Harold Middleton

 Harold “Moose” Middleton, was born June 6^th in 1943, raised by Roger and Mary Middleton of Eagle Grove. The self-proclaimed “smartest kid in his grade” (country school) later attended high school in Eagle Grove. There he met Mary Morgan and the two were quickly married after starting a family. Together they raised 5 (wonderful) kids which consumed most of their time attending family events.

“Moose” worked much of his life at Umthun Trucking in Eagle Grove. His family never really knew what he did there, but he always acted like it was really important. Harold’s dream was to farm and decided to do so on a family farm near Clarion in the early 80’s. That humbling hobby is something we know he love/hated but would never change. In his retirement, he helped farm as much as he was physically or technologically able.

“Moose” lost his wife of 53 years 10 years ago, after that spent most of his time following grandkids in sports and staying extremely busy doing nothing. Recently, he loved his “Widow’s Gambling Group” trips that had a cane requirement, so no one moved too fast but had tons of laughs.  He checked in on close friends and read the obituaries on his iPad every morning to see if he was in there.

“Moose”, 81, passed away on Thursday the 3rd of October 2024. He always said he lived a good life and outlasted most of his family and friends.  His favorite quote, “It is not easy being me,” was slowly becoming more a reality and his wish of passing away on the farm came true.

Harold is preceded in death by his wife Mary “Bullet” (Morgan), his parents Roger & Mary Middleton, in-laws John Sr. & Ovedia Morgan, Roger Morgan, Ronnie & Shirley Morgan and John Allen & Gayle Morgan, biological siblings Thelma Bertram, Cleo Powell, Harlan Hill, Harvey Hill, Donald Hill, Marlene Hansen, Sharon Brandt, Jon Elwood and many nieces, nephews.

Harold is survived by five children: Dori (Bill) Johnston of Missoula, MT, Scott (Tammy) Middleton of Sun Valley, CA, Rod (Sonya) Middleton of Eagle Grove, Melissa "Spook" (Monty) Anderson of Clarion and Clint "Punk" (Mandi) Middleton of Clarion; grandchildren: Erik (Emilie) Johnston, Maggie (Frankie) Lazzaretto, Kayla (Mike Canett III) Davis, Jackson Middleton, Zachary Middleton, Jacie (Eric) Enabnit, Brentcint Middleton, Tarissa Middleton, Ethan (Heather) Anderson, Kaia (Jordan) Voss and Morgan Middleton; great-grandchildren: Ren & Carter Johnston, Mike Canett IV, Emery & Leighton Enabnit, Hailey & Hayden Anderson, Lettie & Salem Voss: biological sister Lois Comstock, sister-in-law, Diana Morgan and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

“Moose” hated attending funeral services and was adamant that there not be one (His last gift to all). Per his wishes he will be cremated and buried next to Mary at a later date.