Harold Flatland, 76

June 25, 1945 —

June 29, 2021

 

CRESCO - Harold M. Flatland, age 76, of Cresco, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, June 29, 2021. 

A Celebration of Life for Harold M Flatland will be on Friday, August 6, 2021 at the Heritage Events Center in Cresco, Iowa from 4-6 pm. Lindstrom Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Harold was born on June 25, 1945 in Decorah, Iowa and was the eldest of seven children. 

Growing up, he enjoyed making pets out of wild animals and wandering the woods with his sisters. As the only boy, he felt he had a special role to play as a loving helper for the girls throughout their lives. 

After serving in the Army in Vietnam, Harold received his bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Northern Iowa. He worked in construction alongside his dad for many years and grew his own business in Rochester, Minn. He also cultivated a relationship with the land he loved so much in Iowa. His keen mind and curiosity led him to explore countless subjects, from flying planes and fixing cars to the finer points of ecology, politics and sailing. His most recent endeavor was learning to play the guitar. 

But most of all he loved and cared for people. If you crossed paths with Harold, you will have your own anecdote about how he made a positive impact on your life. He was well-liked and respected throughout the community for his generosity of spirit — a perfect pair with his life partner Glenice Rhodas. In addition, he was generous with his time and skills. Most recently he donated his expertise to the betterment of the Borlaug Heritage Foundation. 

Harold  is survived by Glenice Rhodas; Susan’s daughter, Rayna Halvorson; and all six of his sisters, Zina Dotzler, Barbara Diane Lucas, Myrna Flatland, Sally Harris, Debra Rasmussen and Angela Flatland. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and two kitties, Tiger and Larry.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold I. and Ardith M. Flatland, and his wife, Susan Ball. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Lanesboro Commonwealth Theater Company, 208 Parkway Ave. N., Lanesboro, MN 55949 or Norman Borlaug Heritage Foundation, 101 2nd Ave. SW, Cresco, IA 52136.