Evans Funeral Home
"Compassionate Funeral Service"
Carrington and New Rockford, North Dakota
701.652.3003 or 701.947.2911
Secondary Number ~ 701.650.9937
Harold Petsinger
Harold D. Petsinger, age 95, died January 14, 2024, in the Carrington Nursing Home with his family by his side.
Harold was born July 21, 1928, in Cando, ND. He attended school in Rock Lake, ND until he was 10 years old. In the late 1930s, the family left the farm in Rock Lake and moved to Leeds, ND. He graduated from high school and then attended the University of North Dakota, graduating in the spring of 1950 with a business degree. After a short time of working in Great Falls, MT for the S&L Company merchandising chain, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He underwent training and was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. After being honorably discharged from the military, due to the death of his father, Harold returned to Leeds to operate the family business, Petsinger’s Department Store, and the Leeds Theatre. He also formed the dance band, well known throughout the area as the “Swing Petz-Tette” and later, as the “Night Caps”.
In 1954, Harold married Winifred Buchl from Rugby. They raised 4 children in Leeds. In 1983, Harold and Winnie relocated the clothing business to Carrington, ND, where they remained in business until late 1989. From that time forward, he worked as a retail consultant, mainly conducting liquidation sales throughout the upper Midwest states.
While residing in Leeds, Harold was a 27-year active member of the Leeds Fire Department, a charter member of the Leeds Ambulance Service, an emergency medical technician, a ten-year city councilman, a past officer, and a long-time member of the American Legion. He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol and past president of the Lake Region Flying Club. He also flew his own airplanes, which he loved.
In Carrington, he again served in the retail division and was director of the Carrington Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Hawks Nest Amateur Radio Association, and a member of the American Legion Post. He was a 59-year continuous member of the American Legion. Harold loved to visit with people, go to the lake, camp in his motorhome, and spend time with his family.
He is survived by his daughters Peggy (Miles) Clauson, Minot ND; Pamela (Craig) Hotzler, Shakopee, MN; Patricia (Rick) Van Vleet, Huron, SD; and son James (special friend Sharon Solberg) Petsinger, Carrington, ND; and sister Ann Arneson, California.
In addition, he is survived by his grandchildren, Ryan (Anna) Clauson, David (Sandy) Hotzler, Bryce (Bridget) Hotzler, Scott (Chris) Van Vleet, Eric (Cenzie) Van Vleet, and Megan Snodgrass. Harold is survived by 10 great-grandchildren: Cameron Brown, Harper Clauson, Coen Clauson, Mason Hotzler, Wyatt Hotzler, Brock Hotzler, Brooke Hotzler, Brynn Hotzler, Madelynn Van Vleet, and Bennett Van Vleet. Harold is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Winifred Petsinger, his parents Helen Petsinger/Deplazes, Alfred Petsinger, & John Deplazes; as well as his sisters Doris Horejsi and Mavis Ganje.
Condolences can be sent to Peggy Clauson at 3105 15th St SE, Minot, ND 58701. In lieu of flowers, and per Harold’s request, please consider a donation to the Leeds ND Ambulance, c/o Peggy Clauson at 3105 15th St SE, Minot, ND 58701.
His Visitation will be Friday, January 19, 2024, from 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM followed by a Rosary Service at 5:30 PM and Vigil Service immediately following the Rosary Service, all at Evans Funeral Home in Carrington, ND.
Harold’s Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Carrington, ND.
His Burial will be at the St. Vincent DePaul Cemetery, Leeds, ND, in the spring.
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I have so many fond memories of Harold & Winnie from my time working at Petsinger’s Department Store. Harold was one of the kindest people I have ever worked for, you were treated more like family rather than an employee! He always expressed the importance of being accommodating to the customers, but he was the first to come to our defense if a customer ever gave us a hard time! When I would cross paths with Harold over the years, he always had a kind word & a warm smile and showed a genuine interest in hearing about me & my family. No doubt you are all feeling a void from the loss of your wonderful patriarch, my condolences to all!
My condolences to the Petsinger family. My thoughts and prayers go out.
I was a classmate of Pam’s. Spent many times at their house in Leeds. We were just a couple of houses away from each other. Always fond memories of the Petsingers.
I knew Harold in high school but really got to know him later in life when he was working for the Midland Atlas company. He sold advertising for them so I would see him at least one a year to renew ads. It was so fun hear about his family and catch up. He would just light up when he talked about his kids and grandkids. I so enjoyed our visits. Harold was a great man and I know he will be missed by all those who loved him. My sincere condolences to all his family.