Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at Peace Lutheran Church, Garrison, ND.
Visitation will be held from 2:00-5:30 PM on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Thompson Funeral Home, Garrison, ND.
Harold “Dee” Robert Edwards, 98, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Benedictine Living Center, Garrison, ND. Dee was born on October 13, 1926, in Douglas, ND to William and Sophia (Hacanson) Edwards. He was baptized at Douglas Methodist Church and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Rural Douglas, ND. Dee attended Douglas Public School thru 11th grade. On October 13, 1944, during his senior year in high school, Dee enlisted in the U.S. Navy. 65 years later, he received his high school diploma at Max Public School. Dee attended boot camp at Great Lakes Naval Training Center, then served on the USS Black Hawk (AD-9) from May, 1945 to June, 1946. Dee worked at McLean Electric Cooperative, Garrison, ND, retiring after 26 years. After retirement, Dee spent time caring for the elderly, mowing lawns for neighbors and mowing the property of McLean Electric Coop, hunting, fishing, riding his Honda 90 and driving “Old Blue” around town.
Dee married MarJorie “Sis” Frank on April 15, 1951 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Garrison, ND. They enjoyed 69 years of marriage, living in Garrison and spending their free time at their cabin on Lake Audubon. Over the years, Dee and Sis took special care of their cats – Little Boy, Gracie, and Gray Allen. After the loss of his beloved Marjie, his cat with no tail, Bunny, kept him company until he moved to the Meadows, Benedictine Living Center in December 2023.
In April of 2010, Dee traveled with fellow WWII veterans from ND on the Roughrider Honor Flight to Washington DC. In January 2025, Dee was honored in a Veteran Pinning Award Ceremony at the Benedictine Living Center. He was also interviewed by KX News as one of North Dakota’s last remaining WWII veterans.
Dee was an avid bow hunter shooting a recurve bow well into his 80’s until he reluctantly stepped down to a compound bow. Dee enjoyed reminiscing about hunting adventures with lifelong hunting buddies. He enjoyed several hunting trips to the Badlands in his later years. Dee’s musical talents included playing a saw and harmonica. He entertained many playing with the Garrison Jammers, as well as playing with a group of musicians at area nursing homes and care centers.
Dee was a member of Boy Scouts of America, Peace Lutheran Church, IBEW Local #714, and the National Saw Players. Dee was a Life member of the American Legion Post #49, serving as commander in 1973 & 74, VFW, and the National Rifle Association. Dee was a Charter member of the ND Bow Hunter’s Association, Garrison Archery Club, and the Garrison Sportsman Club.
Dee is survived by his brother Duane (Maria) Edwards, Sr., CA, sister-in-law Carol Frank, Garrison, and many nieces, nephews, godchildren, and friends.
Dee is preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law and father-in-law Andrew and Louisa Frank, sisters Mildred (Laverne) Jackson, Edith (Michael) Loudon, Ella (Edward) Brodell, Inez (Melford) McRae, and Vera (Reuben) Samuelson, brothers Charles (Ruth) Edwards, and Lloyd “Jim” (Mildred) Edwards, 2 infant brothers Roy and Alvin, sister-in-law Virginia Lyson Edwards, brother-in-law Leonard Mead.
To view a livestream of the service, go to www.facebook.com/garrisonthompsonfh/ or to the Thompson Funeral Home-Garrison, ND Facebook page.
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