Harold R. Feldman, age 91, of Quincy Township, Friendship, Wisconsin passed away on January 17, 2012 at the Moundview Memorial Hospital & Clinics in Friendship, Wisconsin.
Funeral services will be 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at the Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin. Rev. John K. Stake will officiate. Interment will be at the Quincy Cemetery, Town of Quincy, Adams County,Wisconsin. Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at Roseberry’s Funeral Home.
Harold was born July 18, 1920 in Quincy Township in Adams County Wisconsin to Edward and Sarah (Smith) Feldman, and was a lifelong resident. He spent his early years farming with his father before pursuing a career as an independent builder/carpenter that lasted more than 50 years. He built his last house at the age of 80. Many a house and garage were built and a number of homes were remodeled by his skilled hands. When he no longer was doing the work by himself, he was always available to consult and pass along the how to do it to those who asked.
Harold was a simple man who lived life on his own terms. He was a loving, happy soul who gave of his time and talents to many. Known for his great love of the outdoors, he was an avid deer hunter and fisherman. Loved to wander the woods and knew every tree and plant that grew there.
Harolds passion for growing things was evident in the large, bountiful garden he planted each year; and the beautiful and abundant variety of flowers he raised.
Baseball was his sport of choice. He loved the game- from the early years when he played as an outfielder for the Quincy Twp. to watching the Brewers and pro-teams.
Harold was known by many as a local unofficial historian. He loved reminiscing about the old days- of places, people, and events. He was a man who worked hard, enjoyed the simpler things in life, and loved and enjoyed spending time with his family.
Harold is a man who will be greatly missed by a loving family, friends and neighbors as we reflect on a life well lived and now at peace.
He was preceded in death by his: parents, Edward & Sarah Feldman; sister, Elaine Staurseth; Brother in law, Earl Staurseth; Brother in law, Arthur "Rudy" Fansel and a nephew, Gregory Staurseth
Survivors:
Brother: Garth Feldman of Friendship, Wisconsin
Sister: Evelyn Fansel of Madison, Wisconsin
Nephew: Brian Staurseth of Anchorage, Alaska
Nephew: Randy Fansel of Salinas, California
Niece: Gail (Mike) Carr of Sequim, Washington
Niece: Norma Priestley of Madison, Wisconsin
Great-Nephew: Adam Priestley of Cary, North Carolina
Great-Nephew: Justin (December) Carr of Port Angeles, Washington
Great-Great Nieces: Faith & Stella Carr of Port Angeles, Washington
I will miss Harold. He did a lot of remodeling for myself and my family. He was such a wonderful person. So full of stories of how they built the dam and roads years ago. He had a garden, and years ago taught me how to plant potatoes like they did by hand. My dad was a farmer when he was young and they shared a lot of things in common. He will be dearly missed and is definately a legacy to Adams County
We will miss seeing Harold working in his beautiful garden in the summer. He always seemed so tiny out there amongst those giant sunflowers… he sure knew how to garden. We looked forward to his visits with buckets of asparagus. Nobody grew asparagus like Harold. He knew so much and could tell stories for hours. Our kids thought he was better than any encyclopedia and loved listening to his stories about the way things used to be. He remembered everything. He was a treasure and will be greatly missed.
Our plans for spring will be on hold. It was our pleasure, Mike & I, to do business with you, enjoy your historical Adams County tales and your gentle smile. You will be missed.
Harold was one of a kind. We created incredible houses together, matching beautiful pine boards, my remodeling vision and his incredible talent as a quality carpenter. Not to mention the delicious pumpkin pie and fish fillets he prepared. We shared a special friendship of many years, enjoyed each other’s company fishing and going out for dinner, picked giant zucchini and dahlias from his garden, spent many holidays and birthdays together, listening to the radio and looking at old photos and arrowheads he found on the family farm — we could talk for hours. I loved hearing his shy giggle when I’d tell him that if he were 20 years younger I’d propose. Few people I’ve met in life are as good of a person as Harold consistenly was his entire life. I will miss his special smile so much! I adored Harold deeply and always will. Thank you, Harold, for so many beautiful memories that I’ll treasure forever. With much love, Harold — Marti Sopher
I will miss him swinging from the rafters and his great carpentry.