Harold Schenck

Harold Schenck, age 94, of Sabin, MN, died on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Valley Care and Rehab in Barnesville, MN. 

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at St. James United Church of Christ in Barnesville with Rev. Jim Wilson officiating.  Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Sabin, MN. 

Visitation will be from 5-8 PM, Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at Dobmeier Funeral Home in Barnesville with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM.  Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the funeral service.

Harold Duane Schenck was born on May 8, 1929, to Merle and Cora (Cook) Schenck on the home farm near Baker, MN.  He attended District 58 country school and later Barnesville High School.  He began farming with his dad and later bought land and established his own farmstead across the road. He bought his first tractor in 1949 for 6 head of cattle. 

Harold was married to Florence Loock and to this union five children were born: Duane, Diane, Arnold, Jim, and Shirley.  She died in 1955.  He then married Irene May Erdmann on June 18, 1960, at St. James United Church of Christ in Barnesville.  Their short 6 month courtship led to a beautiful marriage of almost 63 years. To this union came along Douglas and Debra.  Harold and Irene loved taking care of the land working side by side.  They raised crops and animals including horses, sheep, pigs, and cattle.  In 1963 Harold was named Clay County’s Outstanding Young Farmer. He was recognized for his modern, efficient farming and his growing of popcorn for silage. After retiring from farming, he kept busy hauling cattle, beets, and potatoes for other farmers. 

Harold was a practical joker and played many tricks on the kids and grandkids, with his favorite game of “fly away Jack, fly away Jill.”  He also enjoyed playing cards and visiting with people.  He enjoyed participating in the annual Potato Days Festival, even winning the potato picking contest and the potato peeling contest.  Watching and cheering on the grandchildren at their events was important to Harold.  He spent time in his workshop building toy barns and rocking chairs for his grandchildren.  He taught the next generation to set pocket gopher traps and reminded  them to check the gopher’s pockets for money - which he had secretly put in there! He was a member of St. James United Church of Christ, served on the church board and diaconate.  He also belonged to the Sabin Lions, Rod N Gun Club, and served on the Elmwood Township Board for many years. 

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Irene Schenck, of Sabin, children: Duane (Shirley) Schenck of West Fargo, Diane Johnson of Mapleton, ND, Arnie (Marilyn) Schenck of Star Lake, MN, Jim (Barb) Schenck of Loon Lake, MN, Shirley (Steve) Durensky of Barnesville, MN, daughter in law Tammy Schenck of Moorhead, Deb Booth (Brad Booth) of Fargo, ND, 16 grandchildren: Stephanie Counts,  Kyle (Carolee) Schenck, Dayna Johnson, Patrick (Tonya) Johnson, Christine (Paul) Kimmelman, Corey (Erin) Schenck, Janessa (Alex) Mason, Clayton (Lori) Schenck, Beth (Ben) Goebel, Shane Durensky, Sarah Roberts, Brent (Michelle) Durensky, Andy Booth, Jenna (fiancé Derek Dreher) Booth, Tyler (Leanna) Schenck, Reilee Schenck, 31 great- grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandson, and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  

He was preceded in death by his son Doug, his parents, his first wife Florence, his siblings:  Vera Mikkelson, Milo Schenck, George Schenck, Roberta Lewis, Ellen Mortenson, MaryLou Rosenfeldt, and Alton Schenck.