Harold James Wynia/"Tang"

life story

A man of God & beloved husband, dad, grandpa & friend

Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

Philippians 2:3-4 (NLT)

About Harold

Harold James Wynia, or “Tang”, was born on February 21, 1940 in Slayton, MN to Jacob & Velda Wynia. The family lived in Minneapolis for a few years before settling in Cokato in 1946. Harold was a beloved older brother to Larry & Julie, and he & Larry took good care of Julie following their dad’s death in 1973. He was also devoted to helping care for his mom Velda and sang her in to heaven in 2009.

Harold accepted Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior as a youngster at Trout Lake Camp. He graduated in 1958 from Cokato High School where he got his diploma and his nickname, “Tang”. A lot of people thought it came from the orange drink Tang that became popular in the 1960s thru the space program. However, it actually came from his high school football coach who referred to him as a “tanglefoot”. It stuck with his friends and eventually was shortened to “Tang”. He was known as “Tang” by so many people that there may be those who never knew his real name was Harold.

Harold was also known for his clever mind and his love of writing poems and songs to commemorate various events in the lives of his family and friends. Usually accompanied by a gift that he had made just right with White-Out and a Sharpie.

Harold started his post-secondary education at Bethel College before transferring to the University of Minnesota to finish his degree. It was there he met Elsie Mae Tutt. Both he & Elsie graduated with degrees in elementary education and the two were married on August 17, 1963. The couple welcomed son Jeffrey in 1967, daughter Jennifer in 1970, son Jonathan in 1972 and daughter Jody in 1975, and made their home in Roseville, MN. During those years the family attended Bethany Baptist Church where Harold sang tenor in the choir and was also active in ministries like the Boys’ Brigade. The highlight of most of their summer breaks was family camp at Trout Lake Camp. In later years Calvary was their church home and he loved being part of the community and choir there too.

Harold taught at several different schools in the Mounds View Public School district throughout his 35-year career. He had a mind for math and it became his favorite subject to teach, but he also enjoyed things like coaching track n’ field. It was common to run in to former students of his who were eager to express that he was their favorite teacher. He also worked several odd jobs on summer breaks and after retirement to support his family, including at the MN State Fair, Pot O’ Gold Bingo & Abbott Paint & Carpet.

In his later years Harold’s favorite pastime was being a grandpa to his 13 grandchildren. He loved going to his grandkids’ various sporting events and other extracurricular activities, and he was always happy to chauffeur them around and slip them $. In 2005 Harold and Elsie moved to Shoreview to live with Jody & Aaron, and were the primary caregivers to their 3 children when Jody & Aaron were both working.

Harold went to heaven to be with Jesus on November 6th while sleeping peacefully in his home next to Elsie, his beloved wife of 58 years. He had bravely battled cancer for several years. And while he can never be replaced in the hearts of those who loved him, we are also rejoicing that he is now in his forever home.

In addition to his wife Elsie, Harold is survived by his 4 children: Jeffrey Wynia (Kirsten) of Woodbury, MN, Jennifer Hansen (Paul) of Blaine, MN, Jonathan Wynia (Amy) of New Brighton, MN & Jody Boyd (Aaron) of Shoreview, MN; 13 grandchildren: Kayley Hansen, Karissa Stensgard (Garret), Kacedy Hansen, Jacob Wynia (Kalissa), Kristian Hansen, Andrew Wynia, Benjamin Wynia, Grace Wynia, Kate Wynia, Noelle Boyd, Owen Wynia, Noah Boyd & Jonah Boyd; brother Larry Wynia (Doris) of South Haven, MN & Julie Burau (Dale) of Howard Lake, MN. He is also survived by many other dear family members & friends.

memorial service

Celebration of Life

November 19, 2021

Calvary Church 2120 Lexington Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113, USA

Visitation 1 hour prior at 10:00 A.M.

Luncheon to follow.