Harold William McRoberts, son of William and Minnie (Podratz) McRoberts, was born August 30, 1914 in Herman, Minnesota, where he grew up and attended school. Harold continued his schooling at the West Central School of Agriculture in Morris, where he took one year of business courses and his second year, he taught himself at home. On April 28, 1938, he was united in marriage to Norma Ritzschke at the United Methodist Church in Herman, where they were lifetime members. Harold worked in the Herman Creamery as a buttermaker, bookkeeper and general laborer. Before WWII he worked in the Herman Bank. In 1945, he was drafted and spent his military career in Texas. Following his honorable discharge, Harold was offered and accepted a position in the Farmers and Merchants Bank in Donnelly, MN. Harold retired from the banking business in 1978. The couple continued to live in Donnelly until 2000, when they moved to Morris. Norma died on October 5, 2008 and Harold has continued to live in Morris since that time.

Harold was a member of the United Methodist Church in Herman and the Odd Fellow Lodge. He enjoyed working in the bank and in the community, where he served as City Clerk for 20 years. He organized the Donnelly Commercial Club and served on the Rod and Gun Club Board, Community Chest, FHA and the West Central Community Action Board. He enjoyed reading, hunting, fishing, horses and baseball. He especially enjoyed the time he spent with his family.

Harold died on Thursday, April 23, 2009 at Stevens Community Medical Center in Morris, MN, having lived to reach the age of 94 years.

He is survived by his daughter: Ruth (Roger) Cooper of Barnesville; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one brother: Walter (Carol) McRoberts of Herman; one sister: Fern (Martin) Pasche of Hoffman; one daughter-in-law: Beverly McRoberts of Wahpeton, ND and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife: Norma; one son: Dwaine McRoberts; his parents and sister-in-law: Muriel McRoberts.

Pallbearers for the service are: Bill Pasche, Geoffrey Volker, Kevin Volker, Bill Volker, Paul Pasche, Dwayne Sadergaski. Debbie Blume will serve as organist for the service with Jerry and Junice Bryson will provide special music. Pedersen Funeral in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.

Just received the Herman Review...

I was sure sorry to hear of your loss. I hadn't spoken to Harold in 30 years,

but more than once I've related the story to friends about how Harold saved the day( heck.... the week) for my partner, Jim Brenner,and myself in western Colo. back in Dec. 1972.

 I had recently moved from Minn. to Colo. and Jim and I were doing a construction project near Glenwood Springs, CO. Our truck broke down and the parts that had to be ordered and the repairs were going to take about a week. Thus, we decided to rent a vehicle.  Well, back then neither of us had credit cards and the dealership didn't want to accept out of town checks (let alone out of state).

 I still had an account (from my  college loan days) at Harold's bank in Donnelly. I asked the dealership mgr. to phone the bank to confirm the account. He did so and when connected he

asked if they would guarantee a check from a young man named Nick Schultz. I then heard the mgr. of the dealership say you didn't even ask for how much? Next, the mgr. asked by what authority could he guarantee the check? The mgr. thanked him, hung up,turned to me and said "the Bank President" said he would guarantee it...and I guarantee I'll never forget it.

THANK YOU HAROLD, many will miss you.
  

Posted by: Nick Schultz - Imperial, NE Oct 27, 2010

I will dearly miss Great Grandpa Mac.I am praying for everyone who lost this great man.I know he is now reunited with Great Grandma Mac and they are happy together once more.

Posted by: Lissette Ritchie Oct 27, 2010

WE JUST HEARD OF UNCLE HAROLDS PASSING.....SO SORRY FOR YOU ALL,,,,,,WISH WE DO OR SAY SOMETHING OTHER THEN HOW MUCH WE LOVED HIM. IT JUST DOESN'T SEEM LIKE ENOUGH.....

Posted by: GLENN AND DOLLY HEINS - NAMPA,, ID Oct 27, 2010

I certainly enjoyed visiting with Harold while he was a resident at West Central Christian Homes. What a kind thoughtful man he was. I got to know Norma briefly, he did his best to care for her. Harold always seemed to enjoy the fellowship around the dinner table and kept up with the news and events. He will be missed. Sorry for your great loss.

Posted by: Gail Vanderpas - Morris, MN Oct 27, 2010

Our sympathys, Harold was a gentleman and important part ot the Donnelly community. Even thought we left the area in 1973, Harold was an important part of our starting banking needs, we received opportunities and advise that have served us well over the years. Steve has fond memories of both your parents.

Posted by: Steve & Ruth Smith - Pennock,, MN Oct 27, 2010

Although I didn't know Harold and his family, our family (the Harold Podratz's) visited his brother Walter & family several times, and his sister Fern married a brother to my uncles Art & Carl Pasche. Last winter I started a Podratz ancestry research project and learned how we were related (that Harold's mother Bertha was my grandfather Herman Podratz's sister). I guess this just shows that when you're younger the older generation was not part of your interest, but now through the research I've done I've become very interested in my relatives. I'm sorry that I never got to meet Harold and his family while he was still alive. I'm hoping that sometime in the near future there will be a Podratz reunion and I'll have a chance to meet some of the relatives I never really knew. My condolances to you, Harold's family. May God bless you with his love. Elroy Podratz

Posted by: Elroy Podratz - Wadena, MN Oct 27, 2010

Dear McRoberts family. I was very sorry to learn of your Dad's death and wish to offer you my sympathy and assure you of my prayers during this very difficult time in your lives. Your Dad was a wonderful man and a dear friend and I will miss him a lot. We had many nice visits over the years when he was in the West Central homes then at the WWV. Like many people in the Donnelly area I got to know him real well during the years he worked in the bank where he was always willing to go out of his way to help me and my family. I also know he did a lot of volunteer work in the area too and was heavily involved in the Threshing Bee for many years. I do plan to attend the funeral on Monday to personally offer my sympathy.

Posted by: ALLEN ANDERSON - DONNELLY, MN Oct 27, 2010

So sorry to read of Harolds passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. I will so miss his letters at Christmas Time. Always sent a letter in his card.

Posted by: Wally nd Dot Heins - Goodview, VA Oct 27, 2010