Harold Edward Tvedt was born on June 29, 1926, to Halvor and Emma (Mikkelsen) Tvedt in Williams County, ND. He was raised on the Tvedt farm that his father homesteaded when he came over from Norway. He attended Alamo High School where he excelled in basketball and baseball and graduated with the Class of 1945. In high school he took advantage of free flying lessons and earned his pilots license which he never used.

On June 24, 1948 he was united in marriage to Arlene E. Johnson in Alamo, ND. He started running the family farm when he was in high school. After the crops failed, Harold and Arlene moved to Williston. To this union 6 children were born, Connie, Charlene, Betty Jane and DeLona (4 children under the age of 4) followed by Zoanni and Kory.

He worked for GTA Feeds, Dakota Salt Company for 19 years, then Williston State College for 15 years and retired at the age of 70. He also worked at Williston Sheet Metal Works at the time the Ramada Inn was under construction, hanging ductwork over the swimming pool on scaffolding that was suspended from the ceiling, and was big enough for him to walk through. Retirement was not an option for Harold, so he continued to work for American Casing until he was 87. At age 86, his number was drawn to take a random drug test, he told us he failed, which was a family joke for years. Harold was a very punctual, hard working, respectful man with a great sense of humor.

Harold was forced to drive the Twirling T’s (his daughters) and the Williston Baton Twirling Corp to many competitions. Also, enjoyed following Kory in baseball and football events throughout high school and college, including a JUCO World Series appearance. Arlene and Harold owned a ceramic shop for 35 years and he spent many nights and weekends molding greenware and playing in the mud. He was a “ringer” when he played horseshoes. Telling his son-in-law at the other end……”just throw them back to me”. Harold and Arlene opened their home to 54 foster children and still hear from many of them to this day.

Every Saturday night, Harold and Arlene taught their children to dance to the Lawrence Welk and Ed Sullivan Shows. He had a knack for music, dancing and square dancing. They traveled to Norway 3 times returning to his parents home and blacksmith shop. Harold and Arlene looked forward to Friday nights when Dave and Twyla Ruffie would bring supper and play a spirited game of pinochle. Harold’s best hand was a 1000 A’s which is seldom seen in pinochle. This past summer, Harold and Arlene celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary, days later celebrating his 92nd birthday.

Harold was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, the painting and construction crew. He was helping stabilize the cross on the top of the church and he shouted down to the rest of the crew …… “this is probably the closest to heaven I’ll get”. He enjoyed being a member of the Sons of Norway. He served on church committees and was a leader in the Boy Scouts program. He enjoyed watching and traveling for his grandchildren’s sporting events and activities.

Harold thoroughly enjoyed watching his favorite basketball team - the Golden State Warriors - especially Stephen Curry. He was lucky enough to attend a Warriors game with Don, Bryan, Brent, Titus, Roman, Chad & Hunter.

Harold is survived by his wife, Arlene; daughters, Connie (Don) Lee, and their children, Bryan (Nicole) Lee, Brent (Heidi) Lee and Christine (Chad) Rogers, Betty Jane Tvedt, DeLona (Craig) Broe and their children, Dustin (Karla) Bratlien, Courtney Chaney and Kallie Rider, Zoanni (John) Liffrig and their children, Terra (Aaron) Erickson and Tyler (Jacque) Liffrig and son, Kory Tvedt; son-in-law, Larry (Brenda) Grondahl and his children, Shaun (Carrie) Nielsen and Jason Nielsen and 30 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Harold was the last surviving member of his family. Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Halvor and Emma; daughter, Char Grondahl; sisters, Hilda Hanson, Nellie Sundquist, Edith Hill and Ruth Ergeson; infant brother, Harold; nephews, Glen Ergeson and Jimmy Hill; and nieces, Linda Hill, Donna Hanson and Leila Hanson.