Harlan Altepeter, Sr., 64, died Wednesday, June 9, 2004 at his home in Thief River Falls, MN.

Harlan Francis Altepeter was born March 5, 1940 in Minneapolis, MN, the son of Helen Altepeter. He was baptized and confirmed at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Crookston, MN. He attended Lincoln Grade School and Crookston Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston from 1954-1956. Harlan entered the United States Army on April 26, 1957 and was Honorably Discharged on February 12, 1960. While he was in service Harlan earned his GED on June 26, 1958.

He worked for Morans Seeding and Sodding the summer of 1960 and as a carpenter at the Grand Forks Air Force Base the summer of 1961. Harlan was bookkeeper at the John Deere Dealer in Crookston, MN from 1962-1964. He owned and operated the Dorothy Tavern and Slaughter House in Dorothy from 1964-1967, worked for American Republic Insurance from 1967-1971 and Hydra-Mac from 1971-2004.

Harlan was united in marriage to Jeanne Wavra on September 29, 1962.

Harlan enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming, trees, gardening and playing Bingo.

He was a member of the Thief River Falls VFW.

Survived by 13 children: Camilla Cammy Jo (Wade) Joppru, Karol Ann (Steve) Haubrich, Cynthia Lee (Joe) Westrup, David Michael Altepeter, Harlan Francis Altepeter, Jr., Stephanie Jeanne (Paul) Heaton, Theresa Jane (John) Keppel, Alanna Marie (Stan) Olson, Thomas Phillip Altepeter, Sarah Rae Altepeter (David Henry), Jeremiah Jacob Altepeter, Justin Henry Altepeter, and Joshua Anthony Altepeter; grandchildren: Aaron Michael Joppru, Caitlin Mary Joppru, Rocky Scott Francis Altepeter, Hunter Claus Haubrich, Samuel James Haubrich, Veronica Lee Westrup, Louisa Joy Westrup, Cole Michael Altepeter, Cody James Allen Altepeter, Amber Suzanne Altepeter, Alexx Blaine Altepeter, Emma Jeanne Heaton, Tricia and Jenny, Jeanne Gail Olson, Justin and Brianna and David Louis; sisters: Rosie LaPlante, Florence Zemyan and Madonna Aries; Harlan was Honorary Grandfather to Jeffrey, Sonny, and Melissa Henry.

Preceded in death by his wife, Jeanne on December 25, 1993; his mother, Helen Altepeter; grandparents: Stephen and Margaret Altepeter; one brother, Henry Altepeter; sister, Dorothy Mason; and special friend, Helen Peterson on August 24, 2002.

Family condolences may be sent by visiting www.johnsonfuneralservice.net