Harold L. Ford, 92, of Ada, MN, died Monday, August 28, 2017, at Benedictine Care Community in Ada.

Harold Leonard Ford was born on February 5, 1925, at home on the farm near Ada, the oldest child of Walter and Alma (Berglind) Ford. He was baptized and later confirmed his faith at St. John's Lutheran Church (Green Meadow Township). Harold attended school in the country near his home and was active in the county 4-H program showing livestock at the county fair and Minnesota State Fair. In his teen years, he started farming with his father and continued for most of his life before retiring. Harold was active in a local motorcycle club in the area in the 1940's. After his father died, Harold took over the family farm and along with his siblings cared for his mother into her later years.

Harold met Hilde Gauss one day while stopping at the bakery where she worked in Ada. She had come from Germany to stay with her aunt and uncle's (Beck's) in Borup, MN. Harold and Hilde were married on June 9, 1957, at St. John's Lutheran Church. They would live on the Ford family farm north of Ada, where they raised their family. Harold was a practical person who would always find ways to get the farm work accomplished and make necessary repairs. He raised cattle, hogs, and a variety of crops. He was a quiet person, but also enjoyed a sense of humor that included some practical joking. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, including spearing in the winter months, deer hunting and had bowled for many years even after turning 90. He and Hilde enjoyed square dancing and later took up golfing when they moved into Ada upon retirement in 1990. Harold had an impressive golf ball collection of the many different logos he found while out golfing.

In the last few months, Harold's health had started to decline and they decided to move to the Benedictine Living Community Assisted Living. He has just recently transitioned to the care community and was cared for by his family, the wonderful nursing staff, and also Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Harold is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Hilde, his children, Walter (Tammy) Ford, McGregor, MN, Heidi (Alan) Smith, DeSmet, SD, and Robert (Lois) Ford, Oakland, OR, his six grandchildren, William, Daniel, Garet, ReAnn, Carson, and Erin, two great grandchildren, his sister, Alice "Sis" O'Connor, St. Paul, MN, his brother, Johnnie (Marlene) Ford, Moorhead, MN, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials preferred to St. John's Lutheran Church, Hospice of the Red River Valley, or the charity of your choice.

Funeral: 10:30AM Saturday, September 2, 2017 at St. John's Lutheran Church, rural Ada, MN.

Visitation: 5:00PM to7:00PM on Friday, September 1, 2017, at Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home in Ada.

Burial: St. John's Lutheran Cemetery,  rural Ada, MN.