Harold Vorwald
Harold Frank Vorwald, 83, of Monona died peacefully with his family by his side Monday, December 18, 2017 at Northgate Care Center, Waukon. Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, December 23 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Monona with Rev. Nils de Jesus Hernandez as the celebrant. Burial followed in St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery, Monona.
Harold was born June 18, 1934 on his family farm outside of Clayton. His parents were Erwin (Jack) and Agnes (Burr) Vorwald. He attended Country School Rural Clayton through the third grade, then attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School through the tenth grade. Harold graduated from Garnavillo High School in the Class of 1952.
Harold was married June 14, 1956 to his loving wife, Joanne Jarms, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Garnavillo. Harold also received baptism, first communion and confirmation at St Joseph’s.
As a devoted farmer, Harold worked during his high school years for various farmers in the area. After his graduation, Harold worked for the John Deere factory in Dubuque. He then came back to the E. H. Vorwald family farm and became a full-time farmer. In 1962, Harold and Joanne moved to Monona where they continued to farm and raise their seven children together up until an unfortunate farming accident that occurred May 17, 2011.
Although Harold was no longer on the farm, he remained active in the operation while residing at Northgate Care Center in Waukon through family visits. Farming was Harold’s passion, he worked hard, enjoyed his life, and always had time for an ice cold Old Milwaukee and a dip of Copenhagen. He always enjoyed telling stories to whomever would come to visit him about the “Good ‘ol Days”.
Harold valued his time spent with the Moritz family at Har-Gas Hideaway. His favorite visitors were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed following their many sporting events and activities; his face would always light up at the sight of his family. He was also a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Monona and an Honorary Knights of Columbus member.
Harold is survived by his wife, Joanne, of 61 years; his seven beloved children, Sheryl (Robert) Ward of Luana, Daniel (Kay) Vorwald of Monona, Michael (Lori) Vorwald of McGregor, Larry (Amy) Vorwald of McGregor, David Vorwald of Waukon, Lisa (Kevin) Duffy of Dewitt and Gina (Charles) Roys of McGregor. Harold is also survived by his brother, Lloyd (Patricia) Vorwald of Holy Cross; his sisters, Mary (Dale) Dettman of St. Olaf and Karla (Harlan) Dettman of McGregor; his sisters-in-law, Betty Kiesau of Postville and MaryLou Jarms of Tucson, AZ; several nieces and nephews; and his cousins.
Harold also had a special spot in his heart for his grandchildren, Abbie (Randy) Bear, Jenifer and Mollie Ward, Danielle (Ben) Schlake, Jacob (Katie) Vorwald, Jordan Vorwald, Matthew (Leigh) Vorwald, Kirk Vorwald, Kory Vorwald, Rachel (Bradley) Welch, Kaleb Vorwald, Nick McKee, Kayla (Chris) Schmidt, Bryce McKee, Jack Vorwald, Jenna, Krista, Colin and Kara Duffy, and Laycee, Mikayla and Alek Roys. Harold also had 14 great-grandchildren and two more on the way.
Harold is preceded in death by his parents, Ervin (Jack) and Agnes Vorwald; his father- and mother-in-law, Harold and Helen Jarms; his two sisters, Janice Elsbury and Joyce Vorwald; his sister-in-law, Marlys Frye; his brothers-in-law, Robert Kiesau, Don Jarms, William Jarms, Robert Frye and Leo Elsbury; and a nephew, Richard Curran.
Condolences may be left at www.graufuneralhomes.com. Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Monona assisted the family with arrangements.
