Kurt was born on June 6, 1957 in Marshall, MN to Clifford and Lois (Schreurs) Haroldson. After graduating from Red Wing High School in 1975, Kurt attended Gustavus Adolphus College, where he received his bachelor’s degree, and the University of Missouri, where he received his master’s degree.

While living in Missouri, Kurt worked as a wildlife manager for the US Army at Fort Leonard Wood. There, he and his wife, Barb (Sweasy) Haroldson were blessed with two children, Ross and Emily. In 1987, they moved their young family to New Ulm, where Kurt worked for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. He was employed as a wildlife research biologist at the Madelia office for 25 years, specializing in pheasants and wild turkeys. In 2012, Kurt became the assistant regional wildlife manager stationed in New Ulm, and retired in 2017.

Kurt enjoyed participating in various organizations around the New Ulm area. He was an active member of the Izaak Walton League, Pheasants Forever, National Wild Turkey Federation, Deutsch Drahthaar dog club. He was also a former President of the Minnesota Chapter of the Wildlife Society.

Nature was a passion for Kurt. He loved to hike and paddle. He will always be remembered for bringing a Snickers for the peak of the hike and calling for a round of beer at the end. Kurt cherished his dogs and was an avid hunter. He raised, trained, and judged Deutsch Drathaar dogs.

Whether it was hunting trips with friends, a safari in Tanzania with his son, or hiking the Black Forest of Germany with his daughter, Kurt was always ready for an adventure. Some of his fondest memories were spent traveling with his friends and family, a trait he passed onto his children. As well as how to change a tire, steer a canoe, to research things exhaustively, to love and respect nature, and use a spreadsheet to organize practically anything.

Kurt was a beer enthusiast, a seeker of knowledge, and proprietor of dad jokes. He often would be seen with a book in his hand and a dog or two by his side. His kind and generous personality made him a wonderful father, son, brother, and friend. He will be greatly missed.

Kurt is survived by his mother, Lois, his former wife, Barb, his two children, Ross (Kim) and Emily (Brett), one grandchild, Theodore, his siblings Judy (Bob), Bruce (Jodi), Brian (Kim), and Kim (Terry), and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Cliff.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 12th, 2021 from 12pm-4pm at Harman Park in New Ulm, MN. Please wear a mask.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Izaak Walton League, Pheasants Forever, or donor’s choice.

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]