Harold Dean Atkinson

ROCHESTER:Harold D. Atkinson, 80 of Rochester, MN died Friday, October 2, 2015 at Saint Marys Hospital. Harold Dean Corky Atkinson was born in West Mineral, Kansas to Ralph G. and Esther Madeline (Prater) Atkinson on July 29, 1935.He joined the Marine Corp April 13, 1954 and was discharged on January 24, 1957.He married Vera Black on July 13, 1954.Four daughters were born to this union.He graduated from K-State University in Manhattan, KS in June, 1963 and went to work as an Electrical Engineer for IBM following graduation.Harold retired in September 1991.During his retirement years, he enjoyed volunteer service as a member of the Optimist Club of Rochester and the helping to prepare tax returns for the AARP tax program while his health allowed.He served as a Supervisor for Cascade Township for about 11 years and recently resigned due to poor health. He is survived by his wife, Vera; three daughters, Teresa Lee Walters, Karen Lynn Atkinson and Carla Sue (Brian) Nelson; seven grandchildren; and ten great grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sheryl Iverson; his parents; sister, Bettey Lou Knapp; brothers, Ralph Gilbert Jr and William John Atkinson. There will be a memorial service on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the Cascade Town Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to COPD Research Mayo Clinic or to K-State Manhattan, KS.