Harold Aalfs

February 8, 2019

Harold Harvey Aalfs was born December 26, 1922, in Chippewa County, Crate Township, the son of Jacob & Frieda (Hayunga) Aalfs. He was baptized April 8, 1923. Harold attended Country School District #84. Following his education he followed his father’s footsteps and began farming. In his youth he enjoyed hunting and fishing during his spare time. One of the activities he always looked forward to was the fox hunting party picnics. Harold was united in marriage to Dorothy Brouwer on December 5, 1945, at the Bunde Christian Reformed Church. Harold farmed and was also employed as a truck driver, bus driver, and a school custodian. Harold and Dorothy enjoyed traveling and spending time at their cabin on Norway Lake. He was a very patient man and loved going fishing with his grandchildren. You could also find him on the country roads checking on the status of the crops. Harold was a faithful member of Bethany Reformed Church where he served as a Deacon and Elder. Harold passed away on Friday, February 8, 2019, at the Clara City Care Center. He was 96 years of age. He is survived by four daughters: Donna Lanning-Berquam (Ted) of Motley; Karen (Roger) Bulthuis of Clara City; Ardis (Galen) Gerdes of Clara City and Evelyn (Jerry) Kraft of Spicer; eleven grandchildren: Chad (Juniana) Lanning; Tami (Emmett) Klucas; Steven (Andrea) Bulthuis, Kyle (Jeri) Bulthuis, Justin (Omni) Bulthuis and Todd Bulthuis; Mitch (Heidi) Gerdes, Megan (David) Struxness; Stacey (Chris) Kremer; Lori (Scott) Nath and Amy (Jeff) Stratton; 22 great grandchildren: Aryana & Jarvi Lanning; Samuel, Faith & Silas Klucas; Tyler Bulthuis & Amberlynn Rector; Tayshaun & Aiden Bulthuis; Isaac, Sidney & Isabel Gerdes; Dalton & Garrett Struxness; Madelyn & Christopher Kremer; Paige, Shelbie & Autumn Nath; Jaylin, Morgan & Macy Stratton; one sister, Viola Fischer of Clara City and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Elmer “Buddy” Aalfs, wife Dorothy Aalfs, granddaughter Melanie Gerdes and son-in-law Kenneth Lanning. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 13th at 1:00 pm at Bethany Reformed Church in Clara City. Burial will be held in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday at the church, beginning at 11:30 am and continue until the time of the service.