Harry James Nohre

Harry J. Nohre, 92, of Fertile, MN, went to be with his Lord Jesus on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Twin Valley Assisted Living in Twin Valley, MN.

Harry James Nohre was born on December 23, 1933, the seventh of eight children of Melvin R. and Inga (Olson) Nohre. He grew up in Thief River Falls, MN, and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1952. As a high school student, Harry began working as a carry-out boy at the local Red Owl grocery store, starting his passion for a lifelong career. While serving in the U.S. Army and stationed at Fort Hood, TX, Harry married the love of his life, Lorena Huot, on April 16, 1955. Following an honorable discharge, he returned to northern Minnesota and worked as a relief manager for multiple Red Owl stores and as the manager of the Crookston Red Owl for 8 years, before leaving the corporate division and settling in Fertile, MN, in 1967, where he and Lorena owned and operated Harry’s Red Owl. During those years, Harry and Lorena were blessed with four children. In 1992, Harry sold the store and retired; however, as a true Nohre brother, his retirement was short-lived as he soon after began work at McIntosh Motors, selling cars and meeting new friends.

As Harry’s family and friends can testify, no one was a stranger for long to him. He loved visiting with people, sharing morning coffee with the guys, and striking up conversations with strangers—yet they weren’t strangers for long: only friends he hadn’t met yet. Every day was a good day, and even better if he could befriend someone new. As a long-time friend of Bill W., Harry treasured the friendships, fellowship, and support he found through the program. In his younger years, he enjoyed golfing and fishing, and later in life, he took weekly trips to the casino and spent time in the South with Lorena during the winter. Harry truly cherished every member of his family, his friends, his neighbors, and his relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. He will be greatly missed by many.

Harry is survived by his wife of 71 years, Lorena, of Fertile; three sons: Jeffrey (Jedea) of Mountain View, AR, Dirk (Clara) of Eau Claire, WI, and Mark (Elizabeth) of Bagley, MN; one daughter, Susan (Byron) Busch of St. Cloud, MN; twelve grandchildren: Jedidiah (Aubrey) Nohre, Jerusha Nohre, Jethro Nohre, Seyver (Rachel) Nohre, Zachary (Kelsey) Nohre, Courtney (Andy) Burford, Kyle (Brianna) Nohre, Olivia (Marcus) Langley, John (Rachel) Busch, Annalise Busch, Luke Busch, Samuel Busch; ten great-grandchildren: J.J. Nohre, Josiah Nohre, Violet Nohre, Sophia & Maximilian Nohre, Logan, Jayce, & Alexander Burford, Hattie & Holden Nohre; one sister, Fern Traverso of Prescott, AZ; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings: Gordon, Stanton, Enus, Maxine, William, and infant sister, Mary Ann.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Psalm 23:6).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, September 26, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Fertile, MN. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 PM, with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 PM. On Saturday, the 26th, visitation will continue at the church until the time of the funeral. Interment with full military rites will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Fertile, MN.