Harold Mandler

Harold Paul Mandler, age 99, passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Benedictine Living Community, Red Wing, Minnesota. Harold was born on August 27, 1925, in Adams, Minnesota, to George and Susan (Schaefer) Mandler. He graduated from Adams High School in 1943. In high school, he was a star athlete in multiple sports, being voted best athlete in his class. He was a member of FFA, drama and the school yearbook. On June 20, 1950, he was united in marriage to Lyda Kramer at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Johnsburg, Minnesota. Theirs was a love story 74 years in the making. His heart was broken with Lyda’s death on Thursday, February 27, 2025, and he needed to join her in everlasting life.

Harold spent 30 years with Hormel Foods Corporation in Austin, MN, first as a truck driver, then on the production line and finally as a forklift operator. After his retirement, he took a delivery job with Johnson Floral. He loved bringing smiles to people with a delivery of flowers. Harold was a member of Queen of Angels parish in Austin for many years. He joined the Knights of Columbus in 1958, was a Eucharistic Minister and alter server and also served in many other volunteer capacities for both the church and Queen of Angels school. Harold worked side by side with his wife, Lyda, to protect unborn children and was a member of Minnesota Citizens concerned for life since 1969. Harold enjoyed his Catholic faith, camping, hunting, fishing, raising and training black lab dogs, playing cards and watching sports. He loved spending time with family and friends.

Harold is survived by his children, Mary (Dan) Plein of Red Wing, John (Kris) Mandler of Minneapolis, Susan (Douglas) of Lolo, Montana, James Mandler of Hopkins and Jason (Erica) Mandler of El Segundo, California, 17 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and sisters-in-law Ruth Kramer of Rochester, Elaine Kramer of Adams and Dorothy Mandler of Waunakee, Wisconsin. He was proceeded in death by his wife, Lyda (Kramer) Mandler, his parents, George and Susan Mandler, sister Bernette (Floyd) Brown, brothers Donald, Aaron (Lorraine) and Harlan (Dorthy) Mandler, and grandchild, Will Mandler.

Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 11, at Church of St. Joseph in Red Wing with Father Brandon Theisen officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place at 3:00 pm at Calvery Cemetery in Austin. Memorials are preferred to Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life or donations for future Masses said in memory of Harold.