Harold Mashek

Harold Mashek, 89, r ural Wyndmere, ND, passed away on Friday, December 26, 2008 at St. Francis Healthcare Campus, Breckenridge, MN. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at 11:00 AM at Wyndmere Lutheran Church , Wyndmere , ND with Pastor Marvin Schoenfish officiating. Visitation will be on Monday, December 29, 2008 from 5 pm to 7 PM with a prayer service at 7 PM at Wyndmere Lutheran Church , Wyndmere , ND . Interment will be at Elk Creek Cemetery , Wyndmere , ND .

Harold was born on November 3, 1919 to Louis and Eva (Olson) Mashek in Wahpeton, ND. He grew up and attended school in West End Township near Wyndmere. At age 16 he entered the CCC. He enlisted in the US Navy in January of 1942 and served on the Battleship USS South Dakota during WW II. During that time he served in the Pacific Theatre through the war and witnessed the signing of the World War II peace treaty in Japan standing about 50 feet from the people signing. He was honorably discharged in November of 1945.

Following the war he was united in marriage to Fayma Mathiesen in Wahpeton, ND. He purchased a farm in Homestead Township and farmed and ranched for the rest of his life. Fayma preceded him in death on November 29, 1990.

Harold was a Charter Member of the USS South Dakota Battleship memorial in Sioux Falls , SD and served on the Board of Directors. He attended the bi-annual reunions since 1969 and other mini-reunions with his children and grandchildren over many years. He wanted to keep the history of his ship alive and always encouraged people especially young people to learn about that piece of history. He also visited the World War II Memorial in Washington , DC with his family.

Harold and his son Dale were the recipients of the 2007 Richland County Achievement Award. He was very proud of the farm he built and worked the land and cattle until his death. He firmly believed that you are not the owner of the land but the caretaker for the future.

He served on the Wyndmere Lutheran church board, Homestead rural school board during the consolidation and building of the new school. He was also a member of the Hauge memorial VFW post and the Brown Nelson American Legion Post.

Harold is survived by his children, Allen (Peggy) Mashek, Battle Lake, MN, Nancy (Ronald) Hobza, Lisbon, ND, Dale Mashek, Wyndmere, ND, Janice (Nick) Schmit, Wyndmere, ND; his eleven grandchildren; his eight great-grandchildren; his sisters, Edith Jordheim, Breckenridge, MN, Helen Novotny, Lidgerwood, ND, Beverly Huus, Cathy, ND, Carol Spale, Grafton,ND, Jeanette Froslie, Chula Vista, CA; his brother, Edward Mashek, Fargo, ND.

He we preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Eva Mashek; his wife, Fayma Mashek, his three brothers, Lyle, James “Mike”, Harlan Mashek; His one sister, Doris Helgeson.