Funeral services for Harold Leon Blake, age 81, of Albert Lea, will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, at the United Methodist Church in Albert Lea. The Rev. John Bromeland will officiate.

Interment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by area servicemen’s organizations. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service at the church. To sign the guest book, goto www.bayviewfuneral.com

Harold died on Saturday morning, Jan. 28, 2006, at Hennepin County Medical Center.

Harold Leon Blake was born on Oct. 31, 1924, in Wells, the son of Homer and Margaret (Ober) Blake. He attended schools in Wells and Hayward, and attended Central High School in Albert Lea. Harold served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was missing in action in France in 1945, was eventually found wounded, and as a result was awarded a Purple Heart. Harold was self-employed as a carpenter and worked with his father as a land developer. In 1972, Harold was seriously injured in an accident which resulted in a severe spinal cord injury. His physicians told him he would not be able to walk again. Through much determination and work on his part, Harold was able to prove them wrong and walked for another 25 years. During this period he went back to school at ALTEC, graduating with a degree in mechanical drafting. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, the American Legion, the D.A.V., and the Elks Lodge. Harold enjoyed playing cards, carpentry, working on small engines, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a regular patron of the Donut Hut where he enjoyed coffee with his friends. He also enjoyed dancing and during the time he and Rita lived in California they often went to see the Lawrence Welk shows.

Survivors include his wife Rita; his sons Donald L. Blake and his wife Mary, Gary D. Blake, and Timothy P. Blake and his wife Brenda; grandchildren Stacia Judd, Ryan Blake and his wife Gaylene, Carrie Blake, Matthew Blake, Tony Blake, Amanda Diaz and Joshua Diaz; great-grandchildren Jordan Judd, Jaden Blake, Trent Kuball, Gabrielle Blake, Keenan Metzger, and Aspen Metzger; brother Gordon Blake and his wife Lola; sisters Jean and her husband Richard Hanson and Betty and her husband Ralph Johnson; sister-in-law Phyllis Blake; step-mother Leone Blake-Moeller, and nieces and nephews.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, his grandson Christopher Blake, his brother Richard Blake, a brother in infancy, and daughter-in-law Dianne (Fjermestad) Blake.

Harold was a valiant, determined, kind and humble man who will be sadly missed.

Memorials are preferred to the Freeborn County Veterans Memorial or the United Methodist Church.