Harold Anderson has lived through 26 presidential elections, the perfection of nuclear fission, the development of jet engines and the first electric computer, the innovation of television, the assassination of a U.S. president, the first moon landing, the creation of Teflon, and the invention of transistors, aerosol spray cans, portable hair dryers, electric razors, and so much more.

A child of the Great Depression, Harold was born and raised in Ruthton, MN in the southwest corner of the state. He served his country during World War II, was married for more than 70 years, raised six children (two of whom have passed away), enjoyed different career opportunities, and spent time in a variety of leisure pursuits and hobbies.

Recently, Harold celebrated his 103rd birthday as a Resident of Minnesota Veterans Homes - Minneapolis. His adult children joined him for an afternoon of cake and ice cream along with his favorite activity: bingo. A number of local TV stations showed up to help share this milestone with the community and public radio even sent a shout out during its daily broadcast.

Following is a snapshot of Harold’s journey to 103 years, as he lives his best life enjoying all the little things and choosing happiness.

Military service

Harold, a Marine private, was trained as a machine gunner in San Diego, California. He was injured during training when an ammo cart he was following uphill ended up rolling backwards and over him. Because of the extent of his injuries, he was discharged after his release from the hospital.

Even though Harold loved the west coast’s warm weather, mountains, Pacific Ocean and San Diego Zoo, he returned to the Midwest after his service for the remainder of his life.

Changing careers over the years

During wartime, when men were serving in the armed forces, women joined the workforce to fill open positions, many of them in manufacturing. Following his medical discharge and return to civilian life, Harold became manager of an all-female employee team at the Sioux Falls, SD Coca Cola plant. Next, he moved back to Minnesota and became part of his grandfather’s business, Anderson & Sons Construction, building homes for more than 30 years. Like many individuals from his generation, Harold took pride in making things from scratch and working with his hands. In 1946, he proudly built the home that he, his wife and children lived in for decades.

Harold then went on to join Minneapolis-based Electric Machinery as a welder; Electric Machinery is a 100-year-old company known for designing, manufacturing and servicing large, custom-engineered electrical motors and generators worldwide. At one point, Harold also took a stint driving a beer truck; he truly was a Jack of all trades.

However, some of his fondest memories are tied to his 30-year volunteer commitment to the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Department Emergency Squad, where he did everything from directing traffic at the Aquatennial Parade and driving regular patrols to assisting injured people and cleaning up sites immediately following catastrophic roadway accidents. Not only did he love to come in and “fix things” after the fact at these collision sites, but he loved doing it right in the neighborhood of the Minneapolis Veterans Home and Minnehaha Falls. He recalls, “My territory was all of Hennepin County, up to Anoka and Champlin. But I loved this beautiful area of town and even used the Home’s driveway to turn my rescue vehicle around. Now I live here.”

Post-retirement hobbies and activities

Throughout his life, Harold worked hard, so he appreciated the chance to make the most of his free time. He enjoyed hanging out with Lions Club buddies (from Lyn-Lake and Bloomington), fishing up north at Blackduck (25 miles north of Bemidji), boating on Lake Julia (by Foley, MN), playing poker with friends and relatives, and traveling – lots of traveling. Harold truly treasured seeing new places and meeting new people, from Hawaii to Canada and from Spain to Russia.

As he talks about days gone by, he acknowledges that there aren’t many friends still left who had the same shared experiences, although he has found one Veteran he previously knew since moving into the Minneapolis Veterans Home.

Starting over again

2020 through 2022 were challenging health years for Harold, leading to a realization that, in order to live safely, he required around the clock care.

Harold transitioned to the Home less than a year ago. He notes, “It was just time to move on.” The things he continues to enjoy doing are being outside (in warmer weather) to look at the Mississippi River and dam, going with his daughter on long car rides around the city and to the airport to watch the planes land, participating in onsite parties for different holidays, listening to live musical performers, watching football and baseball, admiring the view of historical buildings from his room’s large window, and playing bingo/poker.

The things he misses most are the simple things: The ability to get up and walk long distances without having to use a wheelchair. Sitting out on his deck. Riding his electric scooter. Living independently.

If he could make it happen, he’d like to travel one more time, with Seattle on his wish list.

Harold would be the first to tell you that living a good, happy life really hasn’t been that complicated. What are some of the things that helped him reach this landmark moment in time?

• Staying busy mentally and active physically to the best of his ability. Until 2023, Harold lived independently in the South Minneapolis house he built himself. He loved being outdoors and walked everywhere he could, cooked his own meals and puttered. Seeing the fruits of his labor gave him a sense of fulfillment.
• Making moderate choices: Some cigars here, (although he stopped when his now late wife was diagnosed with heart disease), a little bit of whiskey and a piece of chocolate there. He would treat himself to something small for a job well done. Why wait?
• Finding a sense of purpose and meaning every day. Harold got up and did things that he liked and that made him smile; it didn’t matter what it was as long as he felt useful.
• Living life in the now. Harold never worried about things too far down the road; instead, he stayed present and embraced what each day offered.
• Connecting with others: Whether it was his spouse, Violet (also known as Marcy), his family, friends, neighbors or Veterans/ Lions Club colleagues, Harold made the most of building relationships to build happiness.

The Minneapolis Veterans Home is honored to care for Harold and appreciates his outlook on a long life well lived. Words of wisdom for us all.