Rodney Harstad
Rodney “Mike” Harstad, 65, of Watford City, N.D., formerly of Williston, passed away at his home in Watford City on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018.
Rodney “Mike” Harstad was born in Williston, N.D., on March 15, 1953, to Alvin Harstad and Louise Kirby. He graduated from Williston High School in 1972. He received his Associates in Arts from UND-Williston in 1976 and his Bachelors of Science in Education from the University of North Dakota in 1980. He was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and a member of the National Honor Fraternity Blue Key.
Mike was a teacher in the Williston and Trenton areas for many years. He then moved to Seattle where he also taught for several years before returning home to North Dakota to be closer to Family. Mike finished out his career teaching in Watford City, Mandaree, and New Town. Although Mike never had children of his own, he loved to teach his “kids” and also coached the swim team, gymnastics, the drill team and volleyball.
Mike was an amazing gymnast, dancer and diver. His grace and elegance while preforming made it seem effortless. In 1989 he was a Burning Hills singer and dancer in the Medora Musical. Mike loved music, traveling, playing cards and board games. Mike and his friend Aniko “Nancy” Papp had such an amazing talent that they were asked to perform the first dance at the grand opening of several disco clubs in Minneapolis and Grand Forks.
Mike is survived by his brother, Skip Harstad (Vicki) of Williston; Sisters, Melanie Johnson (Monie) of Bullhead City, Ariz., Darnell Woodward of Williston, N.D., Lina Falcon of Trenton N.D., and Judy Maston (Don) of Watford City, N.D., along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin Harstad and Louise Skauge; step-father, Ingolf Skauge; brother, Jim Harstad; sister, Bonnie Knight; Brother-in-laws, Bob Knight, Gordy Johnson, Mark Woodward and Eddie Falcon; Nieces and Nephews, Swannie Alton, David Allen Zaste, Kal Johnson, Carmen Woodward and great-nephew, William Mills.
Mike was an amazing brother, uncle and friend. We will miss him dearly but know he was welcomed into Heaven by the best!
His Funeral Service was at 11 a.m., on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018, at the Everson-Coughlin Funeral Home Chapel in Williston. Rev. Jason Gressman officiated. Interment in Riverview Cemetery followed the funeral service.
Friends are welcome to visit www.eversoncoughlin.com to share memories of Mike or leave condolences for his family.