Harlan Karlstad, 65

Harlan Duane Karlstad, 65, died February 11, 2012 at his home.

Harlan was born August 21, 1946 in Mayville, ND to Hjalmer and Doris (Johnson) Karlstad. He was baptized and confirmed at Mayville Lutheran Church. He graduated from Lisbon High School in 1965 and attended Mayville State College and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business education and a minor in coaching.

On August 3, 1968 Harlan was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Bonnie Duncan, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lisbon, ND. To this union the couple was blessed with three children.

Harlan’s first job was teaching business at Hoffman High School; where he also coached basketball and football. After a few years of teaching he went to work for Country Kitchen, which moved them to different communities working with the opening crew. They settled in Dickinson, ND, where he became a manager of the County Kitchen. In 1976 the family moved to Alexandria to manage the Country Kitchen. Harlan and Bonnie bought the Rainbow Court in 1986 and also ran the Creamery in Viking Plaza Mall. In 1985, Harlan taught Hospitality Management at Alexandria Technical and Community College from 1985 to 2012, and coached the Alexandria Technical and Community College Norseman basketball team for 10 years.

For 10 years Harlan was a board member of the Lake Latoka Association, and a member of the Alexandria Lions Club for three years. He enjoyed sports, coaching and playing basketball. Wednesdays were reserved for golf with his golf buddies; serving as the BGA commissioner in the summer and playing volleyball in the winter. Harlan also loved the outdoors, hunting pheasants, being out by the lake, and camping. He especially loved his annual trips to the Boundary Waters with his kids. He was very proud of his Norwegian heritage. He loved organizing and parties of all kinds with family and friends. He loved to grill and entertain. Most of all he loved being with his family, spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He would do anything for his family and they will miss him dearly.

He is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie; sons, Eric (Shelly) of Alexandria and Jason (Joanna Weir) of Sacramento, CA; daughter, Mindee (Jamie) Suchy of Alexandria; grandchildren, Bjorn and Bodin Karlstad, and Gretah Suchy; sister, Joanne (Robert) Mairs Kensinger of Alexandria; nephews, Christopher (Lacey) Mairs and their son Bram of Baltimore, MD and Nick (Amanda Lee) of Minneapolis; and many cousins.

Harlan was preceded in death by his parents, Hjalmer and Doris; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clayton and Elaine Duncan.

A memorial service was held Wednesday, February 15 at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria with the Rev. Marilee Bergerson officiating. Music was provided by organist, Randy Morken and special music by Rod Brekken. Honorary urn bearers were Harlan’s golf buddies, Mike Anderson, Lyle Holscher, Randy Spoden, Gene Thule, Gregg Raisanen, Danny Miller and Lee Barenz; and close family friends, Kevin and Aaron Stoltz.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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