Harold Rudolph Kokesch Sr.

September 27, 1931 – July 19, 2026

Harold Rudolph Kokesch Sr., age 94, of Thief River Falls, Minnesota, formerly of Spring Park Minnesota, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Oakland Park Communities in Thief River Falls.

Harold was born on September 27, 1931, to Arthur Joseph and Veronica Evelyn (Grosam) Kokesch. He was raised in the Gibbon, Minnesota area, where he attended school and was baptized and confirmed at St. Willibrord’s Catholic Church. Proud of his German and Bohemian heritage, Harold carried with him the values of faith, hard work, family, and service throughout his life.

Harold honorably served his country in the United States Air Force from 1953 to 1956. He was trained as an air craft hydraulic mechanic at Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois. He worked on F86 aircraft which were one of the first jet fighter planes. He was discharged from the Air Force reserve in May 1960. Following his military service, he built a successful career in manufacturing as a machinist and shop foreman. He worked for Advance Machine Company, Vic Manufacturing, and Whirl Air Flo, earning the respect of coworkers through his strong work ethic, leadership, and craftsmanship.

On April 29, 1957, Harold married Eva Lydia (Karsten) Kokesch. Together they built a family and shared many wonderful years until Eva’s passing. Family was always at the center of Harold’s life, and he found great joy in spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Harold enjoyed a simple life filled with meaningful pursuits. He loved cutting and hauling wood for heat, this tradition has been carried on for several generations, tending his garden, polka dancing, and volunteering at the Gillespie Center in Mound, Minnesota. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and remained active in his faith and community throughout his life.

One of his great delights and pass time was a game of cards. His vast knowledge of many different card games along with the use of the correct and evolving interpretation of the rules made him a successful player.

Harold is survived by his children, Harold R. Kokesch Jr. and wife Jennifer Lee Kokesch of Brooks, Minnesota, Rick Kokesch and wife Amy Kokesch of Rapid City, South Dakota, Brian Kokesch of Spring Park, Minnesota, Karen Schultz and husband Jeff Schultz of Watertown, Minnesota, and Keith Kokesch of Watertown, Minnesota; grandchildren Jennifer Boutain, Jessica Snoozy, Jeffrey Schultz Jr., and Zachery Schultz; step-grandchildren Mason Roy, Jodie Gladis, and Krystal Carlson; sister, Ann Kral; sister-in-law Helene Karsten; brother-in-law Warren Albrecht; eighteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Eva Lydia Kokesch; his parents, Arthur and Veronica Kokesch; brothers Jim (Joan) Kokesch, Edward (Delores) Kokesch, and Robert (Myrna) Kokesch; brother-in-law Leo Kral; father and mother-in-law Henry and Lydia (Baak) Karsten, brothers-in-law Wallace Karsten, Arnold Karsten, and Henry (Sharon) Karsten; sisters-in-law Bernice (Eddie) Fischer and Ila (Verdell) Pfeiffer; Orval and Arlene Karsten, grandchildren Quinn Kokesch, Shelby Kokesch, and Luke Schultz; and great-grandson Nicholas Boutain.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Mound, Minnesota, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Father Stan Mader will preside. Interment will follow at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Cemetery.

Harold will be remembered for his interest in people and ability to engage and connect with anyone he met along with a sense of humor which made him memorable with others. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the family he cherished.

A special thank you needs to go to the care givers and staff of Oakland Park in Thief River Falls Minnesota. Their care went above and beyond the call of duty. It was special to observe employees off shift come in to check on him. As his reward to them he was able to endow them with heckling of uncensored scrutiny which was occasionally but rarely positive. He really enjoyed their witted responsive exchange.

May he rest in peace.