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Harrison Huwaldt

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RANDOLPH — Harrison Kerley Huwaldt, 102, Randolph, died June 23, 2018, at Faith Regional Health Services, Norfolk.
Visitation will be 4-7 p.m., July 4, at Johnson Funeral Home, Randolph.
Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m., July 5, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Randolph, officiated by Rev. Judy Carlson, Pastor of United Methodist Church, Randolph, and St. John’s Lutheran Church, Parish Ministry Associate Richard Bloomquist.
Interment will be at Randolph Cemetery, Randolph.
Pallbearers will be Harry’s Grandchildren, Kristin Kotera, Casey Kotera, Jared Ubben, Fabiana Ubben, Kelley Huwaldt, Kyle Huwaldt, Steve Feinstein and Natalie Feinstein.
Harry was born Nov. 12, 1915, in Cedar County, near Randolph, to August Jr. and Sophia (Volk) Huwaldt. He grew up on a Nebraska farm and went to school in a one-room school house. He graduated at 16 from Randolph High School in 1932 and started his own business at 19 years of age.
Harry and Varedo A. Raubach started their love story following a blind date arranged by friends Sept. 13, 1935. They hit if off from the start. Before long he proposed on a hill outside of Norfolk. They were married at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Pierce, June 21, 1936. Ever since getting married they have lived in Randolph. Harry operated a trucking business which took him to Omaha, Fremont, Chicago and Colorado. They opened a Phillips 66 gas station and also owned three cabins nearby. During the few hours he wasn’t working Harry was usually seen on the water fishing. Short trips were to Gavins Point Dam effluent waters. But his real love was fishing for walleye in the lakes of Minnesota. Such was his passion and skill that he became a legend at walleye fishing.
In 1963, the couple built a new home in Randolph, sold the filling station and retired for the first time. That didn’t last long with Harry and a partner buying the Chevrolet dealership in Randolph. Following that he worked as a bookkeeper. Upon his final retirement Harry and Varedo spent a great deal of time traveling. They have been on several cruises and have golfed all over the U. S. The couple has traveled to all 50 states as well as Mexico and Canada.
Harry took up golf when he was 60 and made it his passion. His first hole-in-one, at age 93, was his dream come true. For exercise Harry took up running at age 70. Harry had to stop running because of a bad back so he took up bicycling at age 80. He did crossword puzzles every day without fail. He had a keen interest and participation in local government.
Varedo had been a resident at Colonial Manor in Randolph for four years before passing away in January 2018. Harry regularly visited her twice every day where they had meals together. Losing her was more than he could overcome.
Harry and Varedo have been supporters of the community. Harry served on the St. John’s Lutheran Church council. He also served two terms on the city council over 50 years. Harry organized funding for establishment of the local nursing home in the 1970s and was instrumental in creation of the community golf course. He said Randolph needed a destination place for the town to grow. A “pillar of the community” he was always concerned about and involved in the welfare of the town of Randolph. Because his role in establishing the golf course, an annual tournament, the Harry Huwaldt Invitational, is held in his name.
He said what kept him going was staying active, continual physical and mental activity, and an ever present interest in the world around him. When his wife suffered a stroke 23 years ago he became her caregiver and took on all of the household duties. Harry was at her side for years. They celebrated their 81st wedding anniversary in June 2017.
The Huwaldt’s roots are buried deep in Pierce County but the branches are widespread. Harry and Varedo have been blessed to have had the time to see those branches spread and grow strong, a testament to the power of love.
Surviving Harry are three children, Sharon and Charlie Feinstein, Monroe Township, N.J.; Michael and Kathy Huwaldt, Wheat Ridge, Colo.; Sue and Ed Ubben, Lincoln; six grandchildren, Natalie Feinstein, Chatham, N.J.; Stephen and Stephanie Feinstein. Chappaqua, N.Y.; Kristin and Casey Kotera. Colorado Springs, Colo.; Jared and Fabiana Ubben, Las Vegas, Nev.; Kelley Huwaldt. Wheat Ridge, Colo.; Kyle Huwaldt, Wheat Ridge, Colo.; and five great-grandchildren, Katie Feinstein, Jack Feinstein, Lauren Cifelli, Thomas Cifelli and Ethan Kotera. Harry is preceded in death by his wife, Varedo; their first born daughter, Rita of SIDS, at age 2 months; Harry’s parents; and one brother, Elmer Huwaldt.