Harold Arthur Oberlander, beloved husband, father, and friend to many, passed away on April 2 after many loving goodbyes from his family and friends. Harold (Obie to many) was born on April 29, 1931, the thirteenth child of Fred and Karolina (Kaseman) Oberlander on the family homestead in the beautiful Tepee Buttes of southwest North Dakota. He lost his father at age 12 and took the responsibility of caring for his mother at an early age.
Harold attended 8 years of grade school in a one-room schoolhouse before graduating from high school in New England, North Dakota. After high school, Harold worked for Ida and Adolph Sprecher, his sister and brother-in-law, on their farm for a short while before enlisting in the US Air Force during the Korean war. Stationed in Germany, he enjoyed travelling, making lifetime friends, and was “adopted” by a German family during his time abroad.
After the Air Force, Harold returned to the family homestead to work for his brother, Fred, where he invested in a herd of pure bread Hereford cattle and began to purchase land of his own. He was the president of the local bachelor’s club where he collected many more friends and memories. Harold’s stories of his formative years kept those who knew him in laughter over the years.
Harold met the love of his life, Vaudeth Utter, whom he married in 1959. They raised 5 children: Hal (Leona) Oberlander, Mary (Kevin) McManigle, Caroline (Ulf) Bach, Patty Riter, and Kei (Sheryll) Oberlander. His children gave him 14 much loved grandchildren; Tyler, Keil, Aaron, Justin and Sierra Oberlander, Jake and Ty McManigle, Eiel and Anika Bach, Christine and Toni Geyer, Jeremiah Riter and Kylee and Alyssa Oberlander.
Harold’s great love beyond wife, family, and community was his passion for farming. In addition to grain farming, he also built and operated one of the first containment hog barns in the state of North Dakota. In 1974, Harold expanded the farm to Elm Springs, South Dakota and for ten years, ran farming operations in both states. He drove innumerable miles over his lifetime, often with his kids in tow for company. Harold was one of the first to buy a 4-wheel drive tractor as well as a semi-truck to haul grain, enabling him to increase his production. Even after “retirement”, Harry took advantage of air conditioning and GPS to continue to drive tractor while enjoying wildlife and helping out his sons who took over the farm.
Harold was at his happiest when dealing on a new piece of land and driving through his fields watching the progression to harvest season. Harold instilled in his sons and grandkids the philosophy that farmers are stewards of the land – if they treat it right, it will treat them right. He aspired to leave the land better than when he bought it and was one of the first farmers in the Dakotas to begin no-till farming.
Harold loved sharing his love of the land and took on many nephews and young men in the community as farm helpers; teaching them about farming and the joy of good hard work. He put up with countless minor incidences as he taught them to drive farm machinery and always had a good laugh once disaster was averted.
Together, Harold and Vaudeth became involved in many community and faith-based activities including hospice of the Black Hills, serving over 28 years delivering care to end of life individuals and running training sessions for volunteers. He received Hospice Volunteer of South Dakota in 1992. He and Vaudeth also served their church – The Rapid City Episcopal church of Saint Andrews where he was on the Vestry in both Junior and Senior Warden positions.
Harold volunteered extensively over the years including positions as Supervisor of Tepee Butte Township, President of the Saddle Club, Commander of the American Legion Post 66, and Director on an eight-county drug and alcohol board. He was proud to be honored as a Good Neighbor by the Catalyst Club.
Harold will be remembered as an adored, funny, proud, and compassionate husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law, friend, and community supporter. He cared for and visited the sick and lonely and always looked after others who were less fortunate than him. He left behind a legacy of generosity and kindness.
Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 11, 2025 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. Luncheon will follow immediately at the church. There will be a reception from 2-6 p.m. at the VFW.
In lieu of flowers or donations, please extend a hand to those in need with a personal donation when you see fit.
Arrangements are with Kirk Funeral Home.
