Obituary of Harold Tunem

Mr. Harold Tunem 1921-2010 Harold Tunem was born on November 25, 1921 in the Cameo District. He passed away on May 1, 2010, at the age of 88. Harold was the second youngest in a family of eight children. His parents were Jonas and Sophia Tunem. All of the children were born at home in the log cabin Jonas built and later enlarged to accommodate his growing family. He was baptized and confirmed at Concordia Lutheran Church near Ordale, SK. He attended Bygland School. His childhood was filled helping with all the chores around the farm, participating in school and church activities, and enjoying community life. Harold remained at home, eventually taking over the farm. He loved the land and the rural way of life. He and his sister Hilda cared for their parents until their passing. The Olson nephews, Orin, Sid, and Norman could often be found helping him with baling, working with the livestock, sawing wood, and other chores. Harold farmed until 1992 when he sold the farm and retired to Shellbrook. He took up curling after he moved to town and really enjoyed that for several years. He liked going out to eat and going for drives, often to see how the crops were doing. Harold was a quiet man who lived a simple life. He looked forward to visits from family and friends and greeted everyone with a big smile. He enjoyed family gatherings and looked forward to festive meals, especially those including Norwegian specialties like lefse. His final years were spent at Parkland Terrace Care Home in Shellbrook. Even in the midst of great pain, he remained interested in farming, just recently asking his nephews about the progress of tractor repairs. He was predeceased by his parents, his five sisters, Anna, Lily, Hilda, Gladys, and Selma, his brothers John and Bennie, his sister-in-law Clara Tunem, his nephew Allan Swanson, and his great-nephew Jeffrey Kacher. He is survived by his brothers-in-law Ivan Dalseide and Olaf Olson, his sister-in-law Edna Tunem, and his nieces and nephews. Harold was the last member of his immediate family. With his passing, we who remain thank God for a rich heritage of love and faith and we cherish many precious memories. The Funeral Service for Harold took place on Thursday, May 6, 2010 at 2:00 p.m in the St. John's Lutheran Church in Shellbrook; Pastor Doug Schmirler was the officiant. Pastor Doug read the eulogy as well as performed a solo while Janet Gray was the pianist. The pallbearers were Orin Olson, Sidney Olson, Norman Olson, Darryl Gray, Stanley Skavlebo and Ian Gray. The interment took place in the North Concordia Cemetery. Memorial donations in memory of Harold may be made to either The Evangelical Lutheran Broadcast Box 1717 Prince Albert, SK S6V5T3; or to the Shellbrook & Districts Health Services Project.