (FILA), and he was also involved and participated in the Aitkin County SWCD’s AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) prevention committee, and Aitkin County Lakes and Rivers Association (ACLARA) for many years. He always said “ask not what the lake can do for you, but what can you do for the lake”. “Job well done, good and faithful servant”, Matthew 25:23. 

Bill loved spending his time being with family and friends, loving everything outdoors including fishing (if you couldn’t find him, he was probably on the lake), deer hunting, gardening (with spicy hot peppers being a favorite), grilling his famous BBQ ribs, smoking/pickling fish, traveling in his RV and camping. Bill was always there for anyone in need to lend a helping hand and always giving and helping with a big and joyful heart. His kindness, infectious smile, his laughter, humor, joking and storytelling will last forever in our cherished memories. 

Bill is survived by his brother Richard (Cindy) Haroldson of Sauk Centre, sister Debra Haroldson of Aitkin, friend/chosen sister DeAnne Duncan and her family of Princeton, nieces Cassie & Vickie and their families, along with so many wonderful friends and neighbors. 

Bill is preceded in death by his parents. 

Until we meet again, may you rest in God’s perfect peace our dearest brother. You are loved and missed by all.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date. 

Bill would always close his conversations with “May God Bless you, and God Bless America”.

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