Harry August Hakanson

Harry A. Hakanson, 95 of Lisbon, North Dakota formerly of McLeod, North Dakota, died Friday, November 23, 2018 at the North Dakota Veterans Home, Lisbon, North Dakota.

Harry was born on June 22, 1923, the son of Carl and Alpha (Ringen) Hakanson in McLeod, North Dakota. He was raised and educated in McLeod until McLeod High School closed after his sophomore year. Harry finished his education at Lisbon High School, graduating in 1941. As a young man, Harry enlisted in the United States Navy in 1944. He served in the South Pacific until receiving an honorable discharge in 1946. Shortly after his return to McLeod, Harry was united in marriage to Annabelle Sagvold on June 30, 1946. They made their home in rural McLeod and Harry worked as a general laborer in the area until he formed a partnership in 1951 with Carl Helberg on his cattle ranch. After the death of Carl in 1974, Harry became the sole proprietor of the ranch. He retired in 1994 and remained on the ranch with Annabelle until her passing in 2011. Later that year, Harry moved to the North Dakota Veterans Home.

Harry thoroughly enjoyed ranching and very seldom took time off from the ranch. In 1995, he was selected as Ransom County Soil Conservationist of the year and in 2002, was selected Ransom County Agriculturist of the year. He served on the Sandoun Township board, rural fire board, local school board, Sheyenne Valley Grazing Association and numerous offices at Bethany Lutheran Church. Harry was a 51year member of the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association and was recently selected for the North Dakota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame at the age of 95.

Harry is survived by his two sons, Bruce (Kathy) Hakanson of McLeod, ND; Curtis (Mary) Hakanson of Oxbow, ND; three granddaughters, Angela (Darryl) Sayer, Nikki (Ryan) Kenyon, Jill (Josh) Nelson, six great-grandchildren, Hunter Sayer, Chloe, Talia, Brayden and Aubree Nelson and Rory Kenyon; two sisters, Amy Erickson of Milnor, ND and Viola Milton of Fargo, ND; two brothers-in-law, Daryl (Marlys) Sagvold of  McLeod, ND; James Sagvold of Sheldon, ND; sister-in-law, Carol Hakanson of West Fargo, ND; numerous nieces and nephews.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Annabelle (2011), infant brother, Marcus, brothers, Alf and Donald, sisters, Helga Hogness and Ruth Moxness.  

 Interment: Freeman Cemetery, McLeod, ND

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