Harold Ernest Martinson

Harold E. Martinson of Fargo, ND died Saturday, November 18, 2017 at Bethany on University.

Mr. Martinson was born March 9, 1928 in Robinson, ND. He grew up on the family farm and attended the local schools. He married Edith Livingston June 12, 1949. He farmed and taught school in the area. In 1951, they moved to Fargo, ND. He worked building construction until January 8, 1952, when he joined the Fargo Fire Department as a fire fighter. He married Virginia Gress July 2, 1975.

Harold advanced through the ranks of the Fire Department to Captain, Assistant Chief, Head of the Fire Prevention Bureau, Deputy Chief, and the final six years, as Chief of the Department. He was active in training local and state fire personnel in fire prevention and arson investigation. He retired in May of 1993 after 41 years of service to the City of Fargo.

During his years of service, he was President of the Uniformed Fire Fighters of ND for six years, President of the local Fire Fighters Union 642, President of Fire Fighters Pension Association, and President of the ND Fire Chiefs Association. He was a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board and an active volunteer at the Roger Maris Cancer Center for over twenty years. A member of Sons of Norway and a long time member of First Lutheran Church, Harold also enjoyed hunting and spending time with family. After twenty years working part time in building construction, he continued it as a hobby after retirement.

Harold is survived by his son, Dennis (Beverly) Martinson, Fargo, ND; daughter-in-law, Beth (Bruce) Martinson, Fargo, ND; sister, Loretta (Victor) Lambrecht, Pelican Rapids, MN; six grandchildren; 4 great-granddaughters; stepdaughter, Jennifer (Mark) Sullivan, Opheim, IL; stepsons, Roger (Nancy) Gress, Lee (Debra) Gress Jr., San Jose, CA; James (Xiaobin), Fargo, ND; step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nicolai and Clara Martinson; wife, Virginia; brothers, Morris, James, and Morrie Martinson; daughter, Dawn; son, Bruce; step-grandson, James Gress; sister-in-law, Fern (Morrie) Martinson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Roger Maris Cancer Center, 820 4th St. N. Fargo, ND 58102.