Harold Mendel

Harold Mendel, age 78, of Brainerd died Friday, January 21, 2005 at the VA Medical Center in St. Cloud. Memorial services will be Wednesday, January 26, 1:30 p.m., at Zion Lutheran Church in Brainerd, with Reverend Mark Kleckner officiating. Friends may visit at the church during the hour prior to services. Interment will be with full military honors on Thursday, January 27, 11:45 a.m., at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, with Reverend Chris Dodge officiating.
Harold was born May 16, 1926 in Sauk Rapids, to John and Julia (Bartiewski) Mendel. Following high school he enlisted in the Army, where he served from 1944-1946. He was united in marriage to Betty Leisdon at Trinity Lutheran Church Sauk Rapids on May 31, 1947. He worked as a mail carrier for the US Postal Service in Minneapolis, Bloomington, and then in Glendale, AZ, where he retired. In 1988 Harold and Betty moved to the Brainerd lakes area. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. He was also a lifetime member of the VFW, the American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans. His hobbies included fishing, gardening, crossword puzzles, and boating. He was a loyal fan of Minnesota sports teams.

Harold is survived by Betty, his wife of 57 years; sons Jon (Cheryl) Mendel, of Rosemount, Rick (Jani) Mendel, of Bloomington; siblings Harvey Mendel, of Sun City, AZ, Irv (Audrey) Mendel, of Surprise, AZ, and Arlene (Don) Gillman, of Sartell; 7 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Ronald.