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MINNEOTA--Mass of Christian Burial for Harold Stienessen, 92, of Minneota, will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at St. Edward Catholic Church in Minneota. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. at the Horvath Remembrance Center in Minneota. Visitation will continue on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. at St. Edward Catholic Church. Interment with military honors will follow the service at St. Edward Catholic Cemetery in Minneota.
Harold Henry Stienessen was born on June 30, 1934, in Sodus Township, Lyon County, MN to John and Mary (DeCock) Stienessen. He grew up and attended school in the Minneota area, graduating from Minneota High School in 1952. He married Fran Richards on May 13, 1972. During their marriage, they lived in Marshall, farmed around the Taunton area, and eventually moved back to Minneota. During their 54 years of marriage, they had four children and eight grandchildren.
Throughout his life, Harold served in the Army and was stationed in Germany for a period of time. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he had various jobs. The majority of the work consisted of road construction with Hi-Way Surfacing and Buffalo Bituminous. After "retirement," he looked forward to harvest season working for Jim Opdahl, which he did for close to 20 years. Harold always joked how this was the first job that he was fired from, although it was due to Jim's retirement. He was a hard worker that liked to keep busy, but would always spare time to crack a joke.
Harold's family and friends were most important to him – alongside his tractors, auctions, and pickup truck. You could often find him sitting in the backyard watching traffic, driving around town, drinking a beer (Hamm's of course) with friends, or somewhere in the garage working on a tractor. He also made a point to be present for every moment with his kids and grandkids, whether that was a birthday party, holiday, sporting event, or any other opportunity he had. He loved passing down stories from his childhood to his grandkids, making sure they always had candy, and making sure they were always laughing. Harold will be remembered for his quick-witted humor and his ability to make anyone in his presence feel like a lifelong friend.
Harold died on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Sanford Canby Medical Center in Canby, MN.
Harold is survived by his wife, Fran; children Dawn Stienessen, Deb (Darin) Yost, Deanna (Matt) Jackels, Doug (Katie) Stienessen; grandchildren Emily (Blake) Nelson, Mady and McKenna Yost, Connor and Lainey Jackels, Kade and Kyler Lozinski; great-grandchild Bostyn Nelson.
Harold was welcomed into eternal life by his granddaughter Andi Lynn and reunited with his parents John and Mary; siblings and their spouses Robert (Jeanne), Laurence (Mary Ann), Gerri (Willie) Schmitt, Marian (Germain) Hoffmann, Marie (Francis) Antony and Leonard (Julaine).
Arrangements with Horvath Funeral Service Minneota, Minnesota 507.872.6119 www.horvathfuneralservice.com