Harold Albert Sanders, Jr., 83, Minot, died Tuesday, August 2, 2017 in his daughter's home.

Harold was born on May 26, 1934 to Harold Sr. and Laura (Carlson) Sanders on the family farmstead in Waterford Township, Ward County. He was raised and educated in Waterford Township, along with assisting on the family farm. He then attended Dakota Lutheran Boarding School in Minot for a year, where he met the love of his life while roller skating - Mary Jo Johnson.

Harold and Mary Jo were united in marriage on July 12, 1954 at Little Flower Catholic Church in Minot. They made their home on the family farmstead. They moved to the Henry Paris farm for a short time until moving to the Lade's place south of the Air Force Base. After eight years, they decided to move south of his father's farm, where they raised their four children: David, Shannon, Melinda and Tammy.

Harold and Mary Jo raised cattle, chickens, pigs, horses and small grains until 1983. After his mother passed away, they moved to his parents' farmstead to help take care of his sister Vivian. At this time Harold began farming his and his sister, Bea\'s land given by their parents.

Harold worked as a mechanic in Glenburn, ND for ten years. He did all his own repairs in farm equipment and he did repairs and overhauled motors for many others in his spare time. He also drove school bus for Glenburn School District and was a member of the Waterford Township board for a number of years.

Harold enjoyed horseback riding and working with the horses. He was passionate about his work and always found projects to keep him busy. He was a jack of all trades and loved building things, woodworking and tinkering with all sorts of equipment and vehicles. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who had a special place in his heart. He will be missed by all who shared in his life.

Harold's loving family includes his wife of 63 years, Mary Jo, Minot; children: Dave Sanders, Minot, Shannon (Jim) Mariner, Des Lacs, Melinda (Kevin) Jorde, Bismarck and Tammy Forman, Minot; grandchildren: Blake Stevane, Chad Bechtold, Brandi Cox, Carla Hasket, David Graham-Mariner, Jennifer Jorde, Henry Jorde, Amy Sayler, Amanda Jorde, Samantha Silva and Misty Forman; great-grandchildren: Kylie, Breckan, Shyla, Landon, Payton, Selah, Neko, Kimberly, Courtney, Amber, Auston, Jensen, Erriana, Tristen, Jordyn, Malachi, Charlese, Gunner, Zachary, Madison, Deja, Ricky, Akya and Alexis; great-great-grandchildren: Brayden and Elizabeth; siblings: Beatrice Brooks, Weston, WV, Lyle Sanders and Cliff Sanders, both of Minot and numerous nieces and nephews.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, sister: Vivian; brother: Jim; infant brother: Craig; granddaughter: Tina Bechtold and her infant child.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 11, 2017 at Zion Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot.
Visitation: Thursday, August 10, 2017 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.