In North Dakota, farmers are not neighbors, they are family.
When a sudden car accident takes the life of a beloved community member, the good people of Antler come together to perform one last act of kindness: they harvest his crops.
Randy Fyllesvold was killed in September, leaving his grieving widow Kharra and their two sons stranded, unable to deal with the 1,400 acres of corn and soybeans still in the fields around their home.
Randy Fyllesvold and his wife, Kharra, were killed in September. Kara Fillerswold/Facebook
That’s when the tight-knit community stepped in.
Two of Randy’s friends – Wyatt Thompson and Andy Gates – decided to organize a mass harvest of their late friend’s crops.
First, they put out a call for help.
people replied. In an instant, more than 75 volunteers from surrounding communities arrived at the farm on 12 combine harvesters, 40 trucks, all loaded with other equipment and people willing to help.
They worked together like a well-oiled machine, completing a monumental effort in just a few days.
Carla said being with so many people harvesting her husband’s final crops was “just breathtaking” and she felt lucky to have so much love and support during such a painful time.
This small community in North Dakota has banded together to help this family have a great harvest. Kara Fillerswold/Facebook
But they have no choice.
“To know Randy was to fall in love with Randy,” friend Wyatt Thompson told local station KFYR. “…His influence was endless.”
Kara said she will never forget what they did for her.
More than 75 volunteers stepped forward to help with the harvest. Kara Fillerswold/Facebook
“Randy Fyllesvold As I stood in the store looking around before the final corn harvest began, my mind was filled with the memories we have all made together,” she wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post.
“This day was filled with emotions but I found so much peace in watching it unfold…but from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I will always remember this and Randy would be so proud.
“God bless you all and the kids, I love every one of you. Randy, 12 combines, 7 grain trucks, 40-plus trucks are all for you.”
“I know you’re looking down and smiling.”
