Harlan Haarstad

Harlan Haarstad, age 88, passed away on January 22, 2026, at the farmstead where he lived his entire life, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply.

Harlan was born on July 15, 1937, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, to Elmer and Amanda (Holte) Haarstad. On February 2, 1963, he married the love of his life, Sandra Mecklenberg, in Nashua, Minnesota. Together they built a life full of hard work, laughter, and a whole lot of family memories.

A farmer at heart, Harlan spent most of his life raising crops and hogs and caring for the land that had been home for generations. Even in his later years, he never lost interest in what was happening in the farming community and always liked to know how crops were doing and what the neighbors were up to. Later, he also ran a successful painting business in Elbow Lake, Minnesota, where his strong work ethic and attention to detail were well known.

Harlan loved visiting with friends and relatives and was always up for a good conversation. He was a faithful regular at morning coffee at Cenex, where stories were shared, laughter was common, and everyone knew his name. He especially enjoyed playing cribbage and was always happy to sit down for a game.

Harlan also had a mischievous streak and was often known for wearing a slightly scorned look on his face, but everyone who knew him knew that look was mostly for show. It didn’t take long for it to turn into a smile, a quick grin, or a well-timed comment that let you know he was enjoying the moment.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and the occasional trip to the casino as well as trips to the Black Hills with lifelong friends. But above all else, Harlan loved his kids and grandkids. Nothing lit up his face faster than seeing one of them walk through the door. And although Sandy didn’t really care for cats, Harlan made sure the farm cats were always fed, along with a few skunks who figured out there was free food on the front deck.

Harlan is survived by his sons: Shawn of Elbow Lake, Minnesota; Allen (Mickey) of Moorhead, Minnesota; and Chris (Desiree) of Elbow Lake, Minnesota. He is also survived by his grandchildren Ben (Tasha), Tyler, Austin (Cody), Heather, Jordan, Annabelle (Angelica), Jeremiah, and Xander; and great-grandchildren Walker, Rainy, and Brooks Haarstad. Also surviving him are his brothers-in-law Curt Mecklenburg and Bob Mecklenberg.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Amanda (Holte) Haarstad, his beloved wife, Sandy and his son Allan Bentley.

Harlan will be remembered for his kindness, his quiet humor, his love of a good visit, and a lifetime of hard work. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, January 30, 2026, at Rock Prairie Lutheran Church, rural Elbow Lake with visitation one hour prior to the service.

Burial at Rock Prairie Lutheran Cemetery.

Arrangements by Erickson-Smith Funeral Home of Elbow Lake.