Harold Tongen, age 75, of Petersburg, WV, passed away peacefully surrounded by his children on January 6th, 2026.
Harold was born on October 9, 1950, to Sherwood and Helen Tongen, and raised on the family potato farm near Walhalla, ND. Harold was the family entertainer; his talent for mimicking animals and people brought constant laughter to his six siblings and subsequently to all who came to know him.
After attending Valley City State College and NDSU, he farmed alongside his father for six years. Influenced by three professors while studying at Jamestown College—two of whom were Presbyterian ministers—he developed a deep interest in seminary education, which eventually led him to Princeton Theological Seminary. In 1982 he married and adopted Anthony and Andrea, cherished children who brought him many blessings.
Harold’s true vocation flourished after earning his Master of Divinity. He was ordained in October of 1985 and served his first call in Stoneboro, PA at the Amity and Irwin Presbyterian churches. Harold became known for sermons that blended humor with the powerful message of the Gospel. He eventually specialized as an interim pastor, using his rare gift of conflict resolution to guide congregations in Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, and West Virginia until his retirement in December of 2019.
In his retirement years, Harold took great pleasure in golfing and serving as emcee for the annual golf banquet. When the time came to step away from the game, he discovered renewed purpose and profound joy through dedicated volunteering at Petersburg Elementary School, where his warmth and humor touched countless young lives, much as he had encouraged his family and congregations.
Harold is survived by his son, Anthony (Megan) of Harrisonburg, VA, and daughter, Andrea (Steve) Wolfe of Grove City, PA, and grandchildren Micah, Paul, Samuel, Estrella, Ana, and Milagros Tongen, and Jack and Mark Wolfe. He is also survived by siblings Jean (Don) Paulson, Robert (Nona), Dan (Koreen), John, and Ruth. He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his brother, George, in Vietnam in 1968.
Harold’s legacy of faith, humor, and kindness will continue to inspire all who knew him. To offer condolences, share memories, or upload photos in honor of Harold’s extraordinary life, visit his Tribute Wall at www.fraleyfuneralhome.com and celebrate the impact he made on all those around him.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Fraley Funeral Home.
