1938
David
2013
David Harles, Sr
March 15, 1938 — December 24, 2013
David P. Harles Sr., age 75, of Fergus Falls, died Tuesday, December 24, 2013, at his home under the care of Lakeland Hospice, surrounded by his loving family.
David Paul Harles Sr. was born March 15, 1938 on the family farm in Friberg Township, an identical twin and the last of five children born to Leo and Mildred (Evenson) Harles. David also had one half-brother and one half-sister. He attended country school, continuing his education in Fergus Falls. Dave worked on the Richard Jennen farm, before moving to Denver, Colorado, where he worked construction. Richard and his family became lifelong friends.
On December 27, 1958, David married Joyce Renee Peer at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Fergus Falls, and they were blessed with eight children.
Dave went to work for Swedberg Tree Service, and later worked at Bunny Bread Bakery. A short time later, Dave and Joyce farmed until the 1970's, at which time they started Dave Harles Tree Service.
Dave owned and operated the tree service until their son, Steve, took over in 1999. Not ready to fully retire, he started Dave Harles Stump Grinding, and continued in helping their son with the tree business.
Dave's hobbies included fishing for sunnies on Long Lake, going to auctions, sitting on his front porch reading with his canine companions, and enjoying the deer and birds. In earlier years, the Harles family enjoyed many family vacations together, and seldom missed a family reunion or a "Harles Holiday". Most important to Dave, was time spent with family and friends.
Dave was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, Eagles Aerie #2339, and the Sno-Eagles Snowmobile Club.
He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, amazing storytelling, sense of humor and the fact that he was always the better looking identical twin.
Dave is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Joyce, of Fergus Falls; seven children: Lynette (Dick) Nelson of Fergus Falls, and children Austin and Chelsea; Steve (Carol Hilden) of Fergus Falls, and children Sean Jaeger, Darwin Gray and Brice Triepke; Kimberly (Jim) Steiner of Lakeville and children, Nicole and Rachel; Carrie (George) von Brugger of Shoreview, and children Jericho and Jessica; Marcia (Ric) Johnson of Fergus Falls and children, Kiernan and Karlyn; Dave Jr. of Fergus Falls; and Stacy (Mark) Eklund of Fergus Falls, and children Madysen, Thea and Ava; sister, Catherine Piper of Fergus Falls; a brother, Leo (Inez) of Elizabeth; sisters-in-law, Peggy (Jerry) Rezac of Fergus Falls and Sandy (Don) Schwartz of Sebeka; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by an infant son, Paul; his identical twin brother, Donald; brother, Gordon (Edith); a brother-in-law, Blaine Piper; half-sister, Dortha Yule Sell; half-brother James Yule; and in-laws Charles Peer and Margaret (Jim) Feeks.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 AM Saturday, December 28, 2013, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, Fergus Falls.
Visitation: 5 – 7 PM Friday, with a 6:30 PM Prayer Service, at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home Fergus Falls. Visitation resumes one hour prior to services at the church.
Clergy: Father Alan Wielinski, Father Bill Gamber, and Deacon Chuck Kampa
Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls
David Paul Harles Sr. was born March 15, 1938 on the family farm in Friberg Township, an identical twin and the last of five children born to Leo and Mildred (Evenson) Harles. David also had one half-brother and one half-sister. He attended country school, continuing his education in Fergus Falls. Dave worked on the Richard Jennen farm, before moving to Denver, Colorado, where he worked construction. Richard and his family became lifelong friends.
On December 27, 1958, David married Joyce Renee Peer at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Fergus Falls, and they were blessed with eight children.
Dave went to work for Swedberg Tree Service, and later worked at Bunny Bread Bakery. A short time later, Dave and Joyce farmed until the 1970's, at which time they started Dave Harles Tree Service.
Dave owned and operated the tree service until their son, Steve, took over in 1999. Not ready to fully retire, he started Dave Harles Stump Grinding, and continued in helping their son with the tree business.
Dave's hobbies included fishing for sunnies on Long Lake, going to auctions, sitting on his front porch reading with his canine companions, and enjoying the deer and birds. In earlier years, the Harles family enjoyed many family vacations together, and seldom missed a family reunion or a "Harles Holiday". Most important to Dave, was time spent with family and friends.
Dave was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, Eagles Aerie #2339, and the Sno-Eagles Snowmobile Club.
He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, amazing storytelling, sense of humor and the fact that he was always the better looking identical twin.
Dave is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Joyce, of Fergus Falls; seven children: Lynette (Dick) Nelson of Fergus Falls, and children Austin and Chelsea; Steve (Carol Hilden) of Fergus Falls, and children Sean Jaeger, Darwin Gray and Brice Triepke; Kimberly (Jim) Steiner of Lakeville and children, Nicole and Rachel; Carrie (George) von Brugger of Shoreview, and children Jericho and Jessica; Marcia (Ric) Johnson of Fergus Falls and children, Kiernan and Karlyn; Dave Jr. of Fergus Falls; and Stacy (Mark) Eklund of Fergus Falls, and children Madysen, Thea and Ava; sister, Catherine Piper of Fergus Falls; a brother, Leo (Inez) of Elizabeth; sisters-in-law, Peggy (Jerry) Rezac of Fergus Falls and Sandy (Don) Schwartz of Sebeka; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by an infant son, Paul; his identical twin brother, Donald; brother, Gordon (Edith); a brother-in-law, Blaine Piper; half-sister, Dortha Yule Sell; half-brother James Yule; and in-laws Charles Peer and Margaret (Jim) Feeks.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 AM Saturday, December 28, 2013, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, Fergus Falls.
Visitation: 5 – 7 PM Friday, with a 6:30 PM Prayer Service, at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home Fergus Falls. Visitation resumes one hour prior to services at the church.
Clergy: Father Alan Wielinski, Father Bill Gamber, and Deacon Chuck Kampa
Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls
David P. Harles, Sr.
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