Harold Wisted

Harold grew up working on his family farm which taught him the value of hard work, something that he would carry with him throughout his life and serve as the cornerstone of his exemplary character. In his 20's, Harold was drafted into the United States Army and served in the Korean War, stationed in Japan. After returning from the war, Harold landed a job as a salesman with Standard Oil. He put his work ethic into practice and climbed up the corporate ladder quickly, but the best part of his job at Standard Oil was meeting his beautiful bride, Shirley. On October 20th, 1956, 6 months after they first met, Harold and Shirley were married and began their 62-year love story, only to be parted by Shirley’s passing in 2019.

Harold was offered a promotion with Standard Oil that would move them to the city of Chicago. He and Shirley made the decision for him to decline the promotion, leave Standard Oil, and seek opportunities in a small town to raise a family. In 1960, Harold saw an ad in the paper for a grocery store for sale in Marengo, Illinois and this is where his life-long career as a Grocer began. Harold started out with a small grocery store on Main Street. He continuously sought ways to remodel and improve his store and business to create more opportunity for himself, his family and his community. In 1990, Harold relocated his Main Street store to the outskirts of town where he built a big, beautiful grocery store. His business continued to grow throughout the years, expanding to the nearby communities of Woodstock and Huntley. Harold took great pride in his stores and was grateful for the opportunity to provide goods, services, and jobs to the communities he served for 57 years. Aside from Harold’s work life, he served on many boards and committees and was recognized as a dedicated leader in his church, community and the grocery industry.

As a young man, Harold enjoyed the big band circuit and the dance scene of the 40's. His love for music persisted throughout his life as some of his fondest memories are playing music with his mother and 3 brothers. He would never pass up the opportunity to sing around the piano and, as he always said, he could “play by ear” and enjoyed playing the organ, the banjo and any instrument he picked up. He also was a golfer, a bowler, a hunter and a fisherman. He was a private pilot and a boat captain. He loved giving advice, having thought provoking conversations, and problem solving. Harold enjoyed reminiscing on his years working on the farm, time spent with his brothers and family growing up. He loved telling stories of the time spent courting Shirley and of their 62 wonderful years together. Harold was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a loyal friend, and a trusted advisor, respected and admired by many. Harold generously shared his gifts and talents with others and made an impact on all who knew him. He had so much to be proud of and grateful for. Harold was blessed with 95 amazing years of life, and he will be deeply missed.

Harold is survived by his son, Mark Wisted and his daughter, Susanne Marsh. His three grandchildren; Alexandria Marsh (husband Devin Sullivan), Simon Marsh, and Sabrina Marsh (fiancé James Fradin). Harold was also a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. Harold was preceded in death by his loving wife, Shirley Wisted. His parents Arthur and Clara Wisted; his brothers Donald (Jane), Robert (Annabea), Charles (Arlene) and his sister Dolly Wisted Hickey.

A Celebration of Harold’s Life will be held on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church 412 Jackson St. Marengo. Visitation at 2pm with service at 3pm. Please join us for a Celebration Dinner at Blackstone Golf Club in Marengo following the service. Kindly call or text Susie at 815-685-8503 if you plan to attend.