HARRY ARTHUR PIDDE
February 20, 1920 ~ January 30, 2013

Harry Arthur Pidde, age 92 passed away at the Golden Living Center in Walker, MN on Wednesday, January 30, 2013.
Harry was born on February 20, 1920 to Paul and Emma (Rauschke) Pidde in Butterfield, MN. He attended country school near Comfrey and then went to work on his father’s farm. At the age of 21, Harry was drafted into the U.S. Army and served with the 3rd Armored Division during World War II. In September of 1944, he was wounded in action in Germany and after a lengthy hospital stay returned to limited service and was honorably discharged in October of 1945. Harry was awarded the Purple Heart, European Theatre Ribbon with three bronze stars and the Combat Infantryman Badge. In 1945, Harry was united in marriage to Anne Evers in Jeffers, MN. Three sons blessed this union. Harry and Anne farmed in Comfrey for five years. Due to his war injuries, he was unable to continue that work and in 1952 they moved to Nevis, MN where they purchased the Sunny Point Resort on 2nd Crow Wing Lake. They operated the resort for nine years. During the winters, Harry worked at the Ford-Mercury dealership in Park Rapids. After selling the resort he became a full-time salesman, retiring in October of 1981. He was active in St. Johns Lutheran Church of Park Rapids, holding several positions including head usher, chairman of the council and church treasurer. Harry served two terms as treasurer of Crow Wing Lake Township Board. In 1955, along with several other resort owners, Harry helped found the Lower Crow Wing Lakes Association. That association continues to be very active today. Harry also served two terms as the commander of the American Legion Post #212 in Park Rapids. He had many hobbies to keep him enjoying life. His love of fishing and gardening kept friends and family supplied with crappies and vegetables. He enjoyed many hours in his wood working shop, loved playing cards, traveling and seeing musical shows. Most of all, he enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, especially grilling them chicken with his special recipe! Harry and Anne have spent the past 28 winters in Texas and Arizona. During those months, he taught others to play Euchre, coordinated card parties and taught pool exercise classes. Summers were spent at their home on 2nd Crow Wing Lake.
Harry is survived by his wife, Anne of Nevis, MN; his sister, Viola Derksen of Mountain Lake; three sons: Stanley (Julie) Pidde of Blaine, Douglas (Jenifer) of Stillwater and Duane (Cina) of Akeley; 7 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Walter Derksen.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, February 8, 2013 at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Park Rapids, MN with Reverend James Neubauer officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.