Harlan Englund

Harlan H. Englund, 85, of Evansville died Friday, November 13, 2020, at home surrounded by family.

Harlan Harris Englund was born September 5, 1935, at home in Lund Township, rural Evansville, Minnesota, the son of Conrad and Theresa (Bakken) Englund. He was baptized at Our Savior’s Norwegian Lutheran Church along with his much younger cousin (by 3 days), Carsten Burros.  These two boys would remain lifelong friends. Harlan was confirmed at Christina Lake Church, attended Oak Hill Country School and graduated from Evansville High School in 1953. Harlan then enlisted in the US Army serving from Feb. ‘54 to January ‘57. He returned home to the farm following discharge.

While attending a basketball game, he asked a pretty little lady, Marlys Roos, if he could give her a ride home. They married six months later on July 6, 1957, at Christina Lake Church. To this union five children were born: Shelby, Annette, Shane, Andrea and Shawn. They continued to live on the home farm milking cows, farming, running a game farm and raising their children. Harlan went to work for Carlson Construction in the late 1970’s and later began working with his brothers, Merlin and Wendell, doing local Carpentry work for many years, never really retiring.

Harlan and Merlin purchased the old post office building in Evansville in 1997. This became known as the HE, ME, WE Workshop. Countless woodworking projects and special friendships were created inside these doors where the coffee was always on; whether or not it was drinkable is another story. Harlan always said a little sawdust never hurt anyone. This shop was one of his favorite places to be and nothing made him happier than to see his bowls, birdhouses and walking sticks go home with a new friend. He especially loved when his kids, grandkids, great grandkids and Sue Sue’s Daycare stopped by to visit him at the shop. He looked forward to hosting Cookie Day for the community each December and when finished he would say, “It was a good day.”

Harlan’s other hobbies included watching all sports on TV, hunting, fishing (especially spear-fishing) and carving decoys. He enjoyed attending decoy shows and visiting with others who shared the same interests. He always looked forward to his annual hunting trip out West and going Up Nort’ to the cabin near Park Rapids. He felt it was his responsibility to go get “food for the family.” No matter what ailed him, hunting was sure to be the ultimate cure. He always said one day he’d go to his Happy Hunting Grounds. We can all rest assured, he is there.

He is survived by his wife, Marlys; children Shelby (Tom) Peterman of Alexandria, Annette (Les) Ohren of Evansville, Shane (Susan) Englund of Evansville, Andrea (Dan) Ness of Ashby and Shawn Englund of Evansville; 12 grandkids: Jeremy (Kelly) Peterman, Jacquelyn (Chris) Ranweiler; Nicholas (Andrea) McFarlane, Britta (Jake) Richter, Mackinzie (Lance) Shores; Alexander (fiancé Mikayla Dehning) Englund, Emily Englund; Haley (fiancé Austin Skibness) Ness, Chelsy (JP) Moe, Josey Ness; and William & Holly Englund and 13 great-grandchildren; sister Eme (Gary) Quinn of Evansville and sister-in-law Judy Roos; and by numerous relatives and friends. Harlan was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, two sisters-in-law, one brother-in law, and great-grandson Gabriel Ranweiler.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to PO Box 462, Evansville, MN 56326.

Burial will be Sunday, May 30 at 2 pm at Christina Lake Cemetery, Evansville, with coffee and donuts will be served at He, Me, We shop, Main Street, Evansville following.

Military Honors: West Douglas County American Legion Post 188

Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson of Evansville

Condolences: GlendeNilson.com

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