Harold (Hal) Cuff, 100

Harold (Hal) Cuff, age 100, passed away June 15, 2024, at Good Samaritan Society – Comforcare in Austin Minnesota. Hal was born in Redwood Falls, Minnesota, October 30, 1923, to Fisher and Matilda Cuff. There were 8 children in the family, 6 boys and 2 girls. Hal attended elementary and high school in Redwood Falls, graduating in 1943.

He joined the United States Marine Corps immediately after graduation. He was trained as a bomb specialist and deployed to the South Pacific to fight in World War II. Hal was promoted to the rank of Corporal in the Marine Corps. Hal was honorably discharged in 1945 at the end of WWII.

In 1947, Hal enrolled in Mankato State Teachers College with the goal for degrees in Physical Education, Science and Industrial Arts. He graduated college in 1951. He married the love of his life, Marian Christensen, on 15 August 1947 in Redwood Falls, MN. Together they welcomed three children, Durene, Susan, and Thomas. Hal was hired by the Austin Public School System in 1951. Hal made a lasting impact on Austin athletics. He coached basketball for 15 years at Austin Community College (Riverland Community College). He assisted in coaching varsity football at the high school, coached 9th grade football at Ellis Middle School, and assisted track at the high school for 12 years. Hal retired in 1985 and took up golf. He was a newcomer to the sport but quickly mastered it, scoring in the 70’s with two hole in ones in his best years. In his youth, Hal was active in athletics and excelled at everything he attempted. Hal was an avid fisherman well into his 90’s. He had hundreds of fish tales that he was always willing to share. Hal was a loyal Minnesota Vikings fan who rarely missed watching a game, but he was also a harsh critic at times. Hal’s home and family were of utmost importance to him. He loved the Austin community and Austin athletics. He declined moving in his later years, as he wanted to remain in the community he loved.

Hal was preceded in death by his wife, Marian in 2016. He is survived by their children, Durene (Steve) Nelson, Susan (Mark) Strauser, and Thomas (Mariann) Cuff. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Katy Cloutier, Andrew Strauser, Kary Thelander, Abby High, Sara Seal and Mathew Cuff. In addition, Hal is survived by twelve great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Austin at a later date. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.