Obituary of Harold Martin Folsom

Harold "Harry" Martin Folsom died unexpectedly, but after a long battle with congestive heart failure and kidney disease, at Bethesda Hospital in St. Paul, MN on May 3, 2025, at the age of 82.

Harry is survived by his loving wife of 61 years Barbara Diane Folsom (Moszer), Children; Tammy Johnson (Troy), Eric Folsom (Linda), Sister; Donna Goyette, Grandchildren; Amy, Ryan, Nycole, Bryanna, Taylor, Alec and Abby; Great grandchildren Joey, Anthony, Layla, Delilah, and Alsina as well as nieces and nephew. Harry is preceded in death by his parents Harold and Madge (Waltman) Folsom.

Harry was born on March 5, 1943, in Minneapolis, MN to Harold and Madge Folsom. Harry graduated high school from Minneapolis North in 1962 and went on to briefly attend the University of Minnesota. While attending high school Harry briefly played hockey as a defenseman for the Minneapolis North Polars. Harry's love was always downhill skiing but switched to hockey after the ski coach told him he had to complete the downhill high jump to make the ski team. Harry grew up with many weekends spent on Daggett Lake in Crosslake, MN where his parents owned a cabin. Here in 1959 at the Crosslake, MN drive-in movie theater Harry met the love of his life, Barbara. Harry and Barb were later married on March 13, 1964, and over the next 4 years welcomed their 2 children into their home: Tammy and Eric. Both children would go on to have successful lives under the guidance of both Harry and Barb. On May 7, 1965, Harry enlisted into the United State Navy (USNR) as a US Navy gunners mate, GMG3, on the USS Luce (DLG 7). While serving during the initial stages of the Vietnam war, Harry saw action on the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean chasing submarines and other duties as called upon. After his Honorable Discharge from the US Navy, Harry worked at and managed car washes for his dad Harold before ultimately hiring on at Northwestern Refinery (Ashland Oil and now Marathon Petroleum) in St. Paul Park, MN, where he enjoyed a 32-year career in operations and maintenance. After a long and productive career, and many friends met, Harry retired in 2003 and permanently moved (along with his wife Barb) to their beautiful Crosslake, MN area home built years prior on West Fox Lake in Fifty Lakes, MN. Harry volunteered his time as a hockey coach, manager and mentor in the late 70's and early 80's as well as serving on the youth hockey board as Director, and President of Cottage Grove Youth Hockey. During his time as President of the youth hockey association, Harry worked to bring girls hockey to Cottage Grove in 1981 after being introduced to the sport called Ringette’s from West St. Paul, MN. Harry's passions were always trying to find the good in people yet he was very soft-spoken unless where needed. Harry enjoyed most of all spending time with his wife Barb, kids and grandkids as well as Disney World (It's a Small World was his favorite) and their winter condo in Panama City Beach Florida. Harry also enjoyed the many summers on his cousin’s farm in Aberdeen SD (where he escaped the polio epidemic), the cabin/lake life, watching the Vikings in earlier days, the North Stars, coaching, managing and directing youth hockey, boating, camping and water skiing.

A celebration of life is scheduled for June 12, 2025, from 4 to 8 pm at the American Legion Post 98, 328 Broadway Avenue, St. Paul Park MN 55071. The Celebration will include a brief memorial at 5 pm with a reception to follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Harry's life. Condolences can be sent to MN Cremation Society at https://cremationsocietyofmn.com/tribute/details/81356/Harold-Folsom/obituary.html#tribute-start. The family would like to thank St. John’s Hospital and Bethesda Hospital.