Harold George Poppen, age 90, of Brookings, SD, passed away on Friday, April 17, 2026, at his residence.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings, SD. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A time of luncheon and fellowship will immediately follow the service. Interment will be held at 1:30 p.m. at Castlewood Cemetery in Castlewood, SD.

Harold George Poppen was born on March 19, 1936, to Perry and Anna Poppen in Estelline, SD. He began his schooling in Dempster and later attended school in Castlewood after the family moved to a farm north of Dempster. He graduated from Castlewood High School in 1954. Harold went on to attend South Dakota State College, graduating in 1959, and completed ROTC, receiving his commission as a Second Lieutenant.

While still in college, Harold was united in marriage to Marjorie Raasch on June 16, 1958. In 1960, they left for active duty, spending three months at Fort Benning, GA, and three months at Fort Riley, KS, before returning to Brookings.

Harold worked for Peavey Lumber for four years in Worthington, MN, and Brookings, SD. In 1965, he began his career with the United States Postal Service in Brookings, where he worked until his retirement in 1998. He also served in the National Guard for 22 years, retiring with the rank of Captain.

Harold was a member of First Presbyterian Church and served as an elder and Sunday School Superintendent. He was a 50-year member of the Brookings Masonic Lodge #24. He also belonged to the Scottish Rite and Eastern Star. He enjoyed serving as an umpire for amateur baseball and spending time bowling, doing sudoku, and watching sports. He especially loved the Mollie B Polka Party.

Harold is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marge Poppen; four children: Deanna Poppen of Sioux Falls, SD, Marcia Hornback of Sioux Falls, SD, Brian (April) Poppen of Brookings, SD, and Carolyn (Dan) Moerke of Rapid City, SD; grandchildren: Andy Hanson, Jessica Hanson, Kristina Miller, Monica Parisien, Riley Poppen, Hannah (Scott) Engen, Allison Moerke, and Emma Moerke; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Perry and Anna Poppen; his grandson, Sheldon Hornback; and his sister-in-law, Char Poppen.