Harold Martin Holstad

Harold Martin Holstad, age 89, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 17, 2025 with his daughters at his side.

Harold was born on August 10, 1935 to Morris and Alice (Brunsvold) Holstad. He grew up and graduated High School in Lake Mills, Iowa. After graduating High School, he joined the Army in 1958 and served for 5 years. Harold married Jeanne Nielson in 1966. Together they had two daughters and they had an amazing life together in Albert Lea, MN filled with laughter and fond memories for 47 years until Jeanne passed in 2013. 

Harold was employed by Farmstead Foods and then Carl’s Car Quest. Harold was a man of many interests. He enjoyed sports of all kinds, was a loyal Vikings fan, watched Iowa and Iowa State college sports, and enjoyed playing golf. He liked jigsaw puzzles, classic country music, and loved cooking, particularly making lefsa and potato dumplings. Harold was a member of the American Legion Post 56 in Albert Lea, MN.

Harold enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, and was known as Silly Grandpa to his two granddaughters. Harold was always there to support family and friends with words of advice, a helping hand, and his unique wit would make any situation better.

Harold is survived by his children Kim (Brad) Skaro and Susan (Steven) Bybee; granddaughters Elizabeth and Ashley Bybee; sister Gwen (Lee) Brown; brothers Eldren (Janelle) Holstad and Richard Holstad; and many nieces and nephews.

Harold is preceded in death by his wife Jeanne Holstad; parents Morris and Alice Holstad; brothers Marlin and Stanley Holstad; and sister Ardis Bang.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025 at Bayview Freeborn Funeral Home at 11AM. Visitation shall be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 5-7PM at Bayview Freeborn Funeral Home and for an hour prior to the service. Burial shall be held at Graceland Cemetery following the service. Chaplain Wendy Browne shall be officiating.

Memorials are preferred to American Cancer Society, St. Croix Hospice, or the Veteran’s organization of choice.