Harold Robert Nathan, 86, Minot and former co- owner of Minot Welding died on Thursday, January 8, 2009 in a Minot healthcare center.

Harold was born on January 24, 1922 in Tuttle, ND to Jacob and Katherine (Vollmer) Nathan. He was reared and educated in Tuttle until 1935 when the family moved to New Rockford. He graduated from New Rockford High School in 1940. As a young adult he resided in California where he was employed at Vaga Aircraft Corporation. Harold served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from November 3, 1942 until October 9, 1945. Following his honorable discharge as a Sergeant he returned to New Rockford where he assisted his father in his blacksmith shop.

Harold married Edna Lucille Day on February 25, 1946 in New Rockford. They made their home in Minot where he attended Minot State University before moving to Fargo where he attended North Dakota State University. The family returned to Minot where Harold was employed at Minot Welding. He and his brother Bill purchased Minot Welding in 1974. He retired in 1986 and sold his interest in the business to his son Craig and nephew Neil. In addition, he and Lucille owned and operated Harold's Gift Shop from 1970-1972. Following retirement, Harold and Lucille spent the Winter months in Mesa, AZ.

Harold was a member of Little Flower Catholic Church, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #753, American Legion Post #26, World War II Last Man's Club, Disabled American Veterans, Elks Lodge and Eagles Aerie all in Minot. He especially enjoyed reading and playing cards especially bridge.

Harold's loving family includes his wife of 62 years Lucille; children: Bruce (Susie) Nathan of Columbus MT, Diana (Doug) Watterud of Columbus ND, Craig (Barb) Nathan of Minot, Jean (Steve) Elsberry of Brooklyn Park MN and Carol (Chuck) Kasper of Danville IL; daughter in law: Peggy Nathan of Fargo; fourteen grandchildren: Jerry and Sarah Nathan, Aaron Nathan, Jennifer (Nathan) Berry, Todd and Joshua Watterud, Tara (Watterud) Mercer, Adam Nathan, Michelle (Nathan) Wagner, Erik and Kaylene Elsberry, Krista (Elsberry) Buggs, Jacob and Michael Kasper; eleven great grandchildren: Savannah, Sierra, Sofia and Ty Watterud; Dylan, William, Andrew and Alex Berry; Mariah and Ellie Mercer, and Bryson Buggs; siblings: Helen (Andy) Jones of Mesa AZ, John (Lois) Nathan of Renton WA, Richard (Marcella) Nathan of Bismarck; and Ben (Glenda) Nathan of Waverly Ohio; sisters-in-law: Inez Nathan of Minot and Delora Nathan; brother-in-law: Roland Haux of Bismarck and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, son: Alan Nathan, grandson: Nathan Kasper, sisters: Lydia Berg, Clara Lukkonen, Doris Hagge, Luella Haux and Gladys Dyrness; three infant sisters; and brothers: Jack and Bill Nathan.

Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, January 12, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. in Little Flower Catholic Church - Minot.
Vigil Prayer Service: Sunday at 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home Chapel
I nterment will be in Rosehill Memorial Park - Minot.
Visitation: Sunday from noon to 5:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the Minot Catholic Schools Foundation or to the Nathan Kasper Memorial Scholarship Fund at Bishop Ryan High School.