Obituary
Harlan Garfve, 75 died on Sunday, August 21, 2011 at Oakland Park Communities in Thief River Falls, MN.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, August 25, 2011 at Westaker Free Lutheran Church in Newfolden, MN with Pastor Phil Rokke officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Newfolden, MN.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with 7:00 Prayer Service on Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will also be held from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM on Thursday at the church.
Harlan Roger Garfve was born April 26, 1936 on the family farm near Newfolden, MN the youngest son of nine children born to Hjalmer and Bella (Tunheim) Garfve. He was baptized into the Lutheran faith at Westaker Free Lutheran Church. He attended school in Newfolden, MN.
Harlan went to California in 1956 and worked road construction for a couple of years. He then returned to live in Newfolden, MN where he continued to work road construction. Harlan could run all of the machinery but operating the turnapole (scraper) was his favorite. He loved his work. During the winter months, Harlan would cut wood and had many customers in the Newfolden area. He would cut over 100 cord of wood in the winter time.
In the late 1950's, Harlan was married to Delores Gustafson for about five years. In 1964 he married Arlette Brekkestrand in Colorado and to this union six children were born: Sharon, Angie, Sharlene, Duke, Roger and Tina.
On December 18, 1992, Harlan was united in marriage to Sigrid B. Ruddy in Sisseton, SD. They continued to make their home in Newfolden, MN.
Harlan enjoyed hunting, fishing, collecting scrap iron, cutting wood, playing pull tabs, listening to music, especially Johnny Cash, and attending auction sales. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and the fourth of July holiday.
Harlan was a 26 year vested member of the Operating Engineers Local 49 Union.
Survivors include his loving wife of 18 years, Sigrid of Newfolden, MN; five children, Angie (Pete) Lefrooth of Strandquist, MN, Sharlene Tostrup of Viking, MN, Duke (Wendy) Garfve of Warren, MN, Roger Garfve of Newfolden, MN, and Tina Garfve of Middle River, MN; daughter-in-law, Bobbi Jo Garfve of Halma, MN; step-children, Judith Ruddy of Coon Rapids, MN, Nancy Ruddy of Newfolden, MN, Michael (Susan) Ruddy of Apple Valley, MN, Carrie (Robert) Schmidt of North Branch, MN, Randy (Marty) Ruddy of Lino Lakes, MN; 17 grandchildren; 8 step grandchildren; one great granddaughter; 10 step great grandchildren; two sisters, Sandra Larson of Goodridge, MN and Barbara (Ronnie) Benke of Newfolden, MN; brother-in-law, Carvel Gillund of Thief River Falls, MN; sister-in-law, Joan Garfve of Alpina, SD; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by daughter, Sharon Torgerson; granddaughter, Morgan McAnnany; parents; sisters, Helen, Rosemary, Phyllis, Mabel and Ruby; and brother, Maynard.
Special Music: The Hodne's
Congregational Hymns: "Amazing Grace", "How Great Thou Art", "Mansion On The Hill"
Pallbearers: Justin Tostrup, Jason Tostrup, Michael Mugaas, Nathan Pedersen, Harlan Garfve, Jordan Stone
Honorary Pallbearers: Steven Larson, Scott Larson, Kyle Tanner, Lorrin Leader
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