Harold Edmund Ketola

Harold Edmund Ketola, 60, of Independence, Minnesota passed away on January 9, 2024 after courageously living with multiple sclerosis for over 10 years.  He was spending the winter in Henderson, Nevada at the time of his death.

Harold was born in Virginia, Minnesota on June 29, 1963.  His family soon moved to Lake Vermilion, where he developed a lifelong passion for hunting, fishing, trapping, and other outdoor activities.    He graduated from Tower, Minnesota high school in 1981, then attended the University of North Dakota where he received a degree in electrical engineering.

Harold’s work as an electrical engineer took him to New Mexico, Ohio, and Stavanger, Norway, where he spent a year supporting the manufacture of Boeing aircraft electrical systems.  After completing his work in Norway, Harold returned to Minnesota.  Shortly after his return, he met Lori Carlson, and the two were married in 1995.  Harold and Lori had two children, Keith and Kelly, who were a source of joy for Harold and the focus of his devoted attention.  He loved sharing his passions with his children, and enthusiastically taught them how to fish, hunt, trap, golf, cook, appreciate the outdoors, and generally enjoy life to the fullest.

While raising his family, Harold worked for several engineering consulting firms in the Minneapolis area, including Sebesta Blomberg and Reliable Resources.  He also worked as an engineer at Hutchinson Technology in Hutchinson, Minnesota.  He retired in 2013.

Harold will be remembered for his keen sense of humor and witty retorts, his fanatical support for the Minnesota Vikings, his lifelong passion for hunting, fishing, and trapping, and his spontaneity, energy, and enthusiasm for life. In his later years, he honed his cooking skills to a level rivaling that of professional chefs, and his family and friends will recall many outstanding meals of steak, salmon, barbeque, and holiday specialties like Swedish meatballs and prime rib.

Harold was deeply devoted to his wife and children, and he retained a powerful will to support them, pursue his interests and live life to the fullest despite his debilitating disease.  The tremendous spark of his spirit and presence will continue to live on in those who knew and loved him.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome Harrington (Farley) Ketola and Rebecca Mae (Aase) Ketola, and his brother, Alan William Ketola.  He is survived by his wife Lori (Carlson) Ketola, his son Keith Ketola of Nevada, his daughter Kelly Ketola of North Dakota, two sisters, aunts, cousins and extended family.

A celebration of life for Harold will be held at his home in Minnesota this summer.  Donations to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society on Harold’s behalf are appreciated.