Harold W. Oldenburg, 94, of Sparta and formerly of Norwalk passed away Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013, at Morrow Memorial Home in Sparta.
Harold was born Feb. 20, 1918, in Norwalk to Herman and Alvena (Vieth) Oldenburg. After graduating from high school, Harold began his career in farming. He enjoyed telling the story of that special day a new, young teacher rolled into town and lovingly teased, “That was her first mistake.” He married Ellen J. Hovland in Immanuel United Methodist Church in Norwalk on June 6, 1947. Together they had three children. Harold’s occupations varied: He began with farming, later worked as a carpenter, and then was a school bus driver for 28 years.
Harold was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church in Norwalk. He adored his wife and cherished his times spent with family.
Harold is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ellen of Sparta; his children, Charles (Joyce) Oldenburg of Flower Mound, Texas, Mary (Rev. Vernon) Perdue of Madisonville, Ky., and Cathryn (Rev. Roger) Miller of Hillsboro; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; along with many other relatives and friends.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Jeffrey Miller; his infant brothers, Donovan and Erwin Oldenburg; and his brother and sister-in-law, Clarence (Lucille) Oldenburg.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, at Immanuel United Methodist Church in Norwalk. Pastor Theresa Amberson will officiate. Burial will follow in Wanderer’s Rest Cemetery, rural Norwalk.
Family and friends are invited for visitation from 10 a.m. Thursday until the time of service at the church.
The Torkelson Page-Smith Funeral Home of Norwalk is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
