Dr. Harold J. Bergquist

Harold John Bergquist passed away on January 30, 2016 at the Lakota Good Samaritan Center following a lengthy illness.

Harold was born in Dewey Township of Walsh County, ND, October 23, 1934, the eldest son of Harry and Alma (Braaten) Bergquist. He was baptized and confirmed at Aadalen Lutheran Church, rural Fairdale.

Harold completed his elementary education at Dewey Township School #1 and graduated from Fairdale High School in 1952. His education continued at the University of North Dakota, earning BA, Masters, and Doctorate degrees. While attending the University of North Dakota he held several offices, was an avid member of the intercollegiate debate team, was elected to membership in Phi Beta Kappa and graduated with high honors. Several years later he attended law school earning a Juris Doctor degree from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota

Harold entered the education profession and served in the Osnabrock, Landa, Hannah, Starkweather, Larimore and Grand Forks school districts in North Dakota, and the Burnsville and Rosemount-Apple Valley school districts in Minnesota. During his tenure in the Grand Forks school district he researched and assisted in developing the PREP (pre discharge education program). It was the first of its kind and became the model for other programs in the US and the world. He then completed his education career as Superintendent of the Lakota School District, retiring in 2005. Following his retirement Harold practiced law in Larimore and Lakota North Dakota.

Harold had a strong commitment to public service. In 1980 he was the Democratic-Farmer Labor Party endorsed candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Minnesota’s second congressional district. In 2006 Harold was elected as a County Commissioner for Nelson County, North Dakota and was then appointed Parliamentarian for the North Dakota Association of Counties.

On June 10, 1956 he married Audrey Eriksmoen. They raised five children, Kathryn (Bruce Smith), Beverly, Harold John, David (Nick Trunzo) and Andrew.

Harold married Susan Zimmermann on April 6, 1984.

Harold is survived by his wife Susan, his children, grandchildren Melissa Bergquist and Michael Aiken, brothers Donald Bergquist, Adams, ND and Robert (Kaaren) Bergquist, Rancho Santa Fe, Ca. and numerous nieces and nephews.

Harold was preceded in death by his son, Harold John and his parents.

Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home in Lakota on Monday, February 8 from 4-7 pm with a family service at 7 pm. Services will be held at Lakota Lutheran Church on Tuesday, February 9 at 11:00 am. Interment will be in the spring at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Cemetery, rural Fairdale.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to CUREPSP.org