Harlan Estrem

Harlan Estrem, age 76 of Kenyon, passed away Sunday, November 29, 2009 at his home from cancer. Funeral Services will be 1:30 pm Thursday, December 2nd at Hauge Free Lutheran Church in Kenyon with burial at Fort Snelling Cemetery in Minneapolis with Military Honors. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to Services Thursday at the Church.

Harlan Merle Estrem was born January 4, 1933 in Warsaw Township near Dennison, MN, son of John and Lena (Hoidahl) Estrem. Harlan grew up on his parent’s farm and was baptized at the English Lutheran Church Parsonage and confirmed at Vang Lutheran Church. He attended country school in the Sogn area and graduated from Kenyon High School in 1951. For the next few years he worked on the family farm in Sogn.

In 1953 he entered the U.S.Army and served his country for 2 years at Camp Gordon, GA during the Korean Conflict. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he married Colleen Kingsbury on September 12, 1954 in Tripoli, IA  They made their home in Tripoli for several years before returning to Kenyon.  He worked in construction in Tripoli, Rochester and West Concord. In 1965 he started Estrem Woodcraft and Floor Covering. Colleen passed away October 20, 1963 leaving 4 children. Harlan married Barbara Numedahl on August 29, 1964 and with the birth of a fifth child he was very proud of his family; four of whom followed his trade of floor covering and woodworking. Two grandsons are also in the business.

In the early 1970’s he began installing flooring for Bierman’s in Northfield. He had many repeat customers that appreciated his careful and meticulous craftsmanship. Along with working there were many trips “up north” over the years hunting, fishing, and enjoying the grandchildren. Taking other trips during retirement the last few years was a special treat for Barb and Harlan. Discovering his talent as an artist was fun for him and the whole family. His paintings of the outdoors and nature will be lasting keepsakes. He also loved animals-especially Erma and Cuddles. He served 26 years on the Hauge Church Council and was a member of the Kenyon American Legion.

Harlan Estrem is survived by his wife Barb; daughters Lyn Estrem and special friend Rocky Fisher, Cheryl (Craig) Underdahl; sons Mike (Sherry) Estrem, Doug (Tami) Estrem, Terry Estrem; sister Lois (Lowell) Bauer; brother John (Lois) Estrem; 7 grandchildren Tyler, Sarah, Drew (Chelsea), Kristen (Vern), Ross, Katherine, and Aaron. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Colleen, and niece Beth (Estrem) Cashman.

Arrangements by the Bierman Funeral Home of Northfield.