Harold M. Woldseth, 95, Passes Away in North Dakota

Longtime farmer and insurance agent remembered for his faith, family, and community involvement.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Harold Milton Woldseth, a 95-year-old former resident of Edmore, North Dakota, passed away on February 6, 2026, at the home of his daughter and son-in-law near Galesburg, North Dakota. Woldseth was surrounded by his three daughters and their spouses as he was cared for by HIA Hospice in his final days.

Why it matters

Woldseth's life exemplified the values of faith, family, and community that were central to many rural North Dakotans of his generation. As a longtime farmer, insurance agent, and active member of his local church and choral groups, Woldseth left a lasting impact on those around him.

The details

Woldseth was born in 1930 on his family's farm, the youngest of eight children born to Norwegian immigrants Hans and Marie Woldseth. He attended Concordia College, where he sang in the renowned Concordia Choir, before returning home to help his family with the farm after his father suffered a stroke. Woldseth later married Darlene Hart and together they farmed, raised three daughters, and were actively involved in their local community, including curling, snowmobiling, and hosting gatherings of friends and family. After developing rheumatoid arthritis at age 51, Woldseth transitioned to a career in securities and insurance, working for Aid Association for Lutherans (now Thrivent) until his retirement at age 75. He and Darlene also spent many winters in Mesa, Arizona, before her passing from Alzheimer's disease in 2015.

  • Woldseth was born on August 23, 1930.
  • He attended Concordia College in the 1950s.
  • Woldseth married Darlene Hart on October 1, 1955.
  • He developed rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 51.
  • Woldseth retired from Thrivent at the age of 75.

The players

Harold Milton Woldseth

A 95-year-old former farmer and insurance agent from Edmore, North Dakota, who passed away on February 6, 2026.

Darlene J. Hart

Woldseth's wife, whom he married in 1955 and who passed away from Alzheimer's disease in 2015.

Hans Einarson Woldseth

Woldseth's father, who was born in Norway and immigrated to the United States in 1906.

Marie Bernhardsdatter Hovde

Woldseth's mother, who was born in Norway and immigrated to the United States in 1909.

Paul J. Christianson

The director of the Concordia Choir, where Woldseth sang during his time at Concordia College.

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What’s next

A celebration of Harold Woldseth's life will be held, with details to be announced at a later date.

The takeaway

Woldseth's life exemplified the values of faith, family, and community that were central to many rural North Dakotans of his generation. His unwavering commitment to these principles, even in his final days, left a lasting impact on all who knew him.