Harold Vatndal

Harold Melvin Vatndal, the eldest son of Askild and Alma (Keil) Vatndal was born on February 18, 1927 in rural Butterfield, MN. Harold attended school in Butterfield and then began farming at a young age to help support his family because of his father's illness. Harold joined the Navy in his late teens and served his country on several ships in the Pacific during WWII, until being called home due to his father's death. Harold then began farming with Jacob, Johnny, Lizzy and Suzie Miller, and after a number of years he purchased the farm from the Miller family. Harold married Marcella (Sally) Ekstrom on December 6, 1958 at the parsonage of the Mennonite Church in Butterfield. During their 48 years of married life, they were blessed with two children and three grandchildren. He served on the Board of the Eventide Home in Mountain Lake and operated the Tuborg Mill at the Butterfield Threshing Bee. After retiring from farming, Harold continued to help on the farm. In 2002, he and Sally moved toMankato to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Harold Vatndal, 80 ,of Mankato, MN formerly of Butterfield, MN died on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN Harold is survived by his wife, Marcella Vatndal of Mankato; his son Steve (Anita Baerg) Vatndal and grandsons Jacob John and David Harold, and his daughter, Shirley (Sam) Murray and granddaughter Bethany, all of Mankato; his sister, Caroline Vatndal of Mankato; a niece, Carol Ann Nelson of Winnebago, MN; other relatives and special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, John, Roland and James.