Harold Alvin Rolfsrud, age 88, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. He was born on March 8, 1937 in Watford City, North Dakota to Halvor & Martha (Braaten) Rolfsrud. Harold grew up on a farm in the Keene area developing a lifelong love for farming, ranching and a deep appreciation for people and values working alongside his father. He was a proud graduate of Watford City High School & North Dakota Agricultural College (now NDSU), with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. On May 16, 1958, he married Marilyn Sorby at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, Minnesota, beginning a devoted partnership and a life centered on family, faith, & service.

Harold served his community with distinction as a McKenzie County Commissioner from 1985 to 2000. He also served on the Board of Directors for Baukol Noonan Lignite Inc. (now known as BNI), the New Town Farmer’s Union Elevator Board, and contributed his leadership and wisdom to numerous other boards & committees throughout his life. Harold was a member of the Clear Creek Lutheran Church and the Sons of Norway.

Harold cherished time with family and friends. He loved hunting, fishing, camping, traveling and visiting loved ones near and far. Harold was proud of his Norwegian heritage and never missed an opportunity to eat lutefisk. He had a great passion for playing cards and board games, especially bridge with his group at the Senior Center. He delighted in playing cornhole and other games with his great grandchildren, creating memories they will always treasure.

A lover of classic cars, Harold enjoyed giving rides in his Model T, Model A, & 1927 Buick. He also had a deep interest in family history and loved sharing stories of the past. Sports were another lifelong joy for Harold. As a kid he enjoyed playing baseball with his siblings, friends, and neighbors from the community at Blue Buttes Park. He loved watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports and rarely missed watching the Minnesota Twins, the Vikings, or the Bison games.

Harold will be remembered for his steady leadership, dedication to his family and community, and his deep roots in the land he loved. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, kindness, and service.

Harold is survived by their five children; John (Nancy) Rolfsrud of Keene, ND; Douglas (Debbie) Rolfsrud of Watford City, ND; David (Gena) Rolfsrud of Keene, ND; Guy Rolfsrud of Watford City, ND; Kelli (Jiro) McCoy of Fort Walton Beach, FL.

He was a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren: Laura McFarland of Bismarck, ND; Trish (Jason) Bauman of Bismarck, ND; Meghan (Ryne) Hendrickson of Mandan, ND; Kyle (Josie) Rolfsrud of Gilbert, AZ; Morgan Rolfsrud of Fargo, ND; Ty (Chauncee) Rolfsrud of Keene, ND; Cole (Savannah) Rolfsrud of Keene, ND; Josh (Katelyn) Rolfsrud of Watford City, ND; Brooke Rolfsrud of Fountain Hills, AZ. He was also blessed with eleven great-grandchildren: Brita, Tava, Cora, Stella, Wyatt, Colt, Hollyn, Halvor, Ava, Hallie, & Julia.

His sister, Karen (Don) Kirmis of Austin, TX; his brother, Arnold (Metha) Rolfsrud of Gig Harbor, WA; brother-in-law, Matt Sorby of Moorhead, MN, and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceded in death by his loving wife, Marilyn Rolfsrud; his parents, Halvor and Martha Rolfsrud; his in-laws, Marvin & Margaret Sorby; his sister, Louise Haugen; his brother-in-law, Ken Haugen; his sister-in-law, Judy Sorby; and many dear aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Memorial Contribution