Harold Gefroh
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Harold M. Gefroh, 88, of Bismarck, ND and formerly of Drake, ND passed away Monday, January 5, 2026 at CHI St. Alexius Health in Bismarck, ND. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, January 10, 2026 at the St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Drake, ND with Fr. Thomas Graner celebrating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM with Rosary reciting beginning at 10:15 AM at the church. Burial will be take place at the St. Margaret Mary Catholic Cemetery in Drake. Everyone is welcome to stream the service on the church’s Facebook Page: Prairie Pothole Parishes.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church: P.O. Box 197 Drake, ND 58736, the St. Margaret Mary Catholic Cemetery Fund: 1163 35th Street NE Drake, ND 58736 or to the Knights of Columbus: 105 Cedar Street Drake, ND 58736.
Born on June 27, 1937, in Karlsruhe, North Dakota, Harold was the son of Phillip and Elizabeth (Zerr) Gefroh. He grew up on the family farm in Karlsruhe, where he attended school while serving as a helping hand with farm chores and daily operations.
On October 17, 1960, Harold married Rita Weigel, the love of his life. Together they built a beautiful marriage that endured for 65 years, rooted in unwavering love, shared adventures, and quiet devotion. Shortly after their wedding, Harold was drafted into the U.S. Army in December 1960, serving honorably in Germany until his discharge in December 1962. Rita joined him overseas during this time, strengthening the foundation of their lifelong partnership.
Beginning in the early 1960s, Harold and Rita welcomed four beloved children into their family: Brenda, Gail, Kent, and Bonnie. After his military service, Harold worked as a skilled carpenter in the Minot area until 1973. That year, seeking new opportunities, he and Rita moved the family to Drake, where Harold embraced farming and built a rewarding life rooted in the land. Harold was mechanically inclined, extremely creative, and very productive with a tireless work ethic. He retired from farming in 2015 and relocated to Bismarck, enjoying quieter days closer to family.
Harold found joy in simple pleasures: a competitive game of pinochle with friends, ice fishing on crisp winter days, a bowl of ice cream before bed, listening to the heartfelt tunes of Boxcar Willie, and most of all, quality time visiting with loved ones. One of his cherished memories was a dream trip to Hawaii with Rita and family, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Harold was a faithful member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Margaret Mary Church in Drake. He lived with a quiet strength and deep devotion.
Remaining to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 65 years, Rita; daughters Brenda (Mike) Engen, Gail (Kent) Jacobson, and Bonnie (Jim) Van Winkle; grandchildren Kyle (Heidi) Engen, Jayme (Ashli) Engen, Mikayla (Mark) Sanderson, Kody (Joebe) Jacobson, Mariah Ellingson, Autumn Ellingson, and Gracie Yarbrough; step-grandchildren Melissa (Josh) Hausauer, Cole Van Winkle, and Brooke Van Winkle; great-grandchildren Jaxon, Caden, Jacob, Molly, Olivia, Ivy, and Charlotte; sister Eileen Kraft; and brothers Melvin Gefroh, Kenneth Gefroh, and Myron Gefroh.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip and Elizabeth; son Kent; sister Beatrice and brother-in-law Don; brother-in-law Jim; and son-in-law Kerry.
Harold’s legacy of hard work, love, and family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Arrangements are with the Nelson Funeral Home of Drake, ND. Online condolences may be left at www.nelsonfuneralhomesnd.com.
Published by The Minot Daily News, January 10, 2026.