Harold Duane Sharkey was born April 1, 1929, to Harland & Viola (Reimstad) Sharkey in Normania Township, Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota. He was born and baptized at his home in Normania Township, and confirmed at Hemnes Lutheran Church in Minneota, Minnesota. Harold attended District 62 School, near Lynd, Minnesota, through the 8th grade. Then he attended the West Central School of Agriculture in Morris, Minnesota, until he graduated in 1948. It was at the WCSA that he met his future bride, Ruth Helen Kay, of Wheaton, Minnesota. Harold joined the National Guard in 1946. When the United States became involved in the Korean War, the guard was activated and transferred to Camp Rucker, Alabama, where Harold served as 1st Sergeant. Ruth joined Harold in Alabama when they were married on January 29, 1952. After Harold's discharge from the army, he and Ruth lived in Clarkfield, Minnesota, where Harold worked for his Uncle Harry Sharkey in his farm implement business. It was in Clarkfield that two sons, Paul and Glenn, were born. In 1954, they purchased a farm south of Hanley Falls where Harold farmed and also raised purebred Hampshire hogs. Their daughter, Robyn, was born in 1958. Harold helped to organize the first Pork Producer Association in Yellow Medicine County. He was a member of the State Pork Producer board. He was also a member of the State Hampshire Association where he served as president, a member of the State Hampshire Board, and a member of the National Hampshire Board. He enjoyed being a leader of the swine project for the local 4- H club members. He served on the church council of the Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church in Hanley Falls, was a member of the Hanley Falls American Legion, and was also a member of the Hanley Falls School Board. Harold and his wife, Ruth made their winter home in Mesa, Arizona, for many years, where Harold pursued his new interest in golf. The couple also entertained many visiting family and friends by treating them to all the sights near Mesa. Harold always enjoyed the newest in gadgets and electronics. Harold was an avid Twins and Vikings fan. He also had fun entertaining his grandchildren with his four-wheeler, golf cart, and "Putt-Putt" on the farm. He retired from farming in 1994, but continued his interest in agriculture by helping his sons on the farm and by raising a large vegetable garden for many years. In September, 2007, he and Ruth moved to Marshall, Minnesota. Harold passed away on Sunday evening at Prairie Home Hospice in Marshall, Minnesota, at the age of 81 years, 5 months and 25 days. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ruth; his two sons, Paul (Nancy) of Cottonwood, Minnesota, and Glenn (Annette) of Hanley Falls, Minnesota; daughter, Robyn Galer, Windom, Minnesota; grandchildren: Dustan Galer, Erin (Sugam) Shrestha, Tammy Erwin, Todd (Rebecca) Sharkey, Kevin Sharkey, Ashley Galer, Anita (Richard) Wiegmann, James Sharkey, Clay (Britta) Sharkey, Jacob Sharkey; eight great grandchildren; brother, William Sharkey, Hanley Falls; and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harland and Viola Sharkey; step-mother, Edna Sharkey; sister-in-law Wanda Sharkey; and great grandson Luke Sharkey. In Loving Memory of Harold D. Sharkey Visitation Wednesday, September 29, 2010 ~ 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service 6:30 p.m. Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church Funeral Service Thursday, September 30, 2010 ~ 10:30 a.m. Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church Hanley Falls, Minnesota Clergy Officiating Pastor Allan E. Johnson Organist, ZeeAnn Reishus Special Music, Annette and Todd Sharkey Honorary Casket Bearers (Granddaughters) Erin Shrestha ~ Tammy Erwin Ashley Galer ~ Anita Wiegmann Casket Bearers (Grandsons) Dustan Galer ~ Todd Sharkey Kevin Sharkey ~ James Sharkey Clay Sharkey ~ Jacob Sharkey Military Rites American Legion Anderson-Bestland Post #127 Hanley Falls, Minnesota Final Resting Place East Yellow Medicine Lutheran Cemetery Hanley Falls, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota