Reverend Harold M. Stoa

The Reverend Harold Merlyn Stoa died on October 3, 2025. Hal was born to Harold and Myrtle (Hansen) Stoa on September 30, 1933. Harold grew up on the family farm 3 miles southwest of Buxton, North Dakota. Harold met Virginia Jensen at Lutheran Bible Institute, in Minneapolis, MN and they were married on October 19, 1952. They were married for 65 years before Virginia died on October 20, 2017. Hal was ordained on July 3, 1960 at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Buxton, ND. As a pastor he served parishes in Karlstad, MN; Moorhead, MN; Duluth, MN; St. Cloud, MN; and Brooklyn Park, MN. He also served as a Development Director for Lutheran Bible Institute of Seattle, Washington; The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in Chicago, Illinois and Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota in St. Paul, MN.

Harold was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Virginia; parents, Harold and Myrtle Stoa; brother, Arthur Stoa; sister, Lois Lerom and son-in-law, Brent VanderVorste. He is survived by his children: Timothy (Janice) Stoa, Scot (Susan) Stoa, Kristopher (Cindy) Stoa and Farah VanderVorste; grandchildren: Nathan (Christina) Stoa, Daniel Stoa, Erik Stoa, Emily (Micah) Fritz, Jennifer (Nicholas) Milton, Joshua Stoa, Reid (Lauren) Stoa, Heather (Bryan) Haugen, Matt VanderVorste; great grandchildren: Brevin Stoa, Callie Stoa, Kirstin Fritz, Brooks Fritz, Theodore Milton, Korie Stoa, Allie Stoa, Bennett Haugen, Peyton Haugen; and brother-in-law, Ron Lerom.

 A Celebration of Harold’s life will be 11AM Monday, October 13, 2025, at Advent Lutheran Church (9475 Jefferson Hwy, Maple Grove) with visitation one-hour prior. www.evansnordby.com 763-424-4000

Please send memorials to Oak Grove Lutheran School, the Virginia Stoa Foundation, 124 North Terrace, Fargo, ND 58102.