Harold "Hal" Bless

On the afternoon of August 18, 2023, Harold “Hal” Lee Bless left his family, friends, and loved ones for a much better place.  He will be greatly missed and appreciated for everything he’s done in the short time we were blessed to spend with him. A celebration of life will be held 2:30 PM Tuesday, August 22 at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. Family will greet guests one hour prior at the funeral home.

Hal was born in Amarillo, Texas on April 1, 1958, the son of Marty and Hazel Bless.  He was fortunate enough to grow up with a large blended family including many siblings, with whom he has shared fond memories; (Robert and Cathy Helfenstein, Peggy and Ernie Erdhardt, Nancy and Daryl Heilman, Gary and Kim Bless, Kathy and George Hsu, Joyce and Rick Jensen, Peggy Sue and Bill Snyder).  He was preceded in death by his grandparents (Goldie and Joseph Kirby), brother-in-law (George Hsu), and sister (Peggy Sue).  He leaves behind the love of his life (Rae Bless), His children (Danielle and Jeff Bowman, Stephanie and Jesse Bless-Hillius, Christopher and Courtney Ellison, Cory Ellison and Tiffany Simpson, Carrie and Jacob Griffin).

After graduating from Century High School in Bismarck, ND, he attended Bismarck State College to obtain his degree in Power Plant Technology.  After reaching this goal, he accepted a job at Minnkota Power Plant where he would dedicate the next 42 years of his career.  After climbing the ladder at Minnkota, and gaining countless friends along the way, he decided to finally retire in 2019.  He left the work-force being highly respected by his co-workers and friends.

He met the love of his life (Rae Bless) around 1993 through his sister Kathy Hsu!  They were happily married on August 10, 1996 in Elgin, ND, excited to start their new life together with their children.  Hal and Rae loved to travel, and continued to do so after retirement.  They truly enjoyed the time they got to spend away to bond and create memories together.  Being a “Texas boy,” you couldn’t find a bigger Dallas Cowboys fan around.  Just like he would with his family, he would stand by the Dallas Cowboys, through the good times and the bad.  I know he will guide them to the Super Bowl (finally!) this year!  One of Hal’s true loves (below Rae!) was riding his Indian motorcycle with his friends and wife.  His motorcycle was his pride and joy, especially after retiring.  He was fortunate enough to enjoy the open road and travel around the states and take in the sites, while making memories with his friends.  Hal passed away doing what he loved.  He mentioned on multiple occasions  “If that’s how I go, I’m ok with it”.  He would never give up riding his motorcycle, and he wouldn’t want his friends to stop, no matter how much this recent loss has affected us all. 

Hal had a history of being a hard-a** with a heart of gold.  Growing up, some of his children may have thought he was being overly stern at times.  However, as we grow older, we now know he was teaching us valuable life lessons that we’ll always treasure for the rest of our lives.  We are all stronger and better people for knowing Hal.  Although this is an unfortunate time, Hal would want us to be strong and keep moving forward.  And we will.  He is loved, and will be greatly missed.  We will keep on living and loving, because of him.